Have you wanted a new deck or a swimming pool for those summer months? Turning your outdoor space into a comfortable, fun and safe place for the whole family can be less costly than you think. Think about how you want to use your outdoor space. The more prepared you are when you talk to your contractor, the easier it will be to transform the backyard into your paradise.
Patios and Pathways
Patios act as great spaces for dining, grilling, putting swimming pool furniture and holding outdoor parties. They are often made of concrete, tiles or stone and installed directly on the ground. They can be any shape and either attached to the home or a detached free-standing space in the middle of the yard. They are used for everything, from sitting and enjoying the view to holding an outdoor BBQ to surrounding a pool. These are less expensive than decks and easier to maintain in the long run. Continue Reading
Pathways are useful when wanting to create a walking space in your yard. They can be made of various materials depending on the garden: pebbles, mulch, flagstone, ceramic tiles, etc. Asphalt is a very cost-effective option. It also provides a better surface for snow and ice removal in winter climates. It's easier to repair and additional layers can be added if necessary. Consider the square footage of your yard and if a pathway would be ideal for walking your garden area.
Decks
Unlike patios, decks are designed with wood, often enclosed and act as extensions of the home as an additional room. Building a deck can enhance the beauty of your home. Although a new deck could turn into an expensive investment, picking the best contractor for the job, planning and asking questions will make the difference in the end sum.
Choose your design, materials and location. You can have the coolest idea for a deck, and it will never look the way you anticipated if it isn't designed properly. If you have an especially great view from one part of your home, then position the new deck to take full advantage of it. If you are considering a hot tub, consider the optimal wood material for holding its weight. Sealing the deck is another way to help it last longer and shine. Flower boxes and benches are some options to consider to make your deck more beautiful.
Gazebo
A gazebo is a free-standing structure designed to provide shelter from the elements. Gazebos are normally situated in gardens or other places with beautiful views, and they are constructed in a wide range of styles and with an assortment of materials. These simple structures are relatively easy to build but have a multitude of uses. Think of adding decorative lattice or pillars, even a hot tub! There are really no design limitations - just your imagination and budget!
Swimming Pools
A swimming pool used to be a privilege of the rich, but today that isn't necessarily true. There are many options to fit within your budget. In-ground pools are more expensive than their above-ground counterparts, but both provide terrific aesthetic options and sound investments. Don't only think about the cost of the pool itself, but maintenance as well. Although modern equipment makes maintenance easy, weekly cleanings and seasonal closings are necessary to preserve the life of your pool. Be sure to check your local building restrictions to determine how far your pool needs to be from field lines and septic tanks. Talk to your insurance agent before construction to find out about additional coverage needed for a new pool, and you may also want to talk to your local taxing authorities about possible property tax assessment increases so that you'll know what to expect.
As an experienced landscape designer and builder, what I have shared with my clients is the cost of the labor is based on the region they live in, what the fair market for the skills or trades are, and actually what season the work will be done in. That cost is fixed for the most part. The area where budgets fluctuate is in the size of the project and the material selection. The best analogy is a vehicle. For example, we have a choice of a stripped down, manual two-seat truck, an automatic four-seat truck, or a four-seat, long-bed, custom wheels, top of the line stereo, two-tone paint job with a leather interior, diesel truck. They're all trucks, but the criteria, amenities, and material choices make the price go up or down. It is the same within the design/build fields. And it is the design/build firm's job to ask the right questions to guide and direct a property owner to make the best decisions and choices that fulfill what they are hoping to achieve, within cost constraints and within the budget. Each homeowner, property, and project are unique, one cost, one budget, one design does not fit all. As a matter of policy, we do not provide quotes or prices during the initial client consultation. If anything, only price ranges, as the true and final costs are always dependent on the scope of work required and the material choices made by our clients.
Phung Phan
11 months ago
I have Goulds Pump water for fishing pond broken leaking looking for someone repair.Thanks
Herman Statum
More than 1 year ago
Need 20 foot inground flagpole installed
Robert Amico
More than 1 year ago
Replace a dry wall ceiling lanai with pine tongue and groove and stain and seal. It's 10x30.
Joni Lupis
More than 1 year ago
Im looking for someone to dig a small drywall in my yard.Water is building upÂ
Beatrice Almeida
More than 1 year ago
I need someone to replace iginition on my Portable BarBQue. I will order part just install it
right now it will not light. Â 949 Â 9222538. Â I did not see a heading for this please help me out.
mimi westerfield
More than 1 year ago
I need someone to care for my yard, mow, trim etc. The person you recommeded has many other businesses like carpet which come first on his lists. I would rather have someone who onlyspecializes in yard work.
More than 1 year ago
Hi Mimi, Thanks for reaching out, we’re happy to connect you with another pro for your project. You can submit a request to our pros here: www.homeadvisor.com, browse a list of local pros here: http://www.homeadvisor.com/c.html, or send your info to [email protected] and a project advisor will reach out to assist you. –HASupport
Ron Sibley
More than 1 year ago
I'm looking for some one to brush out about an acre of ground on a sloping lot and maybe carry out some of it. Will pay by the job and need quote's first.
Loreice Yancey
More than 1 year ago
I have two fountains that need to have water battery replaced. Also clean hard water off fountains. We can get the new batteries.
Kathy DeLong
More than 1 year ago
I would like to screen in an existing patio
Ronnie Baerga
More than 1 year ago
I need a complete new back yard, all i have is dirt and stumps, dont know where in landscaping to look??
More than 1 year ago
We've asked a representative to follow-up with you. -HASupport
Ric Ricard
More than 1 year ago
You don't show "landscape design/installation"- like a front yard make-over, w/ the drought in mind ?? That's what I'm looking for!
