. . . . . PUBL ISHER’S MESSAG E

JULIE BARNES

PROJECTS WITH AN ROI Investing in the Outdoors

Photo: Rocco Masons

Smart kitchen and bathroom renovations can earn a homeowner a return on investment (ROI) when it comes time to sell, but what about al fresco features? From creating distinctive curb appeal to designing a private, functional backyard, there are several ways to ensure your hard-earned dollars are well spent.

8

Saskatoon HOME

.....

Creating a return on investment in the outdoors can be measured in terms of dollars, as well as reducing your sell time—which has an intrinsic value to you as a homeowner. Denise Balcaen, a local landscape designer and owner of Gardens Four Seasons, and Ron Baliski, a Saskatoon Realtor withThe AssociatesTeam, have

SUMMER 2016

shared their top tips for adding value to your outdoor spaces. Minimal Maintenance If your outdoor landscaping looks easy to maintain, it adds a lot more value than a fussier yard, Denise says. “If I was going to increase the value of a house, I would make sure the plantings were very simple, yet

complement the house.” She adds that creating generous curves and edging them with mowing strips makes maintenance a breeze. Mowing strips can be positioned along any edge that meets the lawn, and can be made of bricks or manmade edges. Ron echoes Denise’s call for low-maintenance landscaping.