Add Value to Your Home Without Breaking the Bank

Fortunately, there are a number of ways to enhance your outdoor living space without stressing your budget or dealing with weeks (or months) of construction mess. Here are six ways you can revive a tired landscape, most of which are under $10,000 — and a lot that are under $3,000.

1. Add curb appeal with a new entrance or walkway

Your front yard, particularly your entrance and the path leading to the front door, is the first thing people see when arriving at your home. It has a huge impact on your property’s curb appeal.

Replacing or repairing broken pavers and tidying up the garden is an economical way to elevate your front yard. Cracked paving stones and gardens that are full of weeds and other garden debris don’t make a very good first impression! 

Even if your entrance is well maintained, an updated new look could really add that “wow” factor!

2. Enhance your outdoor living with a patio

Adding a new patio — or replacing one that is past its prime — defines your outdoor space and gives you a place where you can entertain guests. It can also be a place of refuge where you can relax outside after a busy day. 

A lot can affect the cost of installing a patio, from the materials you choose, the size of the patio and how challenging it is to build. You can spend anywhere from $40 to $70 per square foot installed… this is one of those projects that really depends on your individual style and whether you’re using pavers, masonry or other materials.

If spending quality time outdoors is important to you, this is an investment that will pay for itself in memories that last a lifetime.

3. Rejuvenate your gardens (or plant a new one!)

Plants help improve soil quality, conserve water, minimize erosion and make your property more appealing. They can transform an ordinary yard into one of great beauty!

There are many reasons why you might want to rejuvenate your flower gardens… the plants may be at the end of their lifespan, you want to change the color scheme of your garden or you want something that requires less maintenance.

Here are some ways we can help you improve your gardens:

• Remove dead plants and replace them with new ones
• Rejuvenate by pruning trees and shrubs to give them new life
• Clean up of neglected areas to prepare for new plantings
• Designing and planting new flower gardens 
• Installing seasonal annuals

Of course, the investment needed will depend on the scope of the work to be done.

4. Renovate your lawn or add some sod

One of the best ways to dramatically improve the look of your yard is to renovate your lawn. If this is something you want to tackle yourself, check out our post on aerating and overseeding your lawn. If you don’t have the time (or desire) to DIY, this is definitely something we can help you with!

If you don’t want to wait for seeds to sprout, or you just have a small area that needs patching and you want a quick fix, you might want to consider having sod installed. Even though it is a bit more expensive than grass seed, the results are instantaneous and look spectacular — you could have an entirely new lawn in as little as a day!

5. Stay out after dark with landscape lighting

A beautifully lit property increases the safety and security of your property while letting you keep those unforgettable nights outside going long after the sun goes down. 

By adding lighting in strategic spots and controlling brightness in just the right way, your front and backyard can feel like one of the finest outdoor resorts. The fixtures come in a range of finishes and materials, so it’s easy to find ones that suit your style and budget.

6. Improve your drainage and prevent erosion

Although this enhancement isn’t going to increase your home’s curb appeal, it is going to support all the other efforts you make to improve your property. We call it the unsung hero of the urban landscape.

Poor drainage can turn your yard into a soggy mess and cause serious damage if left unchecked. We shared some insights about common drainage issues and how to solve them in a previous post, but unless all you need is a quick fix (like extending your downspout) you might want to hire a professional. 

Fixing a drainage issue is heavy, hard work and you really need to know what you’re doing. It could require digging a trench to install a French drain, creating a catch basin, fixing a slope or building a retaining wall.

Use our project request form to estimate your investment

For smaller projects, existing clients can use a project request form to determine the amount you would need to invest for these services. 

Simply tell us how you’d like to improve your yard (you can include up to three photos if you like). Include the size of the area you’re looking to improve and an idea of your budget. We’ll get back to you with a sketch and a quote within two business days.

Other, more involved services would need a site visit to ensure an accurate quote.

Ready to invest in your outdoors?

No matter what you choose to do, investing in your outdoor spaces can have a huge impact. If you’re interested in any of the above enhancements or have some questions, get in touch! We’re always happy to help.