Residential Home Owners Archives

Landscape Remodeling: Impact on Home Value

Understanding the impact of landscape remodeling on your home’s value is crucial when you’re considering home improvements or planning to sell your property. A well-planned, appealing landscape not only enhances your home’s aesthetic appeal but can also significantly boost its market value. This general overview will delve into the key factors that contribute to this increase in value, and go over some important considerations when undertaking such a project.

Boosting Curb Appeal through Landscape Remodeling

First and foremost, landscape remodeling is the best way to enhance curb appeal. Potential buyers are often swayed by their first impression of a property, which is the view they see as they drive up to the open house. A well-designed and maintained front yard can help your home stand out to prospective buyers.

Newly remodeled front yard landscape, transformed into a lush oasis, enhancing curb appeal

Oasis transformation: boosting curb appeal with a lush, redesigned front yard.

Functional Benefits of Landscape Remodeling

The benefits of landscape remodeling aren’t merely aesthetic. Good design serves a functional purpose, playing into the correlation between landscape improvement and house pricing. A well-designed landscape aids in reducing energy costs by providing natural cooling and windbreaks. It assists in managing stormwater runoff and preventing erosion, essential for safeguarding your home’s foundation.

Expanding Usable Outdoor Space with Landscape Remodeling

One of the most delightful aspects of landscape remodeling is the creation of a usable outdoor space. Imagine an outdoor living room nestled in your backyard, a haven for entertaining guests, relaxing, or simply savoring the great outdoors. This appealing feature could be a major draw for buyers who value outdoor recreation and entertainment.

An expanded outdoor living space following a landscape remodel, enhancing the home's exterior functionality.

Expanded serenity: A landscape remodel blending natural elegance with outdoor living.

Balancing Design and Value in Landscape Redesign

It’s crucial to remember that not all investments in landscape redesign will yield an increase in home resale value. Overly intricate designs may not resonate with all buyers and could even act as a deterrent. Landscape remodeling should strike a harmonious balance between aesthetics and functionality. Maybe consider incorporating hardscaping elements like patios and walkways, a variety of plants for visual interest, and functional features such as outdoor lighting and irrigation systems.

Overhead shot of hands drawing out a new landscape remodeling design

Skillful Hands Craft Landscape Redesign.

Understanding the Costs of Landscape Improvement

Now, let’s get down to business. What’s it going to cost? A typical remodeling project can range from $5,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on various factors. These factors include the size of the project, materials used, labor costs, site preparation, and any add-ons like water features, lighting, or an outdoor kitchen. Remember, a higher cost does not always guarantee superior quality. So, make sure to do thorough research when choosing a landscape designer. This is to ensure a satisfactory return on your investment.

Landscape Remodeling’s Impact on Home Value: A Summary

To summarize, the impact of landscape remodeling on home value is significant. A tasteful, well-maintained landscape can greatly enhance your home’s curb appeal, provide functional benefits, and create inviting outdoor spaces. Conversely, neglect or poor landscaping can negatively impact your property’s value. Always plan your landscape remodeling thoughtfully, keeping in mind your local climate and the maintenance requirements of your chosen plants and features. Happy remodeling!

June 30, 2023/0 Comments/by Root & Branch

News

How to Choose Healthy Succulents

Shopping for succulents, especially at first, can be overwhelming with all the fanciful shapes and amazing colors. But how do you know if the plant that’s caught your eye is a healthy one that you want to bring home to add to your garden or collection?

First, does the plant have nice, fat leaves? Many succulents have leaves that are water storing machines, so they almost look juicy.

Choose Healthy Succulents:

Are the leaves droopy or are they nice and perky? If a plant has drooping leaves is that how it should look? Or does it have leaves that are shriveled? Both of these on the wrong plant can be an indicator that it has not received the necessary care it needs.

Mushy leaves are something to avoid on succulents. This is a sign of over watering. Also look for dark brown leaf tips, this can be a sign of both over AND under watering. How can you tell which it is? Break out your trusty water meter! (I’ll write a blog on my ABSOLUTE must-have garden tool soon!)

Check under the leaves for signs of insects. They love to hide, especially in the heat of the day. Signs of insect infestation include webs, tiny black/brown spots (if they shake off, it could be poop) and of course, the little buggers themselves. Also look into the base of the plant, another insect favorite spot. If you spot them and you want to be helpful, let the nursery staff know what you found.

Who doesn’t Love buying from the Sale Rack? It can be great fun and the discounts can make a plant lover swoon. It does help to know what you’re buying, but let’s be honest, who can resist a pretty plant on sale! Follow the steps above to be sure you’re not bringing home a problem.

If you’re in Southern California, here’s a few succulent-specific nurseries to add to your shopping list:

OC Succulents
Cactus Ranch
California Cactus Center

Author: C.J. Crockett

April 20, 2022/0 Comments/by Root & Branch

News

Plant Nursery: Fun for All

Moisture Meter: The Most Useful Garden Tool You’ll Ever Need!

Landscape Design 101

We’ve all been home for a while now, staring out our windows at what surrounds us. If you’re like most people, your view may be less than impressive. Or at least in need of “sprucing” up. Several people have asked me, “Where do I begin?” Well, here we go, Landscape Design 101!

Best Landscape Design 101:

You need a plan. The best landscape designs are carefully planned and have a cohesive style throughout. Before you start digging, however, you need to do some thinking. What exactly you need to consider are layed out below.

Location, Location, Location

The conditions around your home should be considered first. This means both the climate where you live, along with the affect of external influences, such as large buildings or trees that cast shade. This phenomenon, called a microclimate, can be varied throughout your property. Finally, your proximity to some things, like the ocean or mountains for example, have a big effect on both plants and hardscape.

What’s it For?

Next, the desired use of the space should be considered. You might need a play area, a place to entertain, or just a quiet spot to sit and reflect. Make sure to account for all seasons and possible changes of household members, like new baby arrivals or teens soon to leave for college.

Who’s Going to Take Care of it?

It is important to know the time and effort you’re willing to expend, or to pay someone else to do it. If your schedule and finances are limited, you might consider a low-maintenance landscape. If you are retired and have a green thumb, the opposite may be true!

Tried and True Styles

There are no rules to designing an outdoor space, but it helps to decide on a style that would best fit your home and lifestyle. There are numerous traditional garden styles which you can model your own after. Or you can choose elements from several to create your own design. This article discusses some common garden types that may work for you.

A landscape design that is well-planned will encourage you to spend a lot more time in your yard. And if you have a yard you enjoy on a regular basis, it’s like gaining a room in your home! So if you’re a DIY’er and can spend some time working on your plan, you can have a beautiful, functional space to enjoy for years.

December 4, 2021/0 Comments/by Root & Branch

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