If you are a savvy developer, then you have certainly made sure that you have gone the extra mile with your new build property. From items you can’t see, like the best development loan, to the bits you can – windows to doors, down to the number of electrical outlets in each room, you will have thought of everything to impress those potential buyers. However, a new challenge has revealed itself and it is time to sit down and have a serious think about the outdoor space, what can you do to add value to your new build and get viewers through the door?
Prospective homebuyers often draw their opinions on the overall look of a property from its curb appeal and yet, outdoor landscaping can often be bland and underdeveloped. Appealing landscaping could easily push up the price of your new build by 10 per cent, and this is why considering our tips for improving your landscaping are well worth heeding:
Landscaping with Spoil
Starting with the foundations, make sure that you save the spoil from excavating. This may be used later to help you create your own signature style features. You could ask ground workers to separate the topsoil for later use. Another clever thing about re-using the spoil, is you will avoiding the Landfill Tax that comes with dumping excavated soil and rock.
Flooring that Flows from Indoors to Outdoors
When fitting out the property, you will probably plan your interior scheme, then once completed, consider how the garden will complement your design. The advantage of planning both at the same time means an overall scheme that flows seamlessly from interior to exterior. When considering flooring for your living spaces, you might also want to look if an outdoor version is available. If there is one, it will help you create a smooth transition between indoors and outdoors. Better still, you may get a discount if you buy in bulk.
Plan Large Garden Features in Beforehand
Forewarned is forearmed as the old adage has it. If you want to have a pond or a pool, you may want to consider this in a timely fashion and ask your contractors to carry out the groundworks during the house build. This will save you time and money as there will be easy access to the land and you won’t have the additional expense of re-hiring the digging crew.
Consider the Lands Drainage
You may think by opting for impermeable, hard landscaping you are reducing future maintenance for potential purchasers but this could land the new homeowners in (hot) water. The UK isn’t renowned for its endless days of sunshine, it rains quite a lot so you should perhaps steer clear from landscaping decisions that may lead to the flooding of the property.
You can achieve the best results by opting for lawns, borders, and gravelled areas. On top of that, you will be well advised to look into the array of traditional hardscaping materials available on the market. Another trick up the developers sleeve is making good use of rainwater harvesting, which will help you keep the garden fresh in drier weather.
For Sloping Sites, Decking is a Good Option
If there is a sloping garden at the property, you may become the victim of a common pitfall. People often terrace sloping areas, which can be expensive. Instead you could use decking to create level surfaces. It is a cost efficient way and it will allow you to create a flow between any raised levels of the property to the garden.
Mature Plants Give a More Established Look to the Garden
When you start fresh with a garden, it takes quite a lot of time and effort to see the fruits of your labour, by which time you will hopefully have sold your development. However, buying mature plants can be rather pricey. There is a balance you can strike to achieve a ‘lived in’ look for your landscaping. By choosing a select number of species that add height to the garden, you are also creating privacy which is a prospective purchasers dream. Popular choices for screening are bamboo and pleached trees, which can be bought fully formed.
When considering flowers and shrubs, you will have to adopt a different approach. It is best to plant young plants and allow them to grow over time. The new homeowner will be able to see how different species fare over time and make adjustments if necessary. It usually takes one or two seasons for these plants to reach maturity but you could get a head start by buying them in tubs in advance and nurturing them whilst the build is taking place.
Indoor and Outdoor Lighting
If you opt for a good garden lighting scheme, you will enhance the property in several areas. Firstly, security will be improved and the house will have a more inviting look. In addition, the new homeowners will be able to enjoy the garden long after sunset. It is advisable, and cost efficient to ask your electrician to undertake the indoor and outdoor wiring simultaneously. When it comes to outdoor lighting, doing things in advance will ensure that no potential overloading of the circuit will occur through last-minute makeshift lighting decisions.
Consider Weather and Sun Exposure
When starting to sort out the landscaping scheme, you may want to have a few site specifics in mind. It may take a few weeks to figure out how the site will fare at different times of the day. If there is a very exposed sunny spot, it might be worth considering introducing a shaded area to the garden for the new homeowners to retreat to if it all get too hot. Ultimately, try to pick appropriate plans for each space.
The Importance of Storage
Let’s face it, if you have a garden, there is a definite need for a place to keep all the tools to maintain it. Where will the lawn mower, outdoor furniture and toys be stored? For any new homeowner, storage is an essential consideration and this is a factor that needs consideration. It could be a garage or a spacious shed – both work.
If there is no possibility of adding a garage to the property, it’s worth thinking about if a lean-to style storeroom would fit. After all, there is always something extra that needs storing.
