When it’s time to renovate your outdoor space, you may be flooded with ideas, or you may already know exactly how you want your space to look – but now what? How do you transform your vision into a finished landscape that perfectly fits your lifestyle? You can follow these steps for a successful landscape renovation in the Amherst and Hollis, NH, areas.
Get Clear On Your Vision
With such an abundance of awesome ideas online and in magazines, you might find it hard to narrow your ideas down to what will best serve your needs. The design depends on how you want to use your space. Do you want an entertainer’s dream patio complete with a pavilion-covered chef’s kitchen? Or do you need a simple patio where you can grill and relax and a spacious lawn for the kids and pets?
Make a Wish List
Next, prioritize the features that meet your aesthetic and functional needs. An entertainer’s dream landscape could feature a smaller lawn and more patio space, a stately outdoor fireplace, and lush landscaping. A family-friendly landscape could include an inground pool, a pergola, and a fire pit.
Create a Budget
It’s important to know how much things cost so your project isn’t derailed by lack of funding. About 70-80% of your total project cost will be labor. A budget will influence the design, the materials, and your wish list items.
Know the Challenges
Each site has its unique challenges. For example, tight access to the backyard could mean using hand equipment rather than heavy equipment to excavate for a backyard pond. Prominent rocky outcrops could make it difficult to run a fence line. A steep slope means either excavating enough to create a single-level outdoor living space, or creating a series of terraced patios. If your space is small, you can always downsize: a hot tub or dipping pool instead of a full inground pool or a tiny corner fountain instead of a majestic waterfall.
Find the Right Contractor
Finding the right contractor isn’t just who you “click” with; it’s a matter of experience, skillset, and knowledge. Referrals are great, but not always reliable. For example, your neighbors may swear by their contractor because of the awesome patio they now enjoy, but if you want a custom inground gunite pool and that contractor has never built one, you’d be better off finding one that knows pools.
Be sure you have a contract that clearly outlines the scope of the work, the timeline and budget, who’s responsible for what, and how delays and challenges will be handled.
Fit Your Design and Wish List Into Your Budget
Most people will need to compromise on their vision in order to meet their budget. You can achieve an amazing space by carefully choosing materials that get the job done, but at a lower cost. If your budget won’t allow for an outdoor fireplace, consider a fire pit. Consider pavers if you want natural stone but can’t swing for the labor needed for installation.
Choose products carefully. Take home samples to see how the product will mesh with your home, landscape, and design aesthetic.
Construction
Once you break ground, your landscape will be a mess for a while, but the process can also be very exciting as you watch your project come to life. You’ll likely be there daily, answering questions and making last-minute decisions.
The Finished Project
Once your project is complete and you’re using your new outdoor space, talk to your contractor about how to maintain your landscape. This could include paver care, plant care, and much more.
Related: WHAT FEATURES ARE OFTEN SUGGESTED BY A LANDSCAPER FOR HOMES IN HOLLIS AND PETERBOROUGH, NH
