Your home is a reflection of your personality. It is where you get to unwind after a tedious day, where you can have fun and feel comfortable without any disturbance. Homeowners spend almost a tenth of their property’s value on upgrading their hardscaping. The additional features improve the overall appeal of your home while maximizing functionality. Here is how to plan a hardscape and the vital aspects to consider.
Planning Your Property’s Hardscape
Conduct a Site Analysis
The first step when planning a hardscape is to carry out site analysis to identify the state of the property. You need to consider all the natural features of your house and any other elements that might interfere with your vision. Other areas to evaluate include;
- Hills and slopes
- Current foliage
- Required maintenance
- Soil type
- Water and drainage
It would also help to consider aspects of your future installations. Is the space available enough to accommodate your design and still leave room for additional features? Cramming the available space will only result in a tight configuration, while leaving large blanks will create an empty vibe. Remember, the goal of the hardscape is to magnify the natural elegance of your property.
Set a Budget
A budget is necessary to ensure the project runs smoothly and is completed. Several variables are involved when determining how much the hardscaping project may cost you. It is better to estimate early and provide the necessary funding to provide project management with a better opportunity to execute their responsibilities.
It would help to ensure your budget includes:
- All the materials required for hardscaping
- All construction and land manipulation costs
- All the decorative items you plan to include in your design
- All the tools involved in executing the project
- Labor costs if you hire professionals
Research
Researching the area’s building permits and the common hardscaping designs will help you determine the ideal design for your property. You should check all building requirements, hardscaping codes, necessary permits, and zoning laws. An objective internet search will provide thousands of viable ideas you can put into good use.
You can increase efficiency in your search by focusing on specific parts of your compound; a backyard hardscape plans search will limit your results to backyard designs. Some jurisdictions require an on-site municipal inspection before commencing the project.
Source for Hardscaping Tools and Materials
Another step when planning a hardscape project is finding the tools and materials necessary for the project. Pay close attention to the essential requirements like concrete and brick to try and save resources. You are better positioned to stick to your budget and maintain the timeline expected by considering tools and materials before you commence with activities. Here are common hardscaping materials:
- Brick
- Concrete
- Pavers
- Landscaping stone
Hardscape planning is a critical stage that plays a significant role in determining the success of your project. Your plan should be objective and aim to deliver an environment that fits your vision. Contact MSE Hardscape Design and Installation for further assistance on how you can improve your home’s appeal.