The Impact of Hardscaping on Your Outdoor Spaces

As summer starts to come to a close, now is the perfect to complete that backyard transformation that you have been envisioning. Not sure what to tackle first? Hardscaping is the perfect place to begin. Hardscaping is simply a part of the landscaping process which refers to all the non-organic elements like stonework, paving and patio construction.

Tips for Hardscaping

When it comes to hardscaping having a game plan, setting a budget and knowing what you can tackle yourself vs hire out are some of the best courses of action. Let's take a look at some other tips to ensure that your venture into hardscaping goes as smoothly as possible:  

1. Start Simple: If you are new to hardscaping or just home projects in general, a great rule of thumb is to start simple. Projects have a way of becoming larger, more detailed and therefore more expensive, the longer they go on.

2. Map it Out: Take note of what areas of your property you want to focus on. Depending on the size of your property and the number of updates you are trying to make, your project can become demanding quite quickly. Planning out your ideas as much as possible will help to keep your project under control and as you imagined.

3. Use What You’ve Got: It can be amazing how old materials you have around the house can be transformed into something brand new. Make sure you take note of what you already have and brainstorm what it can become before you go out and buy new materials.

4. Quality Materials: When it comes to purchasing new materials, remember quality over quantity. The elements can do a number on materials so it's very important to select things that will last depending on your location's climate.  

Top Hardscaping Projects

Having a vision or outline of what elements you mind incorporate into your landscaping process is a great start. In case you need a little extra inspiration, check out some of these popular projects:

1. Retaining walls: While they can entail a bit of hard work, they can be a great way to not only keep your landscaping in place, but it can also add an extra visual and space defining element to any outdoor space.

2. Patios: No matter how you design one, patios make any outdoor space feel like home. When selecting your materials keep in mind what is sustainable and best suited for your home's nature biodiversity.

3. Pergolas: From wood, to iron, to whatever you may choose in-between, these not only add a fun design element to your space, but they are practical too, acting as an excellent source of shade when correctly placed.

4. Water Features: Adding elements such as water fountain or going a step further and creating a stone pond can incredibly increase the natural feel of any outdoor space. Water features can also act as a focal point to any design.

Homestead is Here for You

The professionals here at Homestead Funding are here to help you home financing every step of the way, whether that be through a renovation loan, first-home purchase, or even a home refinancing. Contact us today so that we can walk you through your options based on the project you would like to accomplish.