If you have recently purchased a new home or are planning to remodel the landscaping of your existing home, you may have noticed that the high cost of new landscaping improvements can quickly deplete your budget. And, if you have existing concrete paving, block walls, or patio covers that need to be demolished first, that will be an added expense. The best way to get the most out of your landscape dollars is to establish a realistic budget; it’s also important to be realistic about your choices. This often means eliminating items from your wish list that you really like, but after taking a second look, may not need. These are a few examples:
POOLS/SPAS
Pools and spas are big investments and require the largest financial commitment: they also require planning, design, and weekly maintenance if used daily. If you had a pool installed many years ago, be prepared for sticker shock, and of course, the features and upgrade options are endless. But if you love to swim and plan to make it a part of your weekly entertainment or exercise routine, there is nothing better than your own private swimming hole; exercise restraint though, or you may end up with a whole lot of pool and just the native soil around it.
BBQ ISLAND
Thinking about building a barbecue island? Most are large serving bars and working countertops with a built-in cooking unit. Sitting at a bar height countertop gives you that “happy hour” feel and is great for hanging with the chef. It’s a good investment if you entertain friends and family often or grill every day. But if you just want to grill and don’t care about the island and bar experience, then opt for a portable barbecue unit. Buy one big enough for all your needs, and when you’re done cooking roll into a spot off to the side, ready for the next cookout.
FIRE FEATURES
Sitting around an open fire seems to appeal to the caveman in us all. Fire tables are the modern caveman’s go-to fire for socializing by the flame in a casual setting. The table provides a place to rest food and drink while you carry on a conversation. Some designs include a variety of options, styles, and finishes. Fire tables are also designed with built-in seating to accommodate your guests and eliminate the need for patio chairs. That aside, if you desire heat in the cool evenings, fire tables don’t provide much actual warming heat. Gas powered firebrick lined fire pits and fireplaces retain heat well, but they are usually on the higher end of the budget.
Give us a call. We’ll help you make the right choices for your landscape project.
