Improving your home’s curb appeal is one of the few ways you can increase its value. The exterior of a home is the first thing that a visitor or prospective buyer sees. Getting this right is the best opportunity for a homeowner to make a great first impression.
Unfortunately, many backyard redesigns often focus on particular exterior elements. These include greenery, the perfect front door color, and lighting. But it’s important not to overlook hardscaping.
The right hardscape design can have many benefits beyond increasing your home’s value. The design and installation process can also be extremely easy.
But you will need to choose the right company. Read on to find out more.
What is Hardscape Design?
Hardscape design is often confused with landscaping. Many people use the two terms interchangeably. But there’s an easy way to differentiate the two.
A landscape refers to the living elements of your front or backyard. This includes your lawn, plants, and other types of greenery. It can also include natural bodies of water, landforms, and elevations.
Hardscape design is usually incorporated to enhance your landscape. These designs are usually manmade.
They can include any structure that improves your outdoor living space. Some more popular hardscape ideas include:
- Fire Pits
- Walkways and driveways
- Fountains and water features
- Patios and decks
- Gazebos or pergolas
- Retaining walls
- Fences
- Stone accents
Many of these are decorative. But some are practical such as retaining walls that prevent erosion. Stone accents can also effectively divide your space.
How to Find the Best Hardscape Design for Your Home
How you design the exterior of your home is as important as the layout of the interior. It requires planning and expertise. It’s all about using the space wisely.
The key lies in creating a design that blends seamlessly with the natural environment. If you’re uncertain where to start here are a few things you should consider:
Start with a Wishlist
Most homeowners can envision their ideal outdoor living space. Many of the elements they may have in mind will be dependent on how they want to use the space.
Do you want to entertain? Relax? Or create a play area for your kids? This will determine your final design.
It’s best to divide the list by itemizing the things you need for the space, versus the things you want. This will help you to create a realistic budget.
Determine How Much You Want to Spend
As with any home improvement project, you need to determine your budget. The process can be tedious. But it’s important and will help you to better manage the redesign.
Creating your budget also helps you focus on and price the things you need. You can then include any “nice to haves” if your budget permits. Don’t get despondent if you can’t do this initially.
There are some hardscape elements you can incorporate in the future. This is possible once you have the space and layout.
Work with What You Have
When determining your wishlist and budget, keep your space in mind. The elements you choose must be able to work within the space you have.
You’ll need to consider your current layout including elevations and natural water features. It’s also best to consider elements that will suit the architectural design of your home. Your landscape and hardscape should blend seamlessly with the interior of your home.
Be mindful that some of the features you want may not be suitable for your outdoor space. The aim should be to keep your layout as natural as possible.
This involves balancing your hardscape with your landscape design. It’s best to get an expert to guide you.
Choose Suitable Materials
Let your space guide you. Additionally, when it comes to materials, consider the climate where you live as well. The materials you choose should complement both your home’s interior and exterior.
They should not only look good but be able to withstand the elements. Bear in mind Ohio’s humid summers and snowy, freezing winters when choosing.
Let An Expert Help You with the Planning
You know your budget as well as what you want. But how do you ensure it will work with the space you have? Let an expert help you with the planning.
They can work with your current landscape and use the natural features of your property. They have the expertise that will ensure the best use of the space. If and where possible they might even be able to include all the items on your list.
Blue Oak Patio & Landscape will design an outdoor living space you’ll enjoy spending time in. We have a straightforward design and installation process. We focus on customized solutions that fit your needs.
The Benefits of a Great Hardscape Design
A good hardscape design can provide the balance you need in your outdoor space. Curb appeal is important but hardscapes provide many other benefits. These include:
- Preventing soil erosion
- Utilizing space that seems unusable
- Creating a private haven
- Providing additional security
How can you achieve all of this and even more? By choosing the most suitable materials and incorporating the right features into your redesign.
An Outdoor Living Space You Can Enjoy
The exterior of your home is the perfect way to make a good first impression. Even if you’re not selling your home, you’ll want an outdoor living space you can enjoy. You can achieve this with the right hardscape design.
This can involve building an amazing patio design for entertaining. Water features can also have a calming effect. If you’re uncertain where to start, call an expert.Blue Oak Patio & Landscape has the expertise to ensure your backyard redesign suits your needs. Contact us today to get your hardscape project started!
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