A beautiful garden space can bring a whole new dimension to your property. Given that it offers a safe place to enjoy being outside, it is a particularly popular choice for upgrades in the post-pandemic era. However, it’s only worth completing those projects if they are set to unlock the full potential of the home setting.
Therefore, strategic planning is an essential part of the process. Use the following questions to ensure that you have covered all angles and you won’t go far wrong.
Q1. What is my budget?
One of the great things about garden upgrades is that you are in no major rush to complete the project. After all, you can essentially shut yourself away from the project at the end of the session. Nevertheless, you don’t want to unnecessarily lose the function of your backyard for several months.
Therefore, it’s vital that you calculate the true cost of the job. Of course, there are plenty of DIY tutorials to remove the costs of hiring a contractor. Nevertheless, you will need to consider materials and a host of other costs. Depending on the type of work, this may include plumbing, excavation, and other preparation costs.
Likewise, some projects require a significant amount of paperwork and admin. Do not overlook those legal fees.
Q2. Are the plans actually built around you?
In a world where it is possible to find inspiration at the tip of your fingers, it is easy to fall in love with the look of a project. However, the garden design pages and influencers are promoting upgrades that work best for them. If a proposed product isn’t tailored to match your requirements, you should look elsewhere.
First and foremost, you need to ensure that the design fits in with the rest of your property. After all, the brickwork or sliding doors can determine what materials are used for decks and patios. Similarly, you should consider whether the jobs are built for you. If you’re not going to use a pool or a summer house, forget about them
Similarly, if a pizza oven or firepit is better than a BBQ for your personal tastes, you should embrace that fact.
Q3. Will any legal issues hold you back?
Before starting any work on your garden, you must confirm that you are legally permitted to do it. Sadly, if you go ahead with works that are not allowed, you may face serious issues if authorities or neighbours are unhappy. Worse still, outside spaces are likely to undergo even stricter issues than internal projects.
If you are thinking about extensions or constructing buildings, planning permission may be needed. This is dependent on the dimensions and location. You must also avoid causing disruption to endangered animals. You can visit Arbtech.co.uk to learn more. But even when they’re on your land, the regulations are clear.
Facing an unexpected financial or legal battle due to neglect in planning is the last thing you need.
Q4. Is it the right time of the year to complete the work?
The garden will be subjected to the potentially harsh weather conditions. Therefore, you may need to consider the timing of your backyard projects. Despite the fact that it is possible to cover versatile materials, working at a more convenient time may save time and money. There will always be another job that can be completed elsewhere.
It is also worth considering your schedule. Is it possible to book a contractor while you go on holiday? And if so, is leaving them in charge of the property while you’re away something you would be comfortable with. Or if you are planning to take on some of the work yourself, you’ll need to know when it’s viable.
Timing is crucial for any home upgrade project but carries an even greater significance for external jobs. Underestimate it at your peril.
Q5. Will the jobs unlock the full potential of the space?
Utilising the available space to its full potential is one of the most significant challenges for any garden project. When the area is designed to let you do more, it’s inevitable that your time spent enjoying the work will increase too. Knowing the exact dimensions and the positions of various pipes and wiring is vital.
Whether you have a large or compact garden, several steps can be used to improve your usage of space. Using convenient hydroponic systems can make your gardening area better organised. Meanwhile, folding furniture or items with multiple functions can aid the cause. You can trick the eyes further by using different heights and sectioning.
Of course, if you are able to connect the garden to the property through sliding doors or a conservatory, this can help.
Q6. Are the upgrades set to deliver a positive ROI?
Every home upgrade project should be a financial decision. After all, any significant transformation will cost at least a few thousand pounds. Therefore, as well as finding projects that can add value to your life, you should consider the ROI. it could deliver a huge source of smiles.
There is no exact right or wrong answer as to what job you should complete. Still, the bobvila.com list of jobs makes for interesting reading. While not all of the projects are directly linked to the garden itself, the whole process of building a better exterior is key. The size of the garden will have an influence.
You shouldn’t let financial issues stand in the way of projects you want. Instead, try to balance the two.
Q7. Can the upgrade work be easily maintained?
Building a beautiful garden space is the easy challenge. The real challenges stem from maintaining the appeal. After all, the garden is exposed to the elements, which may cause some issues. Similarly, the fact that you are working with growing natural elements cannot be ignored.
You can combat the latter issue by selecting items that require minimal or no maintenance. Trading grass for artificial lawns has become a very popular choice. Alternative moves may include finding plants that require minimal trimming or help with annual blooms. Or choosing furniture that has protective coatings.
When you spend less time working in the garden, you can dedicate more time to actually enjoying it.
Q8. Do I have other priorities?
The thought of adding those garden luxuries will certainly appeal. Sometimes in life, though, it’s necessary to think about what you need rather than what you want. While the swimming pool or jacuzzi would be great, they cannot take priority over jobs that require immediate attention.
For example, if the home is burdened by a leak, you must get it fixed. Similarly, if the home security isn’t up to scratch or your bed isn’t comfortable, you should fix those issues first. The sooner that you get those issues under control, the better. And not only because it is the responsible thing to do.
The harsh reality is that you won’t enjoy the garden upgrades if the other jobs play on your mind. Conversely, when the home is in good health, outside rewards will be even sweeter.
The final word
If you are thinking about making a garden upgrade, it’s clear that you have the incentive to make it happen. As long as it is the logical solution and can meet your financial needs, there is nothing to stop you from achieving great things. Best of all, the knowledge that you’ve made the right preparations should allow you to enjoy the results to even greater levels.
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