A key to an aesthetically pleasing landscape is scale and pacing, Lipanovich says. "Avoid too much of one thing or another, as this can cause chaos." Try to mix in some repetition for visual harmony.
Add a Deck or Patio
A beautiful deck or patio can transform a backyard into a comfortable outdoor living space. Whether you want to relax with a book on your private porch or host family and friends around an inviting fire pit, adding a deck or patio is a great way to increase your enjoyment of your yard and boost the home’s resale value.
This ramshackle deck was transformed with pavers that create an eye-catching focal point and match the home’s color scheme. New landscaping and a trellis with lush greenery make this backyard ready to entertain!
A trellis or wall planter is an easy-to-build addition that can add a focal point to your backyard. You can use it to grow flowers, vegetables, herbs, or anything you like! For a cohesive look, consult reputable landscapers to spread a layer of like-colored mulch over all flower beds and exposed soil.
This will help your backyard garden thrive by reducing weeds and blocking moisture while providing vital nutrients to the soil.
Before you start any yard n’ garden outbuildings – such as building a shed, carport, playground, gazebo and other outside structure or conversion, run some financial numbers to determine whether the project is a smart investment.
The numbers include the estimated costs, home value assessment, financing costs, and other related calculations.
Review these cost-related issues to remodeling vs. buying a new home.
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The 2nd step for planning your yard outbuildings is deciding what you would like to do.
Will it be a –
- building or converting your backyard shed or barn,
- designing a play area with courts, playground, and other,
- constructing a green house,
- adding a carport or detached garage,
- decorating the yard with gazebo or other structure,
- constructing a guest or poor house,
- or something else.
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Step 3 is sketching your ideas on paper (or digitally) and developing the spec plan.
The spec plan determines what type of yard n’ garden outbuildings and design considerations that will be needed. It will also contain the product specifications for each outbuilding element.
You will use the spec plan and architectural design to bid the project out to a contractor.
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Step 4 is finding and negotiating the contract with an outbuilding contractor.
Give your outbuilding landscape ideas and specs to a contractor for review and bid analysis. Use the local network (aligned with HomeAdvisor) to find the right contractor for your project.
Review guides for contractor selection and negotiation.
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Step 5 is arranging financing once you selected the contractor and finalized the contract for your project.
Using the equity value in your home is one of the best financing option for landscaping. Start with a home equity line of credit or use the bank equity program.
Other options may include cash-out refinancing, personal savings, and/or financing from home improvement contractors.
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Step 6 is where the project begins.
It starts with setting up the work area, removing everything that needs to be replaced, installing electrical and network connections, putting in the final touches, etc.
It also means working with the contractor, managing the project, and getting the outbuilding project inspected before releasing any funds.
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Add a Water Feature
Backyard water features like ponds, waterfalls, and fountains add elegance to any outdoor space. The ripples of flowing water and soft sprays can cool a yard, create a calming effect, and even reduce noise pollution. These backyard features come in various designs and sizes to fit any backyard style.
For a small backyard water feature, try a bubbling fountain to accent a lush garden. This fountain’s simple, round basin blends seamlessly among various colors and foliage, and it’s easy to maintain.
For a larger water feature, try an inground pool or waterfall. These water features are great for family fun and can increase your home’s resale value. They can also be combined with other backyard ideas to maximize your space.
For example, a backyard pool can be surrounded by a patio for relaxing seating and dining areas. Alternatively, you can install a water wall to create shade or a dramatic accent.
Install a Trellis
Trellises make a great addition to any garden. They support climbing plants like flowers and vines and can also act as a barrier to prevent plants from growing too close to your house. Plus, they can add visual interest to your backyard when the plants aren’t blooming.
Before constructing your trellis, lay out the first horizontal cedar slat on a concrete surface and draw a series of parallel lines 6 inches apart in chalk. These will serve as a guide during assembly and help ensure the slats are evenly spaced.
After the horizontal slats are installed, mark the depth of each post hole in the ground using a posthole digger. When the trellis is in place, fill the holes with gravel, then tamp down the remaining dirt. Now you can install the vertical slats. Use the same method to secure these slats as the horizontal slats, nailing or screwing them at each joint.
Add Some Privacy
A backyard fence is an obvious solution for backyard privacy, but there are many other ways to add a bit of seclusion to your space. For example, a trellis enhances your garden with greenery and is also easy to decorate in various styles, such as vines, roses and clematis.
If you’re not a fan of fencing, consider slatted structures that won’t block out the light. Solid hedges tend to make gardens look gloomy, but semi-open structures can give you a "borrowed view," allowing sunlight and the sight of greenery to filter through.
other related articles of interest:
5 Ways To Transform Your Backyard Into an Oasis
How to Transform Your Backyard into the Perfect Entertaining Space
A layered mix of trees, shrubs and perennials provides visual and sound privacy. In this secluded seating nook, ornamental grasses provide an attractive natural backdrop, while midsize evergreen magnolias and Alaskan cedar create the upper layer of the screen.
A gurgling water fountain muffles sound from neighbors and offers an additional touch of visual privacy. The right landscaping options can help ensure your backyard feels secluded and private even when sitting with friends.
Find Yard n’ Garden Services Landscape Design Sprinkler Systems Metal Work Water Features Gazebos Play Equipment Outbuildings Fences top-rated, pre-screened local contractors FREE: download contractor selection enter zip code – powered by HomeAdvisor ™
Image credit: how to transform your backyard by envato.com
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