Let’s face it; a beautiful garden can create a far happier home life. The outside space will add a whole new dimension to the property, which is why a garden transformation should be one of the top upgrades on every home-owner’s agenda.
The great news about a garden upgrade is that a lot of the work will leave internal parts of the property untouched. As such, you’re under far less pressure to rush the project. Still, every home-owner will be desperate to find the best solution for their budget, tastes and personal requirements.
Thankfully, a little preparation goes a long way. Use the following questions for guidance, and you won’t go far wrong.
#1. What’s my budget?
Before starting any home upgrade, it’s imperative to consider your financial limitations. There’s nothing worse than stripping back the garden only to find you don’t have the funds needed to complete the subsequent upgrades. Therefore, budgeting and costings are essential to your plans.
The good news is that most garden upgrades are fairly affordable to complete. Even expensive luxuries like pools can be created via cheaper options like shipping containers. With a little research, you can soon discover which tasks are right for your garden.
Garden upgrades and home improvements are a good reason for remortgaging the home or borrowing money elsewhere. Either way, knowing how much capital is available, along with the costs of the proposed projects, builds the right foundation. Don’t forget it!
#2. What are my primary objectives?
No two home-owners share identical tastes and requirements. Likewise, the size, shape and land of your garden could be vastly different to a neighbour’s. A deeper appreciation of the space, location and main aims of your project is vital. You need the garden to feel like home.
Some home-owners are focused solely on the aesthetic. In this case, you may look to beautify the area with the right choice of plants while also attracting wildlife with birdbaths, houses and feeders. Others may use the space for entertaining guests, working out or just relaxing.
There’s no single right or wrong solution, except the one that works for you. Of course, if you’re preparing the home for sale, it’ll be important to think about the latest trends. If planning to keep living at the property, though, you can focus solely on what suits your personal preferences.
#3. Is the garden safe?
Regardless of what you wish to achieve with the garden, safety is paramount. Both conventional and contemporary garden spaces should make this a priority. If you have children or mobility issues, this factor can take on an even greater significance. However, it should be respected by all.
If you do have children, it’s crucial to ensure the layout offers good visibility to parents from the kitchen, conservatory and deck. Meanwhile, selecting a sturdier garden fence can stop potential hazards caused by high winds. Handrails and barriers for raised areas are great additions too.
Safety should not be limited to people, though. Ensuring that rainwater is diverted away from the property is another key task. Similarly, precautions may be needed to stop rodents and unwelcome critters entering the garden… and then on to the house Otherwise, they could cause damage to the soil or garden furniture.
#4. Will the space be effectively utilised?
Whether you have a modest garden space or a huge plot of land, it’s vital that you make it work harder. Fail to do this, and you’ll never truly be satisfied. Sectioning the garden so that there are designated areas for different activities is great for the organisation. Embrace it!
Tricking the eyes into perceiving the space to be bigger than it is is very useful. Adding French doors essentially combines living spaces with the patio or deck. This single project transforms the vibe of your garden, adding a sense of luxury and style while making the place feel bigger too.
If the area is limited, you can erect hanging baskets to beautify the surroundings without losing space. Likewise, the kitchen window ledge can be used for growing herbs. With a little creative thinking, even a small garden can thrive.
#5. Does the garden provide comfort?
A winning backyard can facilitate many activities. Nonetheless, there is no doubt that relaxation and comfort are among the best. There’s nothing quite like a lazy Sunday on your swinging lounger while listening to some tunes and drinking a cold beer or wine.
Choosing the right rattan furniture is crucial for providing comfort. Meanwhile, you should consider an overhead canopy to protect you from the heat. If the backyard is your place to break away from the stresses of modern life, the addition of spiritual ornaments may also prove to be useful.
If the garden doesn’t leave you feeling relaxed and comfortable, you won’t use it. Sadly, that would render any upgrade work futile. For the sake of your budget as well as your ongoing love of the property, adding personal touches to increase your satisfaction is vital.
#6. Will I get enough usage?
The aforementioned idea of actually using the garden is a key ingredient in the recipe for success. Otherwise, you’ll be better off upgrading another part of the property. While BBQ stoves, furniture, and plants are all crucial, the effort should not end there.
Time spent in the garden with your family can be magical. So, you should naturally want to extend this by using patio heaters and lighting. Why let the sun dictate when you can or can’t use the space? An evening in the garden has got to be better than watching the latest TV talent show.
Simple adjustments focused on increasing the duration of your enjoyment can only have a positive impact. If you are in the process of redesigning your garden spaces, gaining the maximum function out of them is essential. Get this right, and the upgrade work will feel worthwhile.
#7. Are the features eco-friendly?
The need to take social responsibility is greater than ever, and your garden is the perfect place to start. Not all additions need to focus on green attributes. Still, a little conscious effort goes a long way to creating a garden that leaves you feeling guilt-free.
Dedicating a space to grow fruit and vegetables in the garden is an ideal solution. It can be supported further through the use of solar lights, the use of natural materials for decorations, and a compost. Even if you don’t incorporate all of those features, positive results will show.
The rewards aren’t restricted to helping the planet and aiding your mindset. Some of those tasks can encourage a healthier lifestyle while others reduce financial waste. Keep this in mind when designing your garden. Smarter choices will be made for your health, wealth, and surroundings.
#8. Is there enough storage?
It’s easy to underestimate how many possessions are used in the garden. In reality, we use hundreds of items for gardening tasks, playing games, entertainment, and maintenance tasks. Without ample storage, they can leave the garden looking unloved. Or ruin your garage.
First and foremost, you must find a garden shed or storage facility that can satisfy your needs. Additional storage can be created in hidden spaces by the side of the building or through a garden ottoman on the deck. Meanwhile, a BBQ pit rather than a free-standing one can work wonders too.
The garden upgrade project is the perfect time to take stock of existing garden products too. Anything that isn’t needed can be trashed, sold, or donated to charity. This will save valuable space, which instantly reduces your need for storage facilities. Perfect.
#9. Will it be vulnerable?
Given that the garden is an open space that is protected only by your perimeter fencing, you must also pay attention to the security. There’s little purpose in adding expensive items to your garden if somebody is going to steal them. Insurance is useful, but prevention is the best form of protection.
Security features may include CCTV cameras and alarm systems. Motion-detecting lights are a valuable addition too. Anti-climb paint and spiked fencing can also prevent many threats. Perhaps most importantly, any hugely valuable items should be kept out of sight to reduce temptation.
Improving the security facilities should be supported by extra safety features. This includes those that account for adverse weather. Knowing that your garden is in great health and suitably protected can offer added peace of mind. In turn, this should enable you to seek far greater enjoyment.
#10. What about maintenance?
Creating the perfect garden space isn’t easy. So, when you finally achieve your objectives, it’s vital that the results are here to stay. Take a step back to consider the future maintenance during the planning phases, and it’ll pay dividends in the long run. This is crucial for stress-free living.
A wide range of ideas can be incorporated to keep maintenance to a minimum. Artificial lawns are arguably the best solution. Meanwhile, opting for evergreen plants that require little care can make your life a little easier. Robust furniture should also feature high on your agenda.
It’s very hard to love your garden when maintenance consumes all of your time. When you take the right precautions and invest in the best materials for cleaning and general care, the rewards last a lifetime. If you want to produce the very best results, this step is a crucial finale.
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