Friday, July 5, 2013

Boost The Value Of Your Home With Cost-Effective Landscaping

It's a bit of a cliché, but in the current economic climate more homeowners are marketing their gardens as 'extra rooms' in order to sell their home for more. It's an old idea to encourage home buyers to think of a garden as an extra room but encouraging this way of thinking can increase the value homes sell for. Potential buyers should be guided to imagine themselves relaxing in the garden through effective landscaping. This article will present some of the most cost effective ways of doing this.
Investments To Avoid
Just as a home-improvements like a loft extension might only see homeowners get back what was spent when they sell their home, extravagant landscaping and features can scare away buyers with the thought of hefty maintenance costs. In-ground swimming pools are a great way to get fit and relax but may dissuade some buyers, particularly those with young children. Enlisting the services of a professional landscaping firm and clearly explaining your expectations can be quite good value for money. Many firms have designers to develop sustainable plantings in many different styles that require a minimum of maintenance. They can advise you what investments you can make to increase your home's value.
Smart Investments
Smaller jet-pools which have water jets that allow you to swim against a current are good alternatives to in-ground swimming pools. They can really enhance a garden without frightening away potential buyers with the thought of the costly upkeep. Spending a few thousand dollars on features like a patio with a barbecue and a hot tub will see most homeowners add many times that amount to their home's value.
Tidiness Adds Dollars
Basic pruning like cutting back foliage and evergreens can bring a sense of space and add value to your home. It costs you nothing but time and effort if you do it yourself but some professional landscaping firms will also provide a highly affordable bi-annual pruning service to keep your garden spick and span. Removing weeds makes a garden far tidier and creates the impression that your garden can be easily maintained. This has an overwhelmingly positive effect on the perceptions of potential homebuyers when they view your garden.
Contemporary Is Best
Most landscaping firms offer services in a variety of styles but if you're looking for the most cost-effective way to boost the value of your home, keep the style contemporary and low-maintenance. If you do hire a landscape artist, dictate that they use as much paving, gravel and low-maintenance plants (such as shrubs and potted plants) as possible. A large lawn may put off buyers with the thoughts of maintenance costs and it's always wise to keep your ideas fresh. A modern fountain will appeal to more buyers than an old-fashioned pond, for example.
Accent Your Garden's Features.
A landscaping firm will be able to advise you about the best layout for your garden to maximize the appeal of the features your already have. Parking spaces, sheds and patios with simple garden furniture will generate the best returns for you. They will significantly add to value of your home an amount far in excess of their cost.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7792794

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