New Build - Garden delayed

BV23

Thanks - I agree that this is all more of an annoyance than anything critical.  Perhaps I will see the opportunity here to dig into the garden and confirm they haven't buried any rubble (or dead bodies in there )

Also agree that over the lifetime of the mortgage that this isn't an issue but then again almost any problem spread over 25 years will lose it's urgency.  it was indeed the short term cashflow consequence and there are already a lot of other expenses at this time without adding more that could have been avoided.

Staying in the rental until the garden is ready is not an option without significant short term cost increase.  And besides, we paid for a new house and want to get the enjoyment of our new property (which includes the garden and turf we also paid for)

Appreciate all replies

FreeBear

BV23 said: I understand weather can impact the laying of turf, however, we have only just been informed (over 1 week after completion) that the turf for the garden is unavailable and may be another 3 weeks before it can be obtained and then laid.  Once laid, we are then unable to use the garden for a further 3-6 weeks while it beds in.

Rake it over and then scatter some lawn seed - In 6-8 weeks, it will be well established.

Neil49

Now is a good time to see if it floods after heavy rain. The soil will have been compressed by all the machinery used in the construction but a lawn would hide the lack of drainage. 

If it's really bad try and get land drains installed. 

Brie

FreeBear said:

BV23 said: I understand weather can impact the laying of turf, however, we have only just been informed (over 1 week after completion) that the turf for the garden is unavailable and may be another 3 weeks before it can be obtained and then laid.  Once laid, we are then unable to use the garden for a further 3-6 weeks while it beds in.

Rake it over and then scatter some lawn seed - In 6-8 weeks, it will be well established.

Which will mean it will be a mud puddle every time it rains - not ideal with a couple of young kiddies wanted to roll around out there!!  By all means throw some down if you want but don't do it in preference to having the turves.

I suggest you get a second opinion on the bedding in period.  And the local availability of turf.  A local garden shop should be able to help.

And for what it's worth - I laid turf at our previous house and no one said anything to me about bedding in.  2 adults walking all over it the day after I put it down to say nothing at all about whatever our 3 cats got up to (plus all the neighbourhood's visiting cats and foxes).  I did a garbage job - not even etc etc - but there was no die back. 

[Deleted User]

Maybe think about putting in some trunking or a cable in case you want electricity in the shed one day.

Sunsaru

[Deleted User] said:

Maybe think about putting in some trunking or a cable in case you want electricity in the shed one day.

That is a damn good shout!

gwynlas

As others have stated already this time period will allow you to investigate the underlying condition of the garden and prepare it for the laying of the turf. It will also give you the opportunity to see where the sun and shady areas are and decide on any beds or features you want to incorporate. It will be a lot easier to have areas left bare rather than have to dig up parts of the lawn later.