The real estate market has seen rapid growth in both home sales and demand in 2020. As the market has evolved, many homeowners are looking to add curb appeal to their home. Curb appeal is one of the most important aspects in determining the value of a house.

If you are planning to sell your home and want to do all you can to help it sell, then now is the time to think about curb appeal. Having a beautiful yard helps. But you will want your home to stand out. Now is a great time to take your landscape in a new direction. By working with experienced landscape designers, your landscape can be designed to boost curb appeal.

There are ways to design your landscape to boost curb appeal. Why is boosting the curb appeal of your home important? According to the National Association of Realtors, 63% of home buyers will visit a home based on the online listing image. This makes how your home looks even more important. The yard, sidewalk, and driveway play an important role in the buying process. By designing these elements to increase the street view, it will encourage potential buyers. So, what type of curb appeal factors should you consider before putting your house on the market?

Adding Curb Appeal to Your Yard 

Utilize the Right Colors

Spruce up your yard with colorful flowers, window boxes, and front yard flower beds. Just a few inches of rich mulch and healthy flowers will brighten up a space. However, when planting close to your home’s exterior, keep the home’s exterior color in mind. For example, a home with blue siding is best showcased with purple, pink, yellow, and white flowers. Meanwhile, a home with red trim will look great with flowers that are orange, yellow, or red. Be sure to think about what season your home will be on the market, and plant flowers that will be in bloom at that time.

Create Borders

For classic curb appeal, consider adding a picket fence or low wall. Pair with some roses, vining plants, ornamental trees, or shrubbery for a classic landscape. Borders give a clean and polished look to the landscape. Additionally, borders can create more privacy and create a nice living space for the dog or kids to play in.

Add or Maintain Walkways

Walkways are an important part of curb appeal. Not only do they look great, but they serve a functional purpose. Having an appealing walkway to the home is very important. Choose a simple yet attractive hardscape element such as stone pavers for your walkway. After all, no one wants to think about cleaning up dirt that has been tracked into the house!

Consider A Water Feature

From fountains, waterfalls, or a peaceful koi pond, there are many ways to add a water element to your landscape. These elements can be an eye-catching element that separates your home from others. Sprucing up a water feature or pond isn't complicated. Consider some decorative rocks around the pond to make it the perfect backyard retreat. Make sure to properly maintain all water features as well.

Make Sure Your Grass Looks Great

No matter how beautiful your plants, trees, or home may be, it is vital that your lawn looks great. Be sure that your lawn is a healthy, though manageable, height. Proper grass maintenance is one of the best ways to boost curb appeal for your home. A healthy, green lawn stands out and is generally one of the first things buyers notice. If you are concerned about your lawn, have our grass experts take a look!

Pay Attention to Shapes and Structures

Think about the shape and style of your home as it compares to your property. Then design a landscape that complements it. Great ways to add interest are garden swings, fire pits, patios, arbors, and pergolas. Outdoor structures are attractive living spaces that buyers will be looking for.

Don't Forget Drainage!

Nobody wants to buy a home with flooding issues. Without proper drainage, your yard can experience erosion and damage. Even worse, water can flood your home. Many times, water damage is obvious. It can damage the lawn or can leave visible signs of erosion. For many buyers, this is one of the first things they look at. By paying attention to the importance of proper drainage, you can make your home even more attractive.

By paying attention to these components of landscape design, you can add value to your home. If you want to learn more about how to add curb appeal to your home, contact our experts today. Outdoor Makeover & Living Spaces has been designing beautiful landscapes around Atlanta since 2001.

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While autumn and winter in Georgia are not typically harsh, it can still get pretty cold. But just because the nights are cooling off doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy outdoor entertaining! Outdoor fire features, whether it be a fire pit or fireplace, are a great way to enjoy outdoor living spaces all year long! Outdoor fire features offer a different approach to outdoor entertaining. They can complement your porch, patio, or even just your backyard landscape. Even a simple fire pit in the right location of your yard can create the perfect outdoor living space. Everyone loves a good outdoor fire no matter what time of year it is. So, if you are considering adding an outdoor fire feature to your home, here are some of the benefits you will enjoy.

6 Benefits of an Outdoor Fire Feature

• Enjoy Year-Round - Outdoor fires are not only for winter! No matter the season, outdoor fires are a great outdoor activity. In the spring and fall, building an outdoor fire is a great way to enjoy your yard when the nights are just cool enough. Even during warm summer nights, fires are a great way to enjoy the outdoors and can even help keep mosquitoes away!

• Ambiance - Outdoor fire features provide a great ambiance for your yard or outdoor living space. The value of the ambiance they provide is severely underestimated. Sitting outdoors next to the perfect fire can allow you to read, relax, or contemplate life in a relaxed atmosphere. The lighting and sounds produced by a fire can’t be beaten.

