Landscaping Adds Value

The integral part nature plays in our life is undeniable. A freshly mowed lawn, bright flowers, and the sounds of birds overhead add an unmistakable quality to our lives by reducing stress and providing oxygen. But landscaping is also good for the wallet, too. Putting time and effort into maintaining a manicured lawn shows homeowners through curb appeal that the house in question is also well-maintained. And better yet? It means a better asking price when it comes time to sell your home.

The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) recommends investing 10% of your home’s value in landscaping. At the same time, other studies suggest that by spending 5% to 15% on landscaping upgrades, you can increase your home’s value by the same amount. 

Landscaping Tips

Year-Round Appeal

When choosing to uproot old plants or start a new flower bed, it’s important to choose plants that interest you year-round. This means choosing plants that will be around all year but bloom in different seasons. Budding and blooming flowers should be the focus for spring and summer, while autumn and winter are all about structure and foliage. Perennials and annuals are perfect for this landscaping tip. Perennials will add intrigue to your flower beds from May through July, but that leaves the rest of the year. Annuals will provide continuous color and activity to your yard when the perennials are no longer in bloom. 

Form and Function

Speaking of structure, let’s talk about organizing the shape of your flower beds. When spring and summer come around again, it’s nice to rejuvenate a flower bed by reorganizing how the flowers are laid out. One of the best rules of thumb for any flower bed is to follow a three-tiered method. This means short, low-to-the-soil flowers in front, medium-height flowers or flower bushes in the middle, and full-height flowers in the back. 

Consider Hardscape

Most homeowners think of a lush green and vibrantly-colored landscape when they think of refreshing their backyard, but that’s not the only way to make a yard feel new again. Hardscaping a yard can mean anything from including more stone or wood by adding fences or walls or adding a pergola or a deck. No matter what you choose, hardscaping has the purpose of introducing structure and design statements to a yard. Consider using large stone pavers or a wooden fence on the outskirts of your property. Landscaping a yard is a guaranteed way to add curb appeal, but hardscaping takes your home to another level. 

Water Feature Focal Points

Adding a water feature might sound like a hassle, but it’s easier than you might think. Adding in the peaceful tranquility of the sound of bubbling water is a sure-fire way to make any yard more appealing. A simple fountain can instantly transform a backyard space, while other homeowners might choose to make their own water feature. Using rock and stones to surround the fountain or water feature are also excellent ways to incorporate other materials into your landscaping than mulch and grass. 

Design Your Landscaping With Us

EcoStar Remodeling & Construction are experts in designing and implementing stunning landscaping for Los Angeles homes. We work closely with our clients to create the perfect outdoor space for them to enjoy year-round. If you’re in the market for a refresh to your yard, look no further than EcoStar Remodeling & Construction. Call us or connect with us on the web for a free quote. Let’s create your ideal outdoor sanctuary today. 

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Creating an Outdoor Kitchen

When we say “outdoor kitchen,” we don’t mean the typical propane or charcoal grill that most homeowners are accustomed to. We mean something more full-scale, like built-in grills, under-counter refrigerators, and sinks, complete with counter space to prepare meals without having to go inside. Preparing meals at get-togethers and parties indoors is fine, but being able to do it all outdoors in the bright warm months is so much better. Read on to learn more about creating your own outdoor kitchen. 

Do Some Research

To create the best outdoor kitchen for you, you must consider your lifestyle, budget, and available space. The most basic outdoor kitchen includes a freestanding grill, but if you’re looking for something more, you need to consider more than just your style. Outdoor kitchens allow a great deal of flexibility for homeowners to pick and choose what materials they like best and what appliances would best suit their needs. 

To find out what might work best for you, take a look at home improvement blogs like Houzz and The Spruce for inspiration and tips, or fall back on social media outlets like Pinterest and Instagram for inspiration. Contact a contractor to help you design and plan your perfect outdoor kitchen. Contractors are happy to work with you to create interesting and functional spaces that you’ll love. They can help you decide the best layout and answer questions like if a single counter, island, U-shape, or L-shape kitchen would work best. 

Settle on a Budget

Now that you know what elements you want to be implemented into your new outdoor kitchen, it’s time to decide on a budget to accommodate your needs. According to Remodelista, a simple outdoor kitchen space with a freestanding grill, under-counter refrigerator, sink, and faucet could cost about $4,000. A premium grill, sink and faucet, refrigerator, ice maker, ventilation, plus any other add-ons could cost $10,000 or more. Other costs include hiring a contractor to complete the work, electrical and plumbing, and building permit costs. 

Consider Your Climate

Choosing the correct materials and appliances based on the weather in your area is crucial. If you live in a warm and sunny environment, it’s important to consider what the sun can do to certain appliances and materials. According to Appliances Connection, a group of designers confirmed that using stainless steel, teak, or cypress cabinetry is best. Additionally, Dekton or concrete countertops were also recommended. If applicable, anything with a waterline should be winterized for colder months. Furthermore, consider the sun’s direction with your outdoor kitchen and seating, as no one wants to worry about the sun being in their face at optimal cookout times during the day.

Commit to Maintenance

Just like your indoor kitchen, your outdoor kitchen will require some maintenance. Outdoor kitchens have the disadvantage of being open to the elements, meaning cleaning is even more necessary. In the colder months, the kitchen will need to be covered up. In the warmer months, the sun can ruin some materials. Consider the general upkeep of your outdoor kitchen to ensure you can keep up with it. 

