Kirkendall, Hamilton: A Front and Backyard Build Finished in Two Weeks
Back: elevated composite deck, hot tub deck, natural stone patio
We were the Hamilton landscape contractor on this detached character home on Beulah Ave, in Kirkendall in the city's west end. The homeowners came to us with a design from their landscape designer, and we built the front and backyard in two weeks, including the deck permit work with the City. It's one of our recent landscape design and build projects in Hamilton.
The Finished SpaceA look around, before the story behind it
This project is one of our favourite examples of what good project management looks like in practice. As with most construction projects, things didn't go exactly according to plan. What mattered was how quickly we could respond and keep everything moving.
Navigating Project Challenges With Agility
We were introduced to the homeowners through their landscape designer. Within the first week, we had prepared a detailed construction quote and walked them through material samples, so they knew what to expect.
Navigating Project Challenges With Agility
As construction approached, the deck permit process ran into complications. Required drawing revisions were delayed, and communication with the original permit team had stalled. We stepped in to coordinate the outstanding changes and communicate directly with the City Inspector to keep the project on track.
Navigating Project Challenges With Agility
On the first day of construction, we discovered another challenge: the proposed design didn't fully reflect the homeowners' expectations, and the specified elevations didn't match the actual site grading. We worked through the discrepancies on-site, adjusted the layout with the homeowners, and coordinated the necessary changes with the City Inspector.
Those calls had to be made on site, on day one, and that is where experience counts.
We care about the hidden parts, too
As construction progressed, the homeowners were especially pleased with the craftsmanship and attention to detail.
When we opened up the existing front porch deck, we discovered old lumber and construction debris left underneath, along with a noticeable musty smell. Although this wasn't part of our original scope, we cleared out the debris, installed landscape fabric, and laid a clean gravel base beneath the new deck.
We care about the hidden parts, too
The homeowner's reaction stayed with us:
"I have never seen ANY contractor do that in 30 years."
What goes under a finished deck matters to us as much as what sits on top, even if no one sees it again.
A deadline is a commitment
Happy with the progress and workmanship, the homeowners decided to add more work during construction.
We quickly prepared the additional quote, arranged the materials, and adjusted our schedule to accommodate the changes. With the original completion deadline approaching, our team put in extra hours to make sure everything was finished on time.
A deadline is a commitment
On the final evening, we were still on-site as daylight faded, completing the last details and cleaning up the property. By the time we left, the work was complete and the site was spotless.
To us, project management means adjusting when the site surprises you, looking after the details, and finishing when we said we would.
Navigating Project Challenges With Agility
We were introduced to the homeowners through their landscape designer. Within the first week, we had prepared a detailed construction quote and walked them through material samples, so they knew what to expect.
As construction approached, the deck permit process ran into complications. Required drawing revisions were delayed, and communication with the original permit team had stalled. We stepped in to coordinate the outstanding changes and communicate directly with the City Inspector to keep the project on track.
On the first day of construction, we discovered another challenge: the proposed design didn't fully reflect the homeowners' expectations, and the specified elevations didn't match the actual site grading. We worked through the discrepancies on-site, adjusted the layout with the homeowners, and coordinated the necessary changes with the City Inspector.
Those calls had to be made on site, on day one, and that is where experience counts.
We care about the hidden parts, too
As construction progressed, the homeowners were especially pleased with the craftsmanship and attention to detail.
When we opened up the existing front porch deck, we discovered old lumber and construction debris left underneath, along with a noticeable musty smell. Although this wasn't part of our original scope, we cleared out the debris, installed landscape fabric, and laid a clean gravel base beneath the new deck.
The homeowner's reaction stayed with us:
"I have never seen ANY contractor do that in 30 years."
What goes under a finished deck matters to us as much as what sits on top, even if no one sees it again.
A deadline is a commitment
Happy with the progress and workmanship, the homeowners decided to add more work during construction.
We quickly prepared the additional quote, arranged the materials, and adjusted our schedule to accommodate the changes. With the original completion deadline approaching, our team put in extra hours to make sure everything was finished on time.
On the final evening, we were still on-site as daylight faded, completing the last details and cleaning up the property. By the time we left, the work was complete and the site was spotless.
To us, project management means adjusting when the site surprises you, looking after the details, and finishing when we said we would.
"Leo Landscape Studio was exceptional from start to finish. They delivered on time, the quality of the work was outstanding, and the entire experience was fantastic. Spencer was exceptional, and so was her team. They were professional, thoughtful, reliable, and clearly take a lot of pride in what they do. We couldn't be happier with the finished product and honestly can't recommend them enough."
Where this project changed
"We'll absolutely be using Leo Landscape Studio again next spring when we tackle the second half of our project. We're already looking forward to working with them again!"
Working with a Hamilton landscape contractor
How long did this Hamilton front and backyard build take?
Two weeks of construction, including the extra work the homeowners added partway through.
Do you handle deck permits in Hamilton?
Yes. On this project the drawing revisions had stalled, so we coordinated the outstanding changes and spoke directly with the City Inspector to keep construction on schedule.
Can you build from another designer's plans?
Yes. We take on build-only projects as well as full landscape design and build. These homeowners came to us with a design from their own landscape designer. We prepared the construction quote within the first week and adjusted the layout on site where the elevations didn't match the grading.
Where can I see more of your work?
You can browse all our projects, from backyard builds in Etobicoke to a French modern garden in Oakville. If you're planning a front yard, Spencer's guide to front yard landscaping ideas walks through what we look at first.
Planning a project in Hamilton?
Tell us about your yard. Whether you already have a design or are starting from scratch, we'd love to hear about it.
Talk to Us About Your ProjectNo pressure and no pitch. Just a conversation about your property.