• Entertaining - Need the perfect backyard venue for that party you are hosting? Or do you want to host the neighborhood's best wine tasting? Then a fire feature is the perfect backyard venue. Fire pits and fireplaces can be the focus or center point of your party.

• Property Value - When it comes to increasing the value of your home, having an outdoor living space is one of the best ways to do so. Outdoor fire features can either complement a living space or even be one on its own. Many potential homebuyers are interested in a home with a completed outdoor living space. This can create even more demand for your home or increase the price that it sells for. In fact, many people say that a fire feature is a better investment than a swimming pool if you are looking to sell your home soon.

• Minimal, If Any, Maintenance - Fire features do not require significant maintenance. Usually, there is some seasonal fireplace maintenance, but it is nothing compared to a pool. Fire pits have almost no maintenance costs and are very easy to maintain.

• Versatile - Fire features come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. No matter the size or style, a fire feature is a great way to bring cohesiveness to your landscape. Adding a fire element to your yard can increase how much time you spend enjoying your outdoor living space. They encourage family time and making memories at home.

With even cooler weather just around the corner, now is the perfect time to install a fire feature for your outdoor living space! If you are ready to improve your outdoor living experience, contact Outdoor Makeover & Living Spaces. We are Atlanta's outdoor living experts and have been installing outdoor fire features since 2001.

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Living in Georgia doesn’t mean that one is completely safe from a sinkhole “showing up” in their landscape. Sure, there are areas of the country where sinkholes can be more of an issue. But, being an Atlanta property owner doesn’t mean that sinkholes won’t occur. Consequently, the best action you can take regarding sinkholes is to learn what you can about these nuisances and what can be done about them.

5 FAQs Regarding Sinkholes

1. Why sinkholes appear? Sinkholes can be due to both natural and manmade causes. Natural sinkholes are most common in terrain that is rich in limestone, gypsum, salt beads and where other carbonate rocks can be dissolved. When water erodes the rocks, a pit can be formed, and the sinkhole is formed. However, a sinkhole can also be the result of a construction company’s burying debris at various points of the building project.
2. Is there more than one type of sinkhole? Yes. Manmade sinkholes can be divided into 3 types. A development hole is dug by a builder at the onset of a new build to dispose (incorrectly) of debris. A lot cleaning hole is built toward the end of the foundation, and a clean-up hole is done when the job is completed and the company opts to bury the detritus of building.  These holes can be 10-15 feet deep. Natural sinkholes are divided into cover-subsidence holes and result due to the wearing down of soluble rock; cover collapse holes are typically triggered by a heavy rainfall or drought that rapidly removes the material making it possible for the sediment that covered the void to disappear. Consequently, cover collapse sinkholes are thought to be more threatening.
3. How can I identify a potential sinkhole? Periodically, walk around your yard and check for small holes in the ground or cracks along your home’s foundation. If your yard has a significant amount of soluble rock or you suspect that the builder took some shortcuts, you will need to be especially vigilant. 9If you aren’t sure about the type(s) of rocks in your property, you may want to get a geological survey.
4. What are some common areas in a yard that a sinkhole is most likely to occur? Sinkholes can occur anywhere, but common places are near a buried water or sewer line, along any easements, near old wells or utilities, as a result of having a large tree stump removed or anywhere that large rocks may have been buried to aid in the construction of the lot itself.
5. How to deal with sinkholes? Dealing with sinkholes -especially deep ones - is not a task for the weekend DIYer! If you suspect a sinkhole may occur or have recently been surprised by an unplanned pit in your yard, talk to an Outdoor Makeover & Construction team member asap! If the hole is close to your home, then you should get out until the situation can be assessed by a pro. Sinkholes can happen at any time. But, thankfully, they don’t have to be a permanent feature of your property. If you suspect that your property might be especially prone to having a sinkhole, or have recently had a sinkhole develop, then contact the Outdoor Makeover & Construction team today.

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Before you know it, winter will be behind us and spring with all its beauty will be here. Of course, it also the time many parents are ready to have their kids spend more time outdoors. But, not every yard is designed to entice the kids outdoors! Sure, there is something to say for a child using their imagination, but why not do your part to encourage it? After all, if you grew up playing in the backyard and discovering all the fun summer offers, then you know the importance of a yard that makes you want to run, slide, swing, climb or perhaps just curl up in a hammock with a good book. But with room for the kids to explore, comes a need for room for parties and get-togethers for friends of all ages.

Ideas for the Family Friendly Backyard

So, if you are looking for a way to make your backyard a space where your family comes together and the kids are excited to explore and play, now is the time to begin working with a design team and determining what features will amp up your space. Here are a few to get you started.

