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Summer is too short - in fact life is too short - to keep putting off backyard improvements that can really add to your family's enjoyment. Have you been dreaming about your backyard all winter? Have you been planning your patio for this year's summer season?
Why not have a look at some terrific backyard projects and decide which ones you'd like to tackle this year!
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From patios to pools, from built-in barbeques to dazzling decks, and from landscaping to fences and retaining walls there are some great home improvement ideas that will give you that little piece of paradise you've been looking to create in your backyard! |
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"Landscaping is one way to increase a home's value. The general rule of thumb is that you get back 100 percent to 200 percent of what you invest in landscaping when you sell your home. "
Total Landscape Care, January 2007
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The money you spend on landscaping has a higher % return than many other home improvement projects! So, what are you waiting for? Here are some great outdoor improvement projects: |
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#1 Dazzling Decks |
Decks really expand your indoor living space and give your family an outdoor dining area for barbecuing and entertaining friends. A properly built, well designed deck will last for years and improve the look of your home's exterior! Add patio furniture and a BBQ and you have instant summer fun! |
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#2 Patios |
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Patios are an extremely versatile component for any landscape design. Flagstone or paver stones can add a sense of permanence to a natural garden. The possibilities are endless. You can customize your patio with a fire pit, a water feature, or an interesting layout. Whatever your taste, professionally installed patios are very durable and attractive. Why not add a patio to your backyard? |
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#3 Pools and Hot tubs | |
Swimming pools are refreshing centers for family fun and recreation! Pools, spas and hot tubs are great for entertaining guests too! If you are considering a pool for your backyard get detailed quotes from three to four pool contractors and compare their offers and prices. Pool construction must be done properly to ensure that a pool lasts for years to come and is safe to use. |
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#4 Built-in BBQ's and Fireplaces | |
Built-in BBQ's create the feel of an outdoor kitchen and make summer entertaining a breeze! The beauty and permanence of stone or brick can make hardscape features a backyard focal point. Get masonry services to construct a built-in barbeque or outdoor fireplace for your backyard entertainment zone. Another hardscape component you may wish to consider for your yard is a masonry retaining wall. |
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#5 Landscaping |
Do you seem to have a "black thumb" when it comes to gardening? Many of us do. That's why we turn to professional landscapers to design and plant our front and back yards. Getting help from skilled landscaping contractors will ensure that your gardens continue to look good as they mature and grow. |
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Not just for your personal enjoyment, landscaping can also improve your property value! National Association of Realtors' Realtor Magazine recommends that you spend between 10 and 20 percent of your home's value on landscaping. |
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#6 Sprinkler Systems | |
Once you've gone green in your yard a sprinkler system is the way to keep it green. Think of it as protecting your investment - the money you've spent on landscaping. Sprinkler systems, when they are professionally installed and customized to your lawn and garden needs, will actually conserve water and keep your plants lush and living! |
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#7 Fences |
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Whether you need a fence for privacy, security or to keep pets penned in, there are stunning fence solutions that can meet your needs and set off your property with a real polished finish! Look to pro fence builders to build strong, durable fences! Our fence contractors can look after your fence repair, fence replacement, or fence installation needs! Get fence prices today! |
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#8 Small Yard Solutions | |
You don't have to have a big yard to create your own oasis! Even small yards can come together to create the perfect outdoor living space with a little planning and careful landscaping.
The first thing to address is often privacy. If you're surrounded by neighbors, have a tall, but decorative privacy fence built to create the "walls" of your small backyard living room. Next, define the seating and dining area with a patio or small deck. Then, add professional landscaping and maybe a water feature, like a pond or waterfall. Finally add patio furniture, complete with outdoor pillows for a punch of color and design. Presto! Your own secluded terrace for relaxing, dining and entertaining out of doors!
Our patio and landscaping professionals can help you plan, build and realize your own outdoor space! Come to us for help in your backyard - big or small! |
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