Taking time out of everyone’s busy schedule is tough and sometimes we need the advise of professionals to complete a job. Landscaping is a key component to every home and property and the right kind of landscaping can increase your properties value and actually reduce maintenance costs.

Value Adding

Property owners looking to put their home on the market could gain from a simple concept adding value and curb appeal by utilizing the right landscaping. This is where it gets tricky being able to decipher which types of landscaping will accomplish this goal.

Research

Although there does not seem to be many studies in Canada proving that landscaping adds value to your property there is many to choose from in the USA.

· A “Smartmoney” magazine article in 2003 stated landscaping could add up to 15% to a properties value similar to your bathroom or your kitchen.
· Clemson Universities department of Agriculture And Economics also concluded similar findings in 1994.
· A Society of Real Estate Survey in 1987 revealed 95% of appraisers responding to their survey felt landscaping adds value to an property and enhances curb appeal.

A tremendous opportunity exists in the professional landscaping industry to run with this concept!

Choosing The Right Landscaping

Improving the resale of your property goes beyond planting (softscapes) and includes lighting, fences, arbors, pathways, ponds, fire pits and driveways or hardscapes features.
Planting in the right place can act as noise barriers and reduce heating and cooling cost by as much as 25%! Whatever you plan make sure it is kept clean and neat and in working order.

Assessing And Planning a Landscape Project

Step 1 Get a site assessment completed by a landscape professional
Step 2 Setup up a budget and timeline to complete your project with use of low maintenance plants and structures!
Step 3 Look closely at current landscaping trends and devise your dream or plan for your landscaping consider linking your indoors to your outdoors!
Step 4 Select a professional to complete your job if you need someone to look after If your trees hire an arborist if your require drainage consult a hydraulics expert!

Step 5 Select a Landscaper
· Is professional and courteous
· Make sure prospective contractors have liability and worksafe insurance
· Has a Business License
· Has a GST #
· Gets a proper permits necessary to complete job
· Has references, photos, check Better Business Bureau, Association Links
· Gives you a plan or contract of project including payment terms, start and finish date, permits necessary, any notifies you planned disruptions to you life, meets with you regularly and keeps you informed and gives you a written contract and sets out a dispute resolution plan

Step 6 Follow through on the plan! This is how projects fail no follow through!
Step 7 Ensure all work is complete to contract specs
Step 8 Devise a schedule to maintain a property
example: clean gutters every November

All the above discussed ideas are just some of the ways to add value to your home and ensure you get added value for property if you decide to sell or just increase the functionality of your home.

Written by Trevor Anderson

Spider Landscaping And Lawn Care
Surrey British Columbia
trevor_370@msn.com
Diploma in Greenspace Management 2007 red River College
Agriculture Diploma 1997 University of Manitoba

Before any of us even realized it, the Vancouver 2010 Olympics are over and we are almost half way through March! Time really does fly when you’re having fun. Despite the small amount of snow we got today, spring is definitely in the air. There is an infinite amount of things you can do around your home to maintain its value. These tasks usually aren’t the most fun things to do with your day/weekend, but let’s stay focused here people.

When I first started in this business I went on as many home inspections as possible and I quickly realized that I didn’t know jack about properly taking care of my home. Now, years later I know that this subject is vast as I am still learning about proper maintenance and how it can relate to the resale value of any home. Just like when you were 19 and you owned that very special rust coloured Honda pony car where if you just change the oil every three thousand miles and check the brakes and the spark plugs every fifteen thousand miles, it would still be running today! Well the same can be said about your home.

Caution should be used when attempting to follow any or all of these maintenance tips. Only perform these operations if you have the know-how and proper skill to take on these tasks. Remember to follow all manufacturers' instructions, disconnect the power, gas, water, etc., and if you have questions always consult with a professional. We are not responsible for any content shown, we assume no liability for improper maintenance, damage, or injury, and leave you to perform any tasks AT YOUR OWN RISK.

•Smoke alarms, Carbon Monoxide detectors, and Fire extinguishers Replace all batteries and check that all levels and gauges are in the correct positions and none have expired.

•Gutters Clean gutters, and make sure downspouts are attached and extended away from the foundation. This is SO IMPORTANT! Water damage from clogged gutters can lead to moisture in your walls, damage sidings/windows and punish your foundation and perimeter drains. Vancouver doesn’t see a lot of rain does it?
•Air conditioning Check that the unit is level and clean and has proper clearance. Adjust main duct dampers for cooling season. Contact a HVAC professional to service the system.

•Humidifier Turn off unit and water supply. Switch humidifier's duct damper to cooling setting. Drain any remaining water from humidifier.

•High and low returns If necessary, open high returns and close low returns for cooling season.

•Whole house fan Check belt; lubricate and clean.

•Roof Check for damage and trim trees as needed.

•Roof vents Check for damage and holes in screens and repair as necessary.

•Chimney Inspect for damage to cap, flashing, and masonry.

•Exterior Check condition of paint, caulk, and putty. Check landscaping to ensure that grading slopes away from the foundation. Check that all bushes and shrubs are not in contact with the siding.

•Attic Check for signs of leaks, mildew, or condensation.

•Basement Check for signs of leaks, cracks, movement, or mildew.

•Crawl space Check for adequate ventilation to remove excess moisture.

•Dehumidifier Clean; prepare for use, if necessary.

•Plumbing Open outside hose faucet shutoffs.

•Sprinkler system Service and start system.

•Decks Clean and seal as necessary. Check guardrails and handrails for looseness and repair accordingly.

•Sump pump Test the operation of the sump pump to make sure that any water that enters the sump pit is removed. Consider getting a battery backup in case the power goes out.

•Washing Machine Check the supply hoses for damage. Consider upgrading rubber hoses to metal hoses to prevent failure of the hoses. Check the screens in the hose connections and make sure the discharge is not clogged and is properly discharging into the plumbing system.

•Doors and Hardware Lubricate the hinges and all moving parts.

•Septic System Have the septic tank professionally pumped at least every two years.

•Water Softener Clean the brine tank and screens or filters as needed.

•Well System Have the water tested for bacteria and other contaminants. And check the pressure tank for operation.

•Fireplace Schedule cleaning and inspection as needed, depending on use.

•Water Filters Replace the water filters as needed per manufacturer's recommendations.

•Gas Appliances Check the flexible gas connectors for the stove, dryer, etc.

•Range Hood Clean the filter and fan to allow for proper operation.

•Shutoffs Periodically review all utility disconnects/shutoffs with your family in the event of an emergency.

•Termites Schedule professional inspections and service as needed.

•Electrical Eliminate the use of electrical cords, especially those used for holiday decorations.

•Water heater Follow manufacturer's recommendations for annual cleaning and/or tests and replace any leaking valves.

Often like many of these repairs, a check at least every six months could reveal a small problem that if fixed promptly could save you thousands of dollars later. These will all be things that future inspectors will look for when you decide to buy your home. Only when you are a buyer will you realize how big these problems can become because a home owner neglected to do any of these things. Like your passion for money, make home maintenance your passion too… because this is a life long learning process and you don’t want to be left in the dark because it was cooler to go to the pub. Makes sense right? No makes dollars! ;)