Landscape Architects

A view from the street

Does your home have curb appeal? According to those in the real estate business, the key to selling your home is getting people to stop. That happens when your home presents a friendly, tidy facade to prospective buyers. And if you´re not selling, who better than you should see a pleasant, welcoming yard when you come home at the end of the day?

Working with a landscape architect can help you create an outside environment that increases the market value of your home and provides you with valuable outdoor "rooms" that significantly expand your living spaces.

In addition to design services, landscape architects can help you

• analyze and prepare a site plan that is functional, aesthetic, and environmentally attuned to the property
• select plant materials
• oversee installation of hardscapes such as patios, walkways, decks, retaining walls, water features, and irrigation systems
• maintain your landscapes

First steps

As with any other major remodeling project, put together a notebook of design ideas for your yard. Cull them from magazines, product brochures, and home shows. Take pictures of yards in your area that appeal to you. You´ll see combinations of plants that not only appeal to you, but thrive in your neighborhood.

Before choosing a landscape architect, get several estimates and be sure to obtain the following:

• A complete review the architect´s portfolio of projects
• Project references and length of experience. Check with the Better Business Bureau for consumer complaints
• Proof of licensing, professional certification, liability insurance. For architect´s who work with a team, worker’s comp insurance may also be necessary.
• Written guarantees on work