NEWS
THE AFFECT OF PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPING ON PROPERTY VALUES AND HOME SALES
Written by Jake Sinsel of Cascadia Landscaping
Wouldn't you pay more for a home with a lush lawn, flowering trees, a deck and patio?
You're not alone. Studies show that landscaping can add tens of thousands of dollars to the value of your property. In fact, it is one of the few home improvements you can make that increases value immediately and for years to come. While interior decor and designs regularly go out of style, plants grow fuller and more robust as the years go by.
Curb appeal is essential when selling a house. It is the homeowner's opportunity to make a great first impression. A home with lackluster landscaping or an exterior in need of repairs will likely be unappealing to prospective buyers and could ultimately affect the home's potential resale value. Although landscaping is typically associated with lawns, trees, bushes and flowers, other features are a part of landscaping as well. Fire pits, paver patios, water features, irrigation systems and outdoor lighting all add to the homeowner's enjoyment of the space and the value of the home.
Starting with a residential landscape plan is the best possible way to achieve an attractive, efficient space. Well-executed residential designs can eliminate functional conflicts on the site, provide proper space for recreational and leisure activities and create a beautiful environment. Despite the significance of residential site designs, it is often an endeavor that is commonly done inadequately or in some cases incorrectly.
A drive or walk down a typical suburban street reveals how houses and landscapes stand out and an impression is made. Hedge trimmed maples, overgrown plant material, incorrectly installed retaining walls and shapeless lawn areas are just a few common problems encountered.
And these may just be the items you see. What about the backyard, which is no less guilty of poor layout and visual chaos? Inadequate planting can lead to a landscape expense when the homeowner must replant. A prime example of this would be planting a Leyland Cypress next to the front door of a house. It will look good now but when it is a full grown tree you might be paying to have it removed. In another instance, ivy will grow up the side of a house. It may look just beautiful but underneath major damage to the house has been done by the ivy roots. These problems can be avoided by getting a well thought out plan and hiring professional landscapers.
Both irrigation and night lighting are weekend projects that are commonly taken on by homeowners. Renting a trencher and a few trips to the local home improvement store will not result in a properly installed irrigation system that you would get from a professional landscape company. Or what about a very nicely landscaped yard that features low quality solar night lighting? The result is often times insufficient and the money would have been better spent on a quality job. By hiring professionals, you obtain well-trained employees, access to higher quality materials and assurance that the job is done right the first time.
A professional landscape not only adds curb appeal but also a higher value to your home. So why not invest in your enjoyment of the space now and house value for the future? According to appraisers and realtors, a beautifully landscaped home will sell faster and for more money than its neighbors. Everyone wants to own a beautifully landscaped home.
Visit the Oregon Landscape Contractors Board for more information on why it is importand to hire a licensed professional, and to check the status of a company's license here.