Professional landscaping adds value to your home: 15-20%
As an experienced realtor Alice always emphasizes the importance of curb appeal as a key element in the quick sale of a home, that is, how a property presents itself to the world—that immediate impression prospective buyers get when they pull up in front of a house for the first time. One aspect that has tremendous impact is the setting. A nicely designed and maintained landscape can make even a rather ordinary home look interesting and inviting.
Unfortunately, many people don’t understand the potential that well designed landscaping can have on the value of their property. Some in the industry quote as much as 15 to 20 percent in added value for good design. Often the same people take a home handyman approach to landscaping. They like gardening and have well defined preferences in trees, shrubs and flowers so they read a few how-to books, visit the local garden center and think they are ready to tackle a landscaping makeover.
Usually, the end result of an amateur landscaper’s efforts is, at best, a pleasant array of plantings arranged around the foundation of the house. At worst, the result is a hodge-podge of trees and shrubs, patches of flowers, ornamental rocks, fenced borders, patio slabs, outdoor lighting and yard ornaments arranged with no real thought given to balance, coherence or flow. There is no evidence that a true understanding of the elements of good design was at play in the planning or execution of the effort.
As you would seek the advice and services of an architect or professional remodeler when considering a home makeover, Alice suggests the same consideration should be taken when launching a serious landscaping project. Hiring the services of a professional landscape designer can save a homeowner hours of fruitless labor and expense. By creating a plan that employs the best in design techniques, that makes the best choices in plants and landscaping materials, and that understands the needs of you and your family, the professional landscaper can transform your property into an outdoor living space that fits comfortably with your lifestyle and adds value to your investment.
Depending on your needs and budget the professional landscaper can design a master plan for the entire property or simple sketches for planting beds and walkways. If you have the time, energy and required skills you can then do the work yourself or hire it done by others, either an independent landscape contractor or, in some cases, the installation services offered by the same designer. With a plan in place you can have the work done as your budget requires, allowing you to spread the work over time if necessary.
Alice Dahlgren's AtHome Newsletter
