As home buyers continue to wait out a sluggish economy, Nature Boys Landscape & Construction President Derrick House sees a steady increase in home improvement projects in 2014.
People who are hesitant to upgrade to bigger homes because of the expense and unstable interest rates are opting to get more mileage out of their current homes. “Many homeowners would rather invest in improving their outdoor living spaces in a neighborhood they love, rather pay more for a new house somewhere else. I’m seeing a steady increase in interest as owners rediscover their back yards”, says House.
National home and gardening experts seem to agree. According to The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) VP Rob Tilson, “People are making a better connection to the environment and their outdoor space. They are investing more in the rear of their property.”
Landscaping goes beyond plants, turf and trees. Some of the hottest trends are permanent structures such as outdoor terraces, patios and complementary garden paths. Such structures increase an owner’s personal enjoyment while adding up to 20% to the resale value of the home.
Although some experts recommend investing 10% of the home’s value in landscaping expenses, consider starting with a budget that works for you yet accommodates your current and future needs. For major installations, always work with a professional who can generate a detailed plan that takes into account any existing irregularities of the property.
Ambitious plans can be implemented in steps as your budget permits. Tackle the patio or terrace one year, and walkways the next. Planting your own flower beds in between projects will give it a finished look. Taking a phased in approach allows you to grow into a design without it looking thrown together.
Nature Boys Landscape & Construction is located in Boonsboro, MD. Celebrating 19 years in business, they specialize in exterior living spaces and handle everything from design and installation to maintenance. For more information visit: http://www.HagerstownPatioConstruction.com.