When it comes to a home’s total value, especially when you go to list your home on the market, the house itself makes up a large portion. However, something many people neglect to consider is the home’s exterior. In fact, your Atlanta home is likely to garnish far more interest if the exterior pictures look stunning. However, what if you aren’t selling any time soon? Why would you want to invest time and money into your home or business exterior? Let’s take a look at some reasons for exterior work and projects that you can invest in this year.
Why Hardscape Projects for My Atlanta Home or Business?
Now, we don’t want to say that landscaping (using natural, living elements) is not a valid way to increase your curb appeal – because it is. However, most people assume that landscaping is the only way to do this. When used together, landscaping and hardscaping (using natural, nonliving elements like rocks, stone, and brick) can improve the look of your home’s exterior by leaps and bounds. Furthermore, a combination of landscaping, hardscaping, and home upkeep can vastly increase the value of your home.
Generally speaking, hardscaping tends to be a bit pricier and more difficult to DIY; perhaps that’s why so many businesses and homeowners choose to focus their efforts on landscaping. Luckily, the hardscape experts here at TWI Hardscapes can help you get the job done – on your budget!
Five Hardscaping Projects to Elevate Your Curb Appeal:
1: A Nice Driveway and Walkway
Asphalt will certainly get the job done, but laid bricks and stone look far better from a curb appeal standpoint. If you have the extra money, investing in a well-laid stone driveway and matching walkway will more than pay off in the long run. Especially here in Atlanta where we don’t have to worry about snow and plowing driveways, stone and brick are beautiful, practical choices for a hardscaped driveway and walkway.
2: Fences and Retaining Walls for Separation
If you have a large amount of front yard space to work with, it might be in your best interest to separate some areas off with retaining walls or stone fences. Retaining walls also come in handy if you have a steeply sloped front yard. Retaining walls, in this case, can help add texture and depth to your yard when you might otherwise struggle to get plants into the hill. As a bonus, retaining walls can help reduce or eliminate erosion away from your home, securing your investments in your property year over year.
3: A Pergola and Other Outdoor Living Amenities
Now, hear us out; even if you and your family don’t spend that much time outside the home, your future buyer might find outdoor amenities extremely attractive. However, be careful with investing in something that you won’t use – it can be harder to remember to keep up with the maintenance of items like outdoor seating, pergolas, and other outdoor living features. Just remember that any hardscape project, when done properly, will be a huge boost to your home’s curb appeal.
4: An Outdoor Fireplace
Chilly fall and winter nights are the perfect time to light a fire here in Atlanta. Plus, if you build a nice, hardscape outdoor fireplace, your home’s value will certainly jump up. Furthermore, you could create built-in seating around the fireplace; it’s up to you how much you do or don’t do.
5: Hardwired and Integrated Lighting
This project is for all of those homeowners who love the look of a lit driveway and landscape. When you install your next hardscape project, think about where you could integrate lighting. Atlanta businesses can also gain a lot from integrated lighting; lights can help build an atmosphere surrounding your building and help avoid accidents in the dark. Many people opt for solar lighting in their outdoor spaces, and that is a great option, too.
A Friendly Reminder About DIY Hardscape Projects
As we’ve discussed in a previous blog, you need to be careful about the DIY hardscape projects that you take on. We recommend that you leave the following projects to the professionals: paver patios and pathways, covered structures, retaining walls, pools, and drainage projects. These projects require high-grade materials, transportation, cementing, leveling, and ground preparation – all of which are very meticulous jobs that can ruin the outcome of your project if handled incorrectly.
Ready to Start Your Hardscape Project?
Do you have a curb appeal-boosting project for us in or around Atlanta? Contact the professional hardscaping experts at TWI Hardscapes for a free quote today. We can help you plan, design, and bring your next project to life!
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