EcoStar Remodeling & Construction

There’s no better time to design and install a new outdoor kitchen, just like there’s no better team for the job than EcoStar Remodeling & Construction. When you work with us, our team ensures that you’re not left clueless at any point during your landscaping journey. Whether you already have an idea you wish to bring to life or are looking for fresh ideas to liven up the outdoors, our professional landscapers are there every step. We work within your budget, bringing you the best possible solutions to give your outdoors a makeover. Call us or connect with us on the web for a free quote. Let’s create the perfect outdoor kitchen for your needs.

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EcoStar Remodeling & Construction, based in Los Angeles, incorporates hard landscaping with construction work to make beautiful fences, pavements, decks, and patios. We also offer flower bed construction, the building of seating spaces, water fountains, and garden light installation. Our professionals dedicate their expertise to providing you with the best customer service in addition to beautiful garden landscapes, relaxing deck spaces, and well-constructed pavements.

Benefits of Hard Landscaping Elements for Your Home

Hard landscaping is easy to install and requires little to no maintenance. Some of the different types of and benefits of hard landscaping options are listed below:

Paving & Patios

Patios are available in a range of different landscaping materials. Some of the most popular materials used for patios are granite, porcelain, and concrete. Concrete is one of the most affordable materials for patios, while granite is a luxurious yet beautiful choice for your wonderfully constructed patios. Patios can be custom designed to be inviting and bright, with a range of finishes available. Slabs of different materials are available in various shapes, textures, and sizes to help you create a wonderfully beautiful finish for you.

Patios and paving are considered to be much more beneficial than lawns. They are a better surface for barbeques and do not need upkeep services like mowing and tending that cost extra money and time. Patios can be decorated easily with comfortable and fitting furniture that can be stored away once winter comes.

Woodwork & Fencing

People who have a hobby of gardening use bushes, shrubs, and other plants to beautify their gardens. While these landscaping elements may look beautiful, they require extra maintenance, which costs time and money. Timberwork and fences offer an attractive and sophisticated finish to your homes as well. With a wide variety of finishes and timber available in the market, you can choose the best fencing option available for an attractive finish. Pergolas and other woodworks can also be considered for a more beautiful addition. Decks are a great hard landscaping addition if you would like to spend quality time with your friends and family under the open sky.

Gravel & Pebbles

Gravel and pebbles are a great alternative to turf and can be utilized to border other garden features or a garden path. The benefit pebbles and gravel lend is that they are the most versatile covering available in the market. They can be installed in a setting easily and require minimal effort and upkeep. Professional landscapers from EcoStar Remodeling & Construction can work with pebbles and gravel with other soft landscaping materials or mortar to create a visually striking view for your home’s exterior design.

Call EcoStar Remodeling & Construction Today!

Hard landscaping is a difficult job to take on for an inexperienced individual, one that should be merged with suitable soft landscaping elements for a beautiful final finish. EcoStar Remodeling & Construction Los Angeles has professional remodeling and landscaping experts who can create visually appealing exterior components for your home. We specialize in building decks, patios, pavements, water fountains, fences, and much more. Contact our professionals today at (818) 918-2210 to discuss your landscaping needs and get the best landscaping services for your home in Los Angeles.

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Pro Tips to Creating a Splendid Landscape Design

Whether you’re thinking of designing a front lawn or want to create a functional landscape design in the backyard for your outdoor parties, we’ve got you covered. The following landscaping tricks and tips will be beneficial, especially if you’re a new homeowner:

1. Plants and Trees: The Basics

Of course, adding trees and plants is an important aspect of a home landscape design, but which ones should you consider adding? When selecting plants and trees, it’s always best to stick to the ones known to thrive in the weather conditions of your area. Investing in rare trees and plants can drastically increase your property’s value.

Additionally, it would help if you also chose plants with contrasting flowers to add more of an aesthetic appeal to your garden. It’s also good to plan for the future and plant trees in areas spacious enough for their expected growth.

2. Add Interactive Elements

When choosing a garden design, you can also go for small-scale and pocket-friendly interactive elements. This can include a kitchen area for outdoor barbecue parties, a fountain, or even a sports course. Adding these interactive elements to your garden will keep your family and guests always entertained.

3. Pathways and Lighting

Adding a walkway or pathway to your garden is beneficial for two reasons; it will help prevent people from stumbling across the garden and damaging the grass, and it will connect your home to your garden. You can use any material for the pathway, including crushed stone, natural flagstone, concrete, or pavers. The rule of the thumb is to match the materials used in the house’s exterior, so it all connects.

Adding sufficient lighting to your garden will also keep your garden laminated during the evening. Adding them to your pathways or points of interest will also increase the garden’s value. It is essential to strategically place light fixtures to highlight prominent features of the garden.

4. Include Elements That Stand Out

If you have a monotonous garden design, one large decorative item or even a huge rock will make it stand out. You can also consider adding a berm, a natural-looking water feature, and a seating area. It is a good idea to create a garden design that matches your property’s overall aesthetic. For example, if you have a traditional house, it’s best to go for a traditional, rustic landscape design.

Additionally, you can also add visual boundaries or curved designs to your home garden to make it pop! Take inspiration from the landscape that surrounds your property and build a design based on it. This will keep your garden in harmony with all the other elements all year round.

Looking for Landscapers in LA?

At EcoStar Remodeling & Construction, we have teams of highly qualified and certified professionals who can help create a stunning landscape design. So if you’re on the lookout for reliable and trustworthy landscapers in LA, contact us now at (800) 764-7130. We can also give you a free estimate on all our services, including commercial and home remodeling. So what are you waiting for? Connect with us and enjoy the most efficient and reliable services in town.

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