'Hardscaping' Can Increase Your Home's Value
(NewsUSA) - Want to increase the value of your home? If so, invest in hardscaping.
Most people are familiar with the term "landscaping," but may not be familiar with "hardscaping," which describes the use of concrete products designed to serve a landscaping function.
Two studies, by Clemson University and the University of Florida, found that hardscaping contributes to higher resale values in single-family homes.
Since the return on investment is contingent on the quality of the hardscaping job, it's important that you find the right hardscaping contractor for your project and use high-quality materials like segmental retaining walls and interlocking concrete pavers.
Homeowners should consider the following when choosing a hardscaping contractor:
* The scope of the project: Make sure the contractor understands your vision and will be able to implement it. You may want to ask the contractor to design your hardscaping project. Many hardscape contractors have in-house design services.
* Proper licensing: Your contractor should be properly licensed, bonded and insured for the work proposed. Many regions require special licenses to conduct earthwork, grading and plumbing operations. The contractor also should have liability and workers' compensation insurance.
* Solid references: Check references and make sure the contractor has experience on projects of similar size and scope.
* Certification and training: Inquire about the contractor's experience with the products being installed. Ask if the contractor has been certified or trained by the product supplier or achieved recognition from a local or national trade association.
Such certifications are provided by the National Concrete Masonry Association for segmental retaining wall installation and by the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute for paver installation.
* Guarantees: Many contractors or nurseries will guarantee plant materials for up to one year and hardscape installations for one year or more. Find out what is covered by the guarantee.
For more information about segmental retaining walls, visit www.ncma.org. For information about concrete pavers, visit www.icpi.org.
