7
costly mistakes to avoid
1. Obtain a boundary survey to make sure the natural flow of water is not disturbed. 2. Be sure your landscaper has a permit. 3. Get a complete landscape design, even if you plan to begin with a small project.
Photo courtesy of King Landscaping
throughout the concrete. This way, it blends better with the landscape. “Despite upping the price from $1 to $1.50 per square foot, natural colors are a better choice. They look far better than gleaming white concrete that draws the eye away from the entry,” says King.
Landscape Improvements It’s hard to look at a friend’s beautiful
4. Interview and choose a well-established designer, as well as an installer. (They may be one and the same).
Photo courtesy of Pavestone, A Quikrete Company
5. Keep in mind that you can only cover 30 to 50 percent of the lot with hardscapes. 6. Function should determine the material choice. 7. Choose your patio furniture before construction begins. This way, you can make sure its large enough to accommodate all the pieces.
Family Fun “We’ve installed waterfalls, pools, fireplaces, fire pits and outdoor kitchens,” says Renkin. “We’re also working with CBA Sports to add tennis, basketball and volleyball courts. I’m dying to build a hybrid pool and patio combination like Olympic Park. When the water is off, it’s a patio. Turn it on and you have an instant splash party.” (Note: pricing of these features varies greatly,
stone waterfall or pond and hear its soothing music without experiencing pangs of jealousy.
so homeowners should get several estimates before
Fortunately, landscape features like these are well within the
embarking on such a project.)
grasp of most homeowners. Pergolas, stone planting beds,
But buyer beware. Currently, Georgia does not require
benches and stone sculptures are all affordable if completed
swimming pool contractors to hold licenses, so homeowners
in stages and add great value to a home.
need to make sure their contractor has a certificate from
While traditional designs call for stepping-stone paths,
the Association of Pool Spa Professionals (APSP) and
stacked stone planter walls, and wide porches and stairs,
have liability insurance and workman’s compensation.
a contemporary home may look best paired with square
“Customers should ask to see examples of a contractor’s
stones or pavers. Brad Renkin of Hearthstone Environments
work and visit his projects,” says Renkin. “It’s hard to tell
explains: “Contemporary pools and fireplaces can be
from a picture if stone work is good or bad. It’s much easier
constructed using sleek materials like limestone, bluestone,
to see in person.”
manufactured stone or concrete, while natural chipped flag stones or bricks may work better for traditional homes. If you
Variety is the spice of life
stick to the basic principles of design, you can’t go wrong.
“Bricks have been around forever and are equally attractive
“Regardless of style, compatible materials must be used
in traditional and contemporary homes,” says Rick Sherman
throughout the yard to integrate the features,” he says. “Utility
of Sherman’s Masonry whose family-operated company
features like driveways can be dressed up using exposed
has been in business for 15 years. “There is no down side
aggregate where the stones are visible in the concrete.”
to bricks. They work well for walkways, retaining walls,
When it comes to your budget, first review all your material
fireplaces, benches, sitting areas, and fire pits.” However,
options. The least costly driveway material is concrete, which
while brick accents on a driveway can add curb appeal, one
runs $4.00 to $7.00 per square foot, followed by a stamped
made entirely of bricks can be difficult to maintain.
pattern. Aggregate can run up to $12 per square foot, and a
Sherman, who works with landscape architects and
stone apron can add an additional $3,000.
directly with homeowners, says, “Specify Type S or higher
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