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10 Outdoor Renovations You Need To Do Right Now!

Are you maximising the space in your backyard? Whether it’s small with not much more than a patch of grass, or big, spanning numerous acres of land, simple renovations can make the difference between a yard and an outdoor paradise.

Before you get started, first identify the main purpose of your yard. Ask yourself: will it mainly be used for relaxation, entertaining or playtime? This thinking process will help you narrow down what kinds of improvements will produce the best outcome for your needs. To further help, we’ve compiled some of the most effective and rewarding backyard renovation ideas for you below.

1. Flaunt a Water Feature

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Fountains and ponds add a serene touch to any backyard. The soothing sound of flowing water sets a special atmosphere allowing you to easily turn your outdoor space into an oasis. Water features come in all kinds of varying designs, from self-sustaining contained systems to stand-alone and water walls, to suit a range of budgets.

2. Take the Indoors Outside

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The comforts of your home can extend beyond the roof. Outdoor “rooms,” like cooking areas and living spaces, are currently hot and on trend. To have a go at creating your own, install a deck in your backyard featuring quality countertops, sophisticated built-in grills and lots of guest seating.

3. Pave the Way

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Designated walkways can invite personality and creativity into your yard. This type of renovation can be as simple as placing large stone pieces on the ground, or as complex as building custom steps to suit your home. Try a paved pathway set in marble, granite or timber for a fresh yet earthy look.

4. Show Your Green Thumb

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Edible gardens have become one of the most popular backyard features of 2014. Not only do they look good, but are useful in providing tasty organic food as well. Installing a raised garden bed will transform your yard and influence better eating habits. Imagine preparing fruit, vegetables and herbs you’ve grown and picked yourself from the back. That’s rewarding.

5. Be a Fire Starter

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When the chilly weather rolls in, it’s time to consider heating up your outdoor space. Common outdoor gas heaters will do the job, but for a more unique option, choose a fire pit. Designs vary to suit different sized backyards and price points. Check them out to see which is best you.

6. Get It Covered

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Pergolas are a great investment for any backyard, as they can be used for shade in the summertime, or to house heating lamps and provide shelter in the cooler months. We suggest you add blooms or greenery of your choice to tailor the look and feel of your space.

7. Take the Plunge

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Built-in pools and spas are always popular. This type of renovation – albeit costly and time consuming compared to other backyard renovations – adds value to your property. Pools and spas and also serve as a great space for social gatherings, recreation and exercise.

8. Fancy Fencing

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Installing a new fence quickly lifts and brightens the look of any property. Cost-effective and straightforward, not only does this improvement offer you a heightened sense of privacy, but also the wide variety of fencing designs and materials to choose from allows you to really make your space your own.

9. Work With Raw Materials

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Organic, natural building materials are making their way back into the classic Australian backyard. Next time you’re looking to buy or build outdoor furniture, consider raw stone or exposed wood for benches, tables and decorations.

10. Take It Higher

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Raised decking and patios are the perfect platform for alfresco dining or entertaining; you’ll never hesitate to invite friends or family over for dinner again. When choosing the materials for this renovation, ensure you include sturdy, durable surface for an outdoor a space that’s practical, inviting and livable.

Author Bio: Budget Temp Fencing manufactures and supplies fencing for backyards across Australia – and guarantee next day delivery. To find out more, give them a call on 1300 971 972.

August 28, 2014 | Naomi Fuller

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9 Tips on How Landscaping Can Improve Your Home’s Value

Landscaping can be used to dramatically increase the value of your home. Not only will the value be realised immediately, but it can also increase over time as the plants that you use in your landscaping design grow bigger, stronger and more attractive. When choosing the type of landscaping that you will use, there are a number of factors that you need to take into consideration.

1. Planning

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This is extremely important, as you want to create an overall landscaping effect. It is a good idea to draw up a plan of your landscaping design in advance, which will include the type and size of the plants that you will include, the overall effect and the ways in which your landscaped garden will be used. It is essential to make sure that your landscape plan is not too ambitious and that it works with the size and shape of your garden. Before starting your landscaping project, take a little time to review this plan to make sure that you are completely satisfied with it. Making changes in the initial stages is much easier than when you have already put a lot of work into your landscaping project.

2. Overall Effect

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One of the most important things to consider when using landscaping is the overall effect. Make sure that all of the elements you select work well together so that you create a garden that will impress house hunters when you are ready to sell your property. Try to choose a style that will be appreciated by a large number of people, rather than a design that satisfies your own unique sense of style.

3. Budget

Of course, it is important to make sure that you can afford to create the landscaping style that you have set your sights on. There is nothing worse than starting a landscaping project, only to have to suspend your plans partway through because you run out of funds. Be realistic when making your budget and take the time to price up all of the elements that you will use in your landscaping design so that you can fully realise your plan.

4. The Plants

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Different types and plants will require various different conditions in order to flourish. Make sure that you select plants that will thrive in your soil and receive the right amount of light and warmth. Bear in mind that some plants flower at different times of the year. Ideally, you should try to add plants that flower in various different seasons so that you always have a splash of colour in your garden, even in the winter months. Also bear in mind that some types of plants require more care than others. Make sure you have enough time to care for all of the plants you choose to use in your landscaping design.

5. Scented Plants

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Some plants such as jasmine and lavender are known for their strong and appealing scents. Adding some of these highly scented plants to your garden can add an extra element of appeal that really plays on the senses and makes visitors want to stay in your garden for longer.

6. Trees

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Adding trees to your garden can give it a real touch of life. Small trees can be purchased from most garden suppliers fairly cheaply. However, take into consideration the fact that these trees will grow over time, so make sure that you have enough space in your garden for them. Your original landscaping plan should cover the actual size and shape of the trees after they reach maturity, as well as their size when they are originally planted.

7. Permanent Features

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Special features such as stone paths, birdbaths and sundials can add a touch of style and sophistication to your garden. One of the great things about permanent features is that they require very little care, making them ideal for busy people who do not have much time to maintain their garden.

8. Decking

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This is another element that can be used to improve the value of your home. Not only does decking look attractive, it can be used to create an addition recreational space in your garden. Decking can be used to extend the area that adjoins your house to the garden to provide a space to which to relax with family and friends.

9. Lighting

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Use of lighting can add a homely effect to your design to make your garden feel welcoming and inviting. Lighting can be used in a number of different ways to create various different types of effects. Large freestanding lights can give your garden a sophisticated look, while smaller lights set into trees and shrubs can give your garden a fantasy element. You can also have fun experimenting will coloured lights to produce various different effects that will really make your garden stand out.

Author Bio: WA Timber Decking is a Perth based Timber Decking specialist who supply decking timber and decking supplies for the handyman, DIYer and builder. WA Timber Decking can assist with timber deck designs, installations and maintenance.

August 25, 2014 | Naomi Fuller

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