Wouldn’t you pay more for a house that has flowering trees, a lush lawn, a patio and deck? Well, you’re not alone. Recent studies show that professional landscaping can add somewhere between 12% to 15% on the total value of a property. All you need to get a green thumb for some extra green in your pocket.
Nevertheless, landscaping involves more than just shrubs and flowers. Upgrading your landscape entails having things like flowerbeds, patios and decks, watering systems, barbeque pits, and different kinds of plants. Sure, you do have plenty of choices on the kinds of upgrades you could make on your landscaping project. The trick is making improvement that the prospective buyers want to see. This way, you will see a significant increase in your home’s value.
Expert Insights
Although professionals such as West Chester landscaping agree that landscaping upgrades often raise a home’s value, it’s quite difficult to predict the exact gains the homeowner will see based on individual circumstances. The estimates will certainly vary by home, and the lasting effect of landscaping will require continuous maintenance. Plus, depending on the circumstances, property values can even double (in extreme cases) and conversely, the values can decrease especially if the landscaping introduces undesired features to the local market.
According to the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), homeowners should invest 10% of their home’s value in landscaping. Professional landscaping architecture typically goes beyond softscaping or plantings, to include some structural features like fences, swimming pools, lighting, firepits, garden paths, and ponds. Outdoor rooms, decks, and terraces are also high-yield hardscaping and structural investments.
A professional landscape architect can work with you to develop a detailed plan for the improvement. In general, the homeowner will have to hire a landscape contractor, a general contractor, or a subcontractor to conduct the installation process.
Hiring a Professional
Always go with a professional landscape architect, one with ASLA certification. Such an architect will give you a detailed plan which your contractor can follow, and one that your landscape maintenance company can manage. These professionals have 4-year degrees and are experts when it comes to horticulture, botany, design, and engineering. They also know about property grading, irrigation, and soils.
If you’re looking for some basic advice and a quick sketch, your local home and garden center has designers that can assist you. However, if you want to put up permanent structures, it’s always best to look for a professional. Just like with building projects, this is a great investment for your property, and you need the guidance of a professional before you start.
Assessing and Planning for your Landscape
Property assessment is the first step in a landscaping project. An arborist can help you to distinguish the dying trees from those that just need a bit of care and attention. They will also look out for what has overgrown and is obscuring the windows, and what need to be taken out or pruned. A professional landscape architect will help you choose the flowers and plants that are best suited for your specific lifestyle and region.
Landscape architects are trained to spot the ideal areas of enhancement. An above-grade deck, an on-grade patio, a front walk, exterior lighting, and complementary painting in the front yard are all desirable features. For example, exterior lighting ideally goes beyond security and showcases the beautiful natural world at night using down lights, up lights, and tree lights.
Landscaping Trends
Terrace extension or the outdoor room is perhaps the most trending thing in landscape architecture, especially in the temperate climates. Many family rooms now have an outside terrace, which ideally marries the interior with the exterior, bring the view into the home via arbors, fountains, or a grove of trees. Building materials that ideally complement the interior makes the spaces read quite fluently from one another.
Landscaping Pitfalls
Possibly the biggest mistake that homeowners make is using a piecemeal approach to landscaping. Many homeowners are starting landscaping project, begin to clear out the areas, put together a mix of plants, and go on without a plan. The result is often a hodgepodge of gardens and planting that give off a disorganized vibe.
A professional landscape design offers a polished look and goes a long way in making the property look more premium and stylish. Following a plan that has been prepared professionally will result into a beautiful looking property that sticks to the pre-determined budget.
Having a professional landscaper do the job for you might seem like an extravagance, however, they can help you gain a significant equity in your home and save your money by recommending the plantings and features that not only appeal to the buyers but are also cheap to maintain. For instance, having bulbs and perennials can add style and color to your property all year long.
How Curb Appeal Can Impact the Property Value
An appealing landscaping can raise the appraised value of your home. In fact, curb appeal is an opportunity of the homeowner to make a great first impression. A house that has a lackluster landscaping of whose exterior desperately requires a fresh coat of paint will be most likely unappealing to the buyers and could ultimately affect its value.
When it comes to the quality of your home’s green space, ask yourself the following questions:
- Is your landscaping attractive enough to compel prospective buyers to walk through your front door? Make sure that the design is contemporary and in line with the style of the comparable properties in your area.
- Does the landscaping make the property energy efficient overall? Consider, for example, planting trees in places where they offer shade from the sun in places with a year-round sunny climate.
- Can the landscaping offer some cost savings? If the landscaping requires little or no maintenance (such as watering) could be very desirable in some locations.
- Are the trees at a safe distance from the house? Are they healthy and well maintained? Damaged, weak, or old trees that are planted too close to the house can pose danger to the structure and need to be removed.
The most important thing is to have and keep your home looking at its best. A professional landscape designer can help you to come up with a comprehensive schedule for maintenance and upkeep. If you don’t have the time or preference to maintain the exterior features and plantings by your own, hire the services of a landscaping maintenance company!