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Topic: Outdoor Kitchens



Date Posted: Thursday, May 01, 2014
Posted by: Judy Walker (Master Admin)
Source: http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20140419/APC0450/304190035/Cu...


Curb appeal: 10 Outdoor projects that add value to your home


Increase your property value and curb appeal at the same time with outdoor projects and design ideas aimed at enhancing outdoor living spaces, creating rooms outdoors and transforming your yards and landscaping.

“A definite trend in the last few years has been adding or enhancing outdoor living spaces,” said Deb Willis, retail manager at Lowney’s Landscaping in Appleton.

“The ‘stay-cation’ has allowed the homeowner an opportunity to approach some of the projects they may have been putting off. These projects have the potential to increase the value of the home, improve perceived value and increase saleability of the home in a very competitive market,” she said.

Jacci Konkle, Realtor with DeWitt Londre Real Estate in Appleton, is passionate about helping her clients understand the importance of landscaping, appearance and curb appeal in the selling process and has even written an e-book on the topic available on her website www.jaccikonkle.com.

“First of all, you need to take a look at your curb appeal,” Konkle said. “Even if you have the most beautiful home on the inside, if you can’t get anyone to want to stop and come in to look, you can’t sell it to them. Take a walk around your property, or, better yet, ask a friend to do it with you and point out what they see.”

Some important areas to check are siding, fencing, shutters, landscaping, the driveway, the lawn as well as the front door, she said.

Here are some of their top landscaping and outdoor projects to increase the value and perceived value of your home and property.

Patios

“The most common of outdoor spaces is the patio,” Willis said. “A simple patio should allow for basic grilling and seating, but nowadays, the sky is the limit when it comes to outdoor rooms.”

Whether your patio is made from wood, concrete, pavers, vinyl or resin material, patios beckon relaxation, family and conversation.

Outdoor kitchens

An outdoor kitchen project can be as simple or as extravagant as your budget allows. From a simple grill, cooler, table setting and bar to a fully-loaded outdoor room complete with electric power, lighting, running water and more, the outdoor kitchen potentially can be used in all four seasons.

There are high-tech grills, wet bars, refrigeration options and other accessories a homeowner now has available to consider, Willis said.

Pergola

A pergola is a great option for providing shelter from the midday sun, allowing your patio area to be a more comfortable space even in the heat of summer.

“Because of the size of a pergola, it really feels like an addition to your indoor living space,” Willis said. “A pergola can be constructed over an existing patio, but it is easier to build it when the patio is being installed.”

Landscaping

“If you have unsightly trees or shrubs, have them trimmed or consider removing them,” Konkle said. “Have something nice in front of the home. If you don’t want to plant anything in the landscape, you can lay down fresh mulch and purchase a potted plant or shrub and place it out front for color and appeal. If it’s not planted, you can always take it with you to your new home, too.”

Willis encourages property owners to plant trees as well as maintain their landscaping.

“I always encourage the planting of trees,” she said. “It is one of those things you won’t regret planting them. You only regret not planting them.

“Basic yard care, trimming, pruning and edging are all signs of a well-maintained property. Keep your plants healthy and thriving so they can demonstrate the characteristics that are unique to them. After all, that’s why they were chosen.”

Privacy

Privacy is extremely important to perspective buyers so be sure to include elements in your yard and garden to help create a sense of serenity and privacy in your outdoor spaces.

“Once you have created this wonderful outdoor living space, I imagine most of us would not like to feel that our neighbors are watching us eat, unless you’ve invited them over,” Willis said. “Natural plantings are a great way to go if you have the space to let the plants mature. Fencing is also an option but should be well thought out.”

Konkle advises to check the fence and maintain it regularly to keep it from becoming a hindrance.

“If you have a fence, repair and or paint it if necessary,” she said.

Paver walkways and more

Pavers are hot in landscaping, wherever they are used and inexpensively can add value to your property.

“If a walkway, driveway or patio made from pavers is an option, I encourage the use of that product,” Willis said. “Pavers are used as a design element in any quality landscaping plan. Concrete is not a design element; it’s all function.”

Pavers are also less expensive to repair if cracking or heaving should occur.

“If soil settles underneath concrete, it will crack, leaving you with limited options,” Willis said. “If pavers are subjected to settling, with a little effort the area can be as good as new by reworking the pavers.”

Driveways

It’s important to keep a well-maintained driveway to add value to your property.

“If you have stains on the driveway, steam clean them and make your driveway look nicer,” Konkle said. “If there are big gaps in elevations, you can have it mudjacked to level it out again.”

Water features

“Ponds and water features can also improve the value of a property,” Willis said. “Installed properly and with minimal upkeep, the aesthetic value they provide is unmatched. Most of us love the sound of water.”

Keep in mind that there are some annual maintenance requirements for many types of water features.

Home maintenance

“Selling a home today is about much more than just location,” Konkle said. “You need to do all you can to stand out.”

Curb appeal is like a first impression, and you know what they say about first impressions.

“By all means, keep up with your lawn mowing and snow removal,” Konkle said. “Always be sure to keep weeds under control, as well.”

Konkle also recommends removing your family name from landscaping and outdoor elements if selling your home.

“People need to imagine themselves living there, not some other family,” she said.

“A healthy lawn, proper grading and drainage, buried gutters or drainage tile, fresh mulch and other items all present a huge negative if not taken care of,” Willis said.

The front door

One of the simplest and most inviting outdoor elements to care for and create a visual impact with is your front door.

Konkle recommends painting the doorway regularly to add interest and replacing the doorknob or hardware.

Nothing can create an instant impact better than a boldly painted, attractive entryway to your home, visible from the street.

“If the storm door is in rough shape, replace it or remove it all together,” she said.



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