5 planning tips that can improve your outdoor living project

Are you just itching to get started on building the outdoor living space you’ve been dreaming of? Don’t wait until Spring – there’s too much to do! If you want to be enjoying your new patio or outdoor kitchen by the beginning of summer, January is the ideal time to get started. There are numerous decisions to make and resources to put in place before you break ground, so the earlier you start thinking about specifics, the better. Here are 5 planning tips that can improve your outdoor living project right from the get-go.

1) Talk to a professional. Homeowners tend to wait until they have every detail nailed down before talking to a professional. That’s a mistake. Your contractor should be a resource that’s available to you throughout your planning process, so you want to find them early. With the foundation of a relationship established in the planning phase, you’ll be more likely to get a slot on your contractor’s schedule

2) Get other estimates. Don’t feel guilty about interviewing and getting estimates from a few companies won’t wind up completing the work. While you’re at it, be sure to ask educated questions, especially where warranties are concerned.

3) Plan your budget. As with any significant investment, it helps to think of the budget for your landscaping project as a range. By starting out aiming for the low end of the spectrum, you can account for splurges and upgrades, without breaking the bank.

4) Make resale a factor. Unlike other landscaping elements, custom hardscapes should last decades or generations. Even if you don’t plan to sell your home in the foreseeable future, your outdoor living space will continue to impact the selling price in the unforeseeable future. By choosing a high-quality contractor, timeless styles, and durable materials, you can maximize any addition to your property value. 973-620-7295

5) Don’t forget about plants! Hardscaping and landscaping complement one another beautifully. It’s relatively easy to plan a landscape without hardscaping, but hardscaping can look harsh and cold without plant life to warm it up. A comprehensive landscaping company like www.BigHeartLandscaping.com can deliver stonework and plant life, all in one project.