Especially for the Kids:

• Water Features: From a soothing koi pond to a natural area that invites turtles, frogs and other wildlife or a splash pad complete with water sprays and fountains, water elements add fun to any backyard design.
• Space Maximization: Just because you don’t have a large yard, it doesn’t mean you can’t have a fun play space. Think about swings, slides, sandboxes, seesaws, sawed off tree stumps securely placed as a walking route, balance beams, and other items that encourage exploration and adventure.
• Climbing Wall: These have become quite popular in recent years, and are great for encouraging strength building and coordination.
• Sensory Garden: Have a space that stimulates your children’s senses. Include elements such as marigolds, sunflowers, Swiss chard, sage, strawberries, and other plants that encourage them to taste, touch, and smell.
• Blackboard: Turn a fence space or wall into a blackboard, add a bucket for chalk and let your kids show off their creativity.

Especially for Dad & Mom:

• Patios, Porches, and Pergolas: You need the perfect place to unwind with a glass of something cold after a long day. Design a space that lets you relax in comfort.
• Grill: Be it a custom fire pit, a built-in grill space or an outdoor kitchen or fireplace, making the outdoors more functional for entertaining is the perfect addition to a family-friendly lawn design.
• Movie Night: Convert an area of your yard into your very own outdoor theatre. Whether you paint the side of an outbuilding or clear a space for a movie screen, the backyard movie is a winner for everyone!
• Light it up: Make it easy to make family memories by adding outdoor lighting. Be it tiny twinkling lights in the shrubbery or tree, can lights or spotlights along walkways, or rope lights along the porch banisters, lights make every space more welcoming. Your home’s backyard is not just about the kids. Sure, you want it to be an area that encourages their imagination, but you also need a place where you can hang out with your friends, throw a steak on the grill or just escape for a few minutes. So when you plan your perfect backyard, be sure to include yourself in the fun, too. Now is the time to start designing a family friendly backyard where the kids can play and you can relax. Contact the Outdoor Makeover Design team to get started on the perfect design.

Also Read: Eco Friendly Options that Enhance Your Landscape

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There are some landscapes in Georgia where you might feel as though walking outside is the equivalent to hiking a mountain trail. These yards have significant slopes that make the backyard a challenge to comfortably walk, not to mention a serious issue in the event of rain, or the occasional snowfall. So, for many homeowners, the sloping landscape becomes a space that is often bemoaned and met with uncertainty in what to do about the situation. However, there is a feasible approach that is both practical and great looking – the addition of landscape stairs.

And, because the stairs can be made from a wide range of materials, they can complement any architectural style -from the classics to the contemporary. Nearly any yard where unevenness is an issue can be improved with the addition of landscape stairs. They might be made using concrete slabs, by incorporating railroad ties or treated 4x4s, bricks, pavers, tiles, scrap metal or repurposed steel beams, stamped concrete, or even the addition of flat stones. The options are varied so it sure that landscape stairs can be incorporated to make your Atlanta area yard. Better yet, by adding the stairs you make your home more marketable because people can use the yard more fully.

Also making a stairway a practical part of the landscape is that they can be the ideal place to add extra lighting. Inside or outside, a well-lit stairway is important. But in adding more lights – especially those that are motion activated- to your landscape you are adding some extra security to your home. Of course, just because adding stairs to your yard is practical, it doesn’t have to be about function only. The steps can also be a perfect place to add planters, connect one part of your yard to another or even disguise a retaining wall. Depending on the design of your yard, you could even use the landscape stairs as a way to add a water feature to the yard, so that even if the slopes in your yard were man-made they now look cohesive and charming. Beyond simply making the yard easier to navigate, stairs also make more of your accessible, thus making your landscape larger.

Rather than feeling like part of your lawn is unusable, you now can design your lawn to maximize its functionality. That sloping yard doesn’t have to create a challenge – nor should it keep you from purchasing a home that is ideal for your needs. Rather, it means bringing in a team that understands your sloping landscape concerns. The Outdoor Makeover and Construction team has redesigned many Atlanta area yards that have significant sloping so that the yard is not just easier to navigate, but actually takes a feature that can be a negative and turned it into a delightful outdoor area with style and charm. Talk to an Outdoor Makeover and Construction specialist today about implementing landscape stair into your outdoor space.

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We have all heard of “Stay-cations”. The concept is to have as much fun as possible in the area where we live. We do things we would do on a vacation, only we do it in our home town. But what about a “Home-cation?” This is when you stay in your home and have a vacation. Homes have been associated with chores during the day, we mow lawn, do laundry, fix the fan. But imagine having one of our Atlanta landscape architects design a backyard full of escapade. Backyards are the best space to any house if properly designed, unless you are a caveman, who does not want to be outside.

