Did you know that the average house in the United States now costs over $350,000?
One of the best ways to add value, appeal, and functionality to your home is by upgrading your outdoor areas. One of the hottest trends in Florida outdoor design right now is hardscaping.
We’ve put together a brief guide about how you can take advantage of this trend.
Let’s get started.
So, What Is Hardscaping?
Hardscaping refers to the use of hard materials like stone, concrete, and brick to create outdoor spaces. It can be used for patios, walkways, driveways, retaining walls, and more.
In general, anything that is not grass or plants can be considered hardscaping.
This trend has become increasingly popular in recent years as homeowners look for ways to create low-maintenance outdoor areas.
What Benefits Does It Have?
One of its primary attributes is that it’s very versatile. You can use it to create a wide variety of looks, from classic and traditional to modern and contemporary.
Another great benefit of hardscaping is that it’s very durable. Materials like concrete and stone can withstand a lot of wear and tear, so you won’t have to worry about your outdoor spaces falling apart after a few years.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your outdoor areas, hardscaping is worth considering — it’s a great way to add value and appeal to your home.
What Can I Make with Hardscaping?
There are endless possibilities when it comes to hardscaping.
All you will need to do is consider which is best for your home. Some of the most popular projects include:
Patios
A patio is a great way to create an outdoor living space.
As you might guess, patios are usually made of concrete or stone. When constructed correctly, patios can be one of the most enjoyable places on your property to spend time.
Walkways
Interestingly, walkways are often overlooked as potential options. However, they can be one of the best ways to take advantage of hardscaping.
This is especially true for backyards. Or, you might want to have a walkway leading from your driveway to the front of your home.
Driveways
A driveway is a necessary part of any home, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be attractive.
You can use hardscaping materials to create a beautiful and unique driveway. In fact, many homeowners are now using stamped concrete to create patterns and designs in their driveways.
Retaining Walls
These can add function and appeal to your property. As with patios, concrete or stone are the most popular materials for retaining walls.
There is plenty of potential here to add extra aesthetic value.
Pool Pavers
If you have a pool, you can use hardscaping to create a beautiful surround. Pavers are one of the most popular choices for this type of project.
In fact, pool paver installation is something that many homeowners tend to focus on first when hardscaping.
They come in a wide variety of colors and styles, so you should be able to find something that complements your home perfectly.
How Do I Get Started?
If you’re interested in upgrading your outdoor areas with hardscaping, the best thing to do is to consult with a professional. They will be able to help you determine which materials and designs would be best for your home.
Once you’ve decided on a plan, the next step is to find a qualified contractor who can help you bring your vision to life.
What Should I Look for in a Professional?
You’ll want to make sure that they have experience working with the materials you’ve chosen.
From here, you can ensure that your project is completed correctly and to the highest standards.
You’ll also want to make sure that they are licensed and insured. This will protect you in case anything goes wrong during the project.
For example, let’s assume that an accident occurs during the project and you experience damage to your property. If the professional you work with does not have the appropriate insurance coverage, you might have to cover the expenses on your own.
Depending on the scenario, this could easily end up being thousands of dollars.
Finally, you should only work with someone who offers a warranty on their work. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your investment is protected.
If you have issues later on, your warranty coverage will allow you to resolve the issue.
What Red Flags Should I Keep in Mind?
If a contractor is pressuring you to decide quickly or seems unwilling to answer your questions, that’s a red flag. You should always take your time when making such an important decision.
Hardscaping Shouldn’t Be Overlooked
It’s a great way to add value, appeal, and functionality to your property. When done correctly, it can completely transform the look of your home.
Just be sure to keep the above info about hardscaping in mind.
Want to learn more about what we can do? Be sure to reach out to us today and see how we can help you.
