Everyone enjoys the intrinsic pleasure from a fresh new look, however, remodeling is also a great way to invest in your home for future financial returns. You see, with the right knowledge, you not only improve your home aesthetically, but your efforts also result in higher market value. Invest in Remodeling • 5 Ideas to Get You StartedBelow, are several suggestions for upgrades that apply to almost any home, however, if you want more ideas such as bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room renovations, visit perthrenovationsco.com.au. This full-service home renovation team is well-known for their excellence so, a visit to their website will be worth your time. Replace the WindowsGive your home a new appearance and eliminate cold drafts by replacing the old with new contemporary windows. Although there are many different types of window designs, try to focus on energy efficient windows that have anti-theft locks for additional peace-of-mind. Moreover, installation of new windows not only raises your home's value, but it also lowers your carbon footprint. Therefore, when you invest in new windows, it is a win-win all the way around. Remodel the KitchenWe don't have to tell you that your kitchen is one of the most important areas of the home. Some even refer to it as the heart of the home. Therefore, it's always a good idea to come up with creative ways to improve your kitchen's appearance. Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to spend a fortune to give your kitchen a new look and value. A small kitchen remodeling project will give you an exceptional return on your money. A few suggestions are to install contemporary cabinetry, attractive flooring, and beautiful countertops. If needed, installation of new appliances also helps raise the value. Landscaping for Curb AppealYour lawn is the first thing that people notice when they pull up in your driveway. This is why “curb appeal” is so important throughout the entire year. So get down to the home store and pick up that fertilizer and weed control to keep your lawn in tip-top shape. Use your imagination and get creative with your landscape designs. For example, you can place attractive stones along your driveway. If you are on a tight budget, you can place inexpensive solar lights along your walkways. At the end of the day, beautiful landscaping will leave a big impression on your guests and future buyer. A Fresh Coat of PaintReal estate sales studies show that one fresh coat of paint might add thousands of dollars to a house's selling price. Moreover, a fresh coat of paint is one of the least expensive upgrades you can give your home. If you're handy with the paintbrush, this is a great DIY project. Save with Adequate InsulationIf you want to lower your monthly utility bill good insulation needs to be at the top of your list. Do you know what's in your attic and walls? If not, it's time for you to call the professionals to determine if you have adequate insulation. Be Open to RenovationsPurchasing a home is most likely one of the biggest financial decisions you make in your lifetime. However, if you are open to remodeling and renovations, the effort will give you a great return on your investments for your beautiful home. Other Posts You Might Enjoy:An Essential 5 Step Guide to Home Kitchen Remodeling 3 Tips to Plan Your Major Remodeling Project 5 Point Checklist for Home Renovation 7 Ways to Renovate Your Interior Design on a Tight Budget The post 5 Ways to Invest in the Future of Your Home appeared first on Dig This Design.
0 Comments
Wishing all of our 275,000+ Urban Gardens readers, subscribers and social media followers a great 2019 and thank you for your continued support! Some Holiday Reading: Your Favorite Posts From 2018 1. Grow a Meal a Week in Small Spaces … Read More... The post Season's Greenings appeared first on Urban Gardens.
Landscape drainage is a critical factor in the success of any landscape design project. And most Northern Virginia properties have pre-existing drainage problems that must be addressed within the scope of a landscape design project. The first step for your landscape architect is to conduct a thorough site analysis and evaluation taking note of the existing slopes and elevation changes on the property, surface and groundwater (wet and dry areas), and soil composition. We want to be sure that rainwater is not puddling on hard surfaces but is directed to run off and sink into the ground. We want soil around plants and trees to drain efficiently so plants will stay healthy. The Necessity of a Landscape Drainage PlanThe effectiveness of the drainage system on a property overall and techniques that support well-drained planting beds have a direct bearing on the health and longevity of your garden plants. A sound landscape drainage plan is comprised of two principal parts: one relates to hardscaping and the other to planting beds. Drainage and Hardscaping We often use slot drains along the perimeters of patios and walkways to take rainwater straight into the ground. We also adjust grading on the property to control the direction and flow speed of surface water. We may direct rainwater toward a natural slope or to an area where we've installed a small culvert or drain box. Drainage and Plants A raised bed will usually have low retaining wall bordering it. Mounding doesn't require hardscaping. In both, we use a balanced blend of sand, soil, and compost to build up the mound so it is stable, provides nutrients, and drains properly. Drainage Solution 1: A Damp Yard ReclaimedThe owners of this McLean residence rarely used their backyard patio because it always felt damp and uncomfortable. During heavy rainstorms, water would sometimes flood the lower level of the house. A landscaping project not only beautified the backyard but permanently fixed their serious drainage issues. We dug an infiltration trench in the front right corner of the side yard. All the downspouts from the house tie into it. An infiltration trench sinks about six feet into the ground. It is lined with fabric, filled with layers of sand, clean washed gravel and topped off with about a foot of well-draining topsoil. Excess water filters into the ground. Although you can't see it, this part of the drainage plan was vitally important the success of this landscape design project. If the property didn't drain properly, plants and people would suffer from too much moisture. Making an outdoor environment beautiful is important, making it comfortable and fully functional is essential. Drainage Solution 2: A Low Spot Becomes a HighlightThis Herndon residence had drainage problems that made it impossible to plant anything to make the front entry attractive. The ground sloped left along the front of the house toward a lot spot where water collected and pooled against the foundation. A front entry landscaping project beautified the curb appeal of the home while solving the drainage problem. We ran drainage pipes under the driveway to draw excess water away from the house, then built up the garden beds above the previous ground level and held them in place with a low retaining wall. Drainage Solution 3: Beautiful & PracticalThis Oakton residence sits on an expansive lot that had a combination of steep slopes and low areas. Extensive regrading and terracing made the backyard highly functional. A highlight of the drainage plan is the biofiltration sinks disguised by lush planting beds. The biofiltration sinks receive water from upper levels on the landscape and let it percolate naturally back into the ground-and at the same time feeding the moisture-loving bedding plants on the surface. The Design You Don't SeeDrainage design is the part of every landscape design you will never see. But everything you see and enjoy above ground is supported by it. If you skip investing in landscape drainage to save a little money, you will end up with issues after the fact. And that could end up costing you more because you may have to remove expensive hardscaping and landscaping to install a solution. All of the example projects began with a desire on the part of a homeowner to correct a drainage problem that was preventing them from using their yard or was interfering with the ability of landscaping plants to establish and thrive. If you feel that landscape drainage issues are preventing you from fully enjoying your outdoor living areas, contact one of our landscape architects to schedule a consultation. If you haven't inspected your property lately for potholes, cracked sidewalks and clogged storm drains, grab your coat. There's still time before the next big snow. Paul Weaver, construction manager at Level Green Landscaping, shares a few potential hazards you should check out before snow removal season, to keep everybody who visits your property safe. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
January 2019
Categories |