Landscaping projects should, first and foremost, be about your own personal enjoyment. You bought your home to live in it, enjoy it, and create memories that will last a lifetime. When there’s an improvement you want to make because it will bring you joy, how much should you worry about your return on investment?
In most cases, you can do both. If you make smart decisions about the design, materials, and type of landscaping improvements you make on the exterior of your home, you can undertake renovations that you’re going to love while also protecting, or increasing, the value of your most important asset.
Working with a great contractor will make your life easier and help you get the landscaping project you really wanted. According to Green Side Up Contracting, every great project starts with a solid plan and even better design.
The difference starts long before you’ve even chosen your construction materials. What they do is plan everything first and present their clients with a 3D plan that shows them exactly what the project will look like.
Early planning sets the stage for success and achieving the vision you had in mind. Great contractors work with great designers to create a complete vision of your project, including everything from design to materials, to make sure you get an accurate quote and you can see where the project is going.
One of the ways that you can add to the value of your home while making improvements is by choosing projects with the best ROI. Some projects that offer the best returns include:
Decks and patios open up the outdoors and can make hosting friends and family that much more convenient in the privacy of your own home. They provide a gathering place and an area that can be decked out with patio furniture, tents and awnings, hot tubs, fire pits, and more.
Stone or paved pathways to your front door create a beautiful aesthetic that will bump up your curb appeal, and they can also create a cute, cozy feeling in the backyard – not to mention the fact that they’ll protect the grass in your lawn from compaction.
There are tons of ways to get creative when you install a path or walkway. You can go with cobblestones, large-format pavers, and line paths with a variety of lighting options.
No matter how well you plan, just about every landscape improvement you make can depreciate over time, with one exception. The impact of a tree on your home’s value only increases as it matures.
However, there are some dangers you want to avoid with planting trees. Make sure that the tree is far enough away from your driveway and your foundation to avoid root damage. If you follow smart tree-planting principles, it’s a great investment.
Adding a deck or a pathway can be great landscaping projects, but they may not hold up if you don’t choose the right materials. For most homeowners, the best choice of materials is going to be something that’s durable and low maintenance. You don’t want to overwhelm yourself with more chores to do around the house, and choosing materials like wood for your deck can add a lot to your plate if you want to keep it looking like new.
Be smart about your next landscaping project. Work with a pro who will collaborate with you from the design phase onward, choose projects with a good ROI, and pick materials that last.
