Landscaping - Always A Good Investment
Anyone who has ever driven through a neighborhood of similarly designed homes will have noticed that certain homes are more appealing than others. That difference is usually the landscaping. It says that the people who live in the home care about it and take care of it. If all of the homes on the street were for sale, the landscaped homes would be expected to sell at a higher price.
How much is landscaping worth in dollars and cents?
It's been estimated that professional landscaping can add up to 12% to the value of a home. According to the Appraisal Institute, landscaping may also help to sell the home quicker. Professional landscaping is significantly different from interior remodeling, as landscaping increases in value over time as the plantings mature.
What does well-thought-out landscaping add to your home?
Buyers will want to look at the inside of the home when the outside has such welcoming curb appeal.
Low-maintenance landscaping is an excellent selling point.
Buyers prefer homes that do not need immediate renovations.
Hardscaping extends the living area of the home.
A properly done patio is an extension of the living space within the home. Although a patio really comes into its own for entertaining, there's nothing that gets the day off to a better start than enjoying that first cup of coffee on the patio. Plan the day while surrounded by flowering plants and the beauty of the outdoors.
Outdoor barbecues and fire pits extend the season.
A landscape contractor can construct beautiful walkways connecting different areas of the property, making it appear larger.
A place to sit quietly in a more secluded corner of the yard will become a mini-getaway.
Pools are particularly appreciated and enjoyed in New Hampshire because there is such a limited swimming season.
A landscaping plan is critical.
Simply sticking a few shrubs and flowerbeds here and there is not landscaping. Consult with a landscape architect to have an overall plan drawn up. Landscaping can be done in stages. Trees and foundation plantings are usually done by landscape architects with the stage one plantings.
In New Hampshire, landscaping needs to be beautiful in all seasons. This allows for an ever-changing landscape, beginning with spring bulbs and flowering shrubs, followed by brightly colored annuals, passing into the brilliant colors of the autumn leaves and ending with the softness of evergreens contrasted with the architectural starkness of bare branches silhouetted against the snow.
When discussing the plan with the landscaping company, one of the factors to be considered is if the home will be sold within the next 2-3 years. If so, it is worthwhile to start with larger plants, so as to make the landscaping appear more mature and finished. Patios and walkways are a valuable selling feature with all buyers. Professional landscaping is an investment that you live with and enjoy as it grows in value.
