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As a homeowner, how much have you thought about landscaping? A beautiful lawn and backyard has many benefits? Landscaping can increase the value of your home by 15% or more, and home improvement experts estimate that 100% to 200% of your landscaping costs can be recovered when you sell your home.
In the same way a frame enhances a picture, beautiful landscaping brings attention to your house. Whether you decide to do it yourself or hire an experienced landscape designer, the first step is to start with a plan. Remember, when creating your landscaping plan make sure to include both the front and the back of your house.
Take a few moments to think about what you want to accomplish with your landscaping.
- What areas of your property are you interested in landscaping?
- What problems or concerns do you have with your existing landscaping?
- How do you plan to use your property?
- Are there favorite plants that you’d like to see incorporated in your landscape?
- What budget have you created for the work?
Landscaping ideas can come from anywhere – magazines, books or other people’s beautiful outdoor living spaces. Cutting out pictures is a terrific way to determine your style, as well as give your landscape designer a better idea of the styles, plants and colors that you like.
If you decide to work with a landscape designer, you should expect the process to include:
- Site Analysis
The layout for a landscape is similar to that of your home or office – with rooms for specific uses or activities. Connecting these “rooms” or areas to create traffic flow and interest is the primary challenge of a landscape designer. This is why it’s important to determine the function of each outdoor area before laying out the landscape and to analyze how these areas relate to each other. As part of the site analysis, the landscape designer will make recommendations for drainage, locate walls, site a driveway, pool or tennis court, and determine final grades.
- Conceptual Planning
At this step, the landscape designer will present you with an idea that includes various cost options. He or she will review your property, analyze the way you use the spaces and create a landscape design that will work specifically to your needs.
- The Solution
Once you approve the initial concept, the landscape designer will create your final master plan that shows landscape areas, plant suggestions, hardscapes, materials and accessories. Your landscape designer can price this plan and upon your approval commence construction, or you can use it to obtain bids from your own contractors.
Find a Local Landscaping Contractor
Without a doubt, landscaping can add beauty as well as value to your home. Click here to contact a local, licensed and reliable landscape designer in your area.
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