Your Atlanta landscaping company could incorporate a deck, screened porches, spas and hot tubs, a big green lawn, fire feature, water feature and landscaping, and your style of Atlanta landscape design. Whether you want to know how to Create the Perfect Outdoor Entertainment Area or thinking about upgrading your boring backyard, Your landscape architect, should sit with you and design a very customized landscape plan which incorporates your desired features into your outdoor living space.

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Now that the busyness of summer and fall are behind you, and Christmas is looming, it may seem strange to be thinking about lawn care or landscaping. However, this is the best time of the year to prepare your yard for all the great plans you have for the year ahead. Even better, by making plans and taking precautions, you can ensure that your yard is even better next year than it has ever been. Before many outdoor makeovers can be made, it is vital that some preparation steps are taken. Here are few tips to help you get ready for that 2017 yard makeover.

1. Winter Landscaping Tips  Plan Now for Your Spring Landscape Projects As days get shorter and cooler, this is the time to begin planning your yard’s look for next year. Consider taking time to spread mulch, cut back trees or shrubbery that may still need to be pruned, remove any dead plants, and wrap any delicate shrubbery. For most yards this will take one busy weekend but it will go a long way towards a beautiful, working yard next spring.
2. Think about Drainage Did you discover this summer that your yard did not move water out of the way properly or effectively? Then now is the time to talk to a landscape pro about grading your yard so that rain water is moved the direction you need it.
3. Clean Up If you still have leaves or debris from fall in your garden areas, take time now to remove it as this will make it easier to see your yard’s canvas and begin planning for next summer.
4. Minimize Walking in the Yard Once you have your yard cleaned up and prepped for winter, endeavor to keep walking across your yard to a minimum otherwise you risk displacing your grass. Plus, frequent walking on the lawn - especially should it be a wet winter- can cause damage such as compaction.
5. Irrigation Irrigation systems are a great addition to any lawn. If you are considering one for your space, now is a great time to follow up on it.
6. Dream Now is the time to sketch out what you want next year’s war to look like. From plant life to decorative elements, and features such as patios and fire pits, there are many ways to enhance your yard for greater functionality and design. Need ideas, give the Makeover Landscaping specialists a call. Outdoor Makeover is ready to meet with you and help you move forward on designing the best landscaping design you have ever had. Contact one of our landscape pros today to learn how we can help you give your lawn and backyard areas a complete makeover.

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What is your favorite time of the year? Is it spring when all the flowers are starting to poke their heads through the earth and the trees are beginning to wear their new coats? Perhaps it is summer when the weather is perfect for outdoor entertainment, long sunny days, warm sultry nights and yard parties. Or, maybe it is fall when the trees are filled with yellow, orange and red hues and the temperatures are crisp and cool – just perfect for relaxing around a fire pit. Then, of course, there’s winter with its cold though sunny days and a plethora of holidays to bring family together. Yes, no matter what time of year it is, there’s always time to enjoy the outdoors with a group of friends and family. But to make those opportunities for visiting and enjoying the outdoors even better, you need to have a landscape designed for entertainment and pleasure.  So, what should that look like? Here are a few ideas for creating the perfect outdoor entertainment area:

1. Outdoor lighting: Lights are a great way to make your yard more interesting. From spotlights or to hidden up lighting in a pond area, to twinkling lights draped in the trees and shrubbery, a string of lanterns along the edge of a patio, torch lights around the edges of an outdoor kitchen or even sconces on the walls of an outdoor bar area – there is no end to how lights can be used outdoors.
2. Custom built tables: Who says that traditional picnic tables are your only choice? Design tables that show off your style and compliment your landscape. Consider alternative materials such as stonework, pottery, recycled materials and other products for a piece that is both functional and fun.
3. Stay warm – Be it a fire pit only large enough for toasting marshmallows and telling ghost stories, a large double fireplace for grilling or more simple fireplace where sharing a glass of your favorite beverage is the norm, having a contained fire element is a great way to add life to your backyard entertaining.
4. Stroll along: If you are a fan of gardening, and have multiple garden areas, why not connect the various space with a meandering garden path lined with delightful pavers, small stones or whimsical edges? When combined with lights, you can create a fun place to escape the stresses of the day.
5. Keep it green: Be sure to include plenty of greenery in your backyard – and not just in the form of your grass. Choose an assortment of flowering plants and trees that can be easily maintained yet showcase your home and outdoor features in style. Designing an outdoor landscape perfect for entertaining can be done with a bit of planning and by talking to one of the Outdoor Makeover experts. After all, there is no reason for you to stress over creating the perfect yard. Let us look over your yard and help you decide what elements will be best for your needs. Give us a call today.

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