Most home renovation work we do involve the owner getting some kind of landscaping work done. If you are in need to know what project to focus on for your home renovation project – because not all landscaping work can add value to your home. Here are some that will.
Build a deck
What Aussie doesn’t love a deck? So this is no-brainer for any backyard, large or small. The great feature of any deck is that it basically adds another room to your home renovation – and you can create an outdoor living area for relaxing or entertaining.
Lay new lawn
Getting a new lawn is a great idea if your current lawn is looking worse for wear or non-existent in places. We find this a very popular option when some do their home renovation as it’s like the cherry on top of the proverbial desert. If you are looking at a new lawn and then put your property on the market then this feature will impress buyers at an open house and is sure to enhance your kerb appeal.
Add an outdoor room
Together with a deck, and outdoor room is a great way to add value to your home renovation. Some real estate agents will quote it as an additional room in their advertising –
though it does need to be well integrated and to warrant this. If you have a patio, roofing it and adding furniture may be all it takes to create an outdoor room.
Lay paving
Paving is a relatively low-cost addition to your home renovation and can definitely add some value to your home, and like decking, it can make an area more practical and useful. This is especially true for patios, pathways, garden paths and the area around a swimming pool.
Keep it all maintained
It’s all very well investing in improving your garden, but so many people then neglect all the hard work later. Neglecting your backyard is basically throwing money away. Plants need to be watered, trimmed and fed, weeds need to be pulled and pools need to be maintained. If you get landscaping done at the same time as your home renovation, then have a plan to keep it maintained. Unlike your new space, your new garden will not look after yourself.
Landscape Design
Lets just be clear landscaping jobs that may not realise a return.
Just as there are projects that will add value to your home, think twice about some jobs – especially if you are doing a home renovation to sell later. You may not recover the costs or outlay of your job. Be prepared to increase your budget if you have any of these jobs on your list:
Excavation: if you live on a sloping block, or need large rocks removed this can take time, which always cost money
Retaining walls: these may also require excavation or the services of a structural engineer
Pool: installing a pool is a serious undertaking that is also a significant investment, so make sure you do your homework before you decide you want to take this on
Driveway: if you are paving or concreting your driveway be prepared to bump up your overall landscaping budget
You also need to know what type of landscaping professional is right for you and your job, as this can impact the overall cost of your project.
A landscape architect is more suited to large projects where all the various elements need to integrate. They focus more on the design and planning stages of your project but can also help supervise a project. To get this kind of attention will definitely cost more but it does come down to bang for buck.
A landscape designer, however, has a similar skill set to a landscape architect, though will generally work on smaller projects and therefore more affordable.
Landscape contractors, often also called landscapers, are another option. They can also handle design and should have great practical insights and advice to share about your project.
Hiring a professional landscaper ensures your new garden is landscaped cost effectively. They’ll also be able to suggest new ideas, show you innovative products and help you understand how to maintain your new garden which is important as you don’t invest in something that has no longevity.
When it comes time to hiring a landscaper make sure they are the right person for your job.
Some important questions to ask them could be the following:
Are you licensed for my project?
Do you hold valid insurance?
Can you provide a proper quote?
How long will my job approximately take?
Do you have references in the area I can follow up?
The best way of finding out the cost of your landscaping job is to get quotes from local landscapers. Be sure to provide enough details about your property, vision and budget – this will enable them to provide an accurate quote. Expect them to visit your property and chat through your ideas with you.
Like your home renovation, it always pays to do your research and do your homework for your landscaping job and only use reputable, and where possible licensed builders.