Author: megan

Top five ways to improve your home’s curb appeal

megan

When it comes to boosting a home’s curb appeal, nothing is more important than a clean façade and manicured landscaping. Not only do these features go a long way in improving a home’s appearance, they also allude to how the rest of the home is maintained. If your property is in need of a refresh, our experts can help spruce up your home’s exterior, regardless of your budget. Here are the top five ways to improve your home’s curb appeal:

1. The driveway and walkway:

With a huge range of designs, styles, and materials available, we can work with any taste to design and create the drive and walkway you’ve always wanted. This season we expect clean lines and modern styles will continue to dominate trends. Popular looks include the “Sleek” from Techo Bloc, which allows very large rectangles to be used on driveways; the “Quadra” from Rhinox, which are beautiful 32 x 32 inch square slabs great for backyard patios or large stepping stones; the “Beacon Hill” from Rocval, which are large slabs that offer an ultra-smooth texture in vibrant colour options; and lastly, the “Cite” slabs by Permacon, which offer a new gorgeous light beige option.

2. Lawn:

A well maintained lawn is appealing to anyone. Full, lush grass not only smells wonderful, it also adds a polished look to any property, and is one of the most affordable ways to freshen the appearance of any home.

3. Gardens and greenery:

Whether you’re interested in hedges and shrubs, or want to go all out with trimmed trees, flowers, and specialty plants, we’ve got you covered. This season we expect ornamental grasses, perennials over annuals, layered planting designs, and low Maintenance gardens to be among the most popular planting trends.

4. Basic accoutrements:

Aside from planting features, things like a fresh coat of paint on your door, updated outdoor lighting, a new mailbox, and clean siding go a long way in improving a home’s curb appeal and the overall look of any property.

5. Bonus features:

Ever thought of adding some design touches to your front yard? Things like architectural walls, stone planter boxes, and front patio seating area can add flare and make your home truly stand out.

Planning on updating your home’s exterior this season? Now’s the best time to start planning your project! Contact us and we’ll guide you through the process.

 

Five reasons to plan your summer backyard now!

megan

This is the first week we’re scheduled to have a few warm days in a row since last fall and we’re smitten! The forecast definitely has us thinking about the spring and summer seasons ahead, and now is a great time to start planning for any landscaping or backyard design projects you’d like to accomplish this year. Surprised? While it may seem early (we know, there’s still snow on the ground), this is the perfect time to get planning. Here’s why:

1. Ideas are abundant:

This time of year landscaping blogs, Pinterest pages, home improvement magazines, and architectural websites are all teeming with fresh ideas for the seasons ahead. It’s the perfect time to see what’s new, and more importantly, what appeals to your style and would work in your space while respecting your budget. Now’s the time to get inspired; once you find what you like, we can help make it possible!

2. Spring rolls around quicker than you think:

After the winter we’ve had it’s easy to feel like we’re still in the throws of it, but in truth, spring is officially only a month away. That means that planting season could start in a matter of weeks. Do you have garden goals this year? Start planning now and avoid the May rush; this way before you know it you’ll be surrounded by healthy greenery, flowers, and more.

3. Maximize the season:

Whether you’re thinking about a new walkway and patio, landscaping for your whole property, or putting in a pool and spa, planning and booking projects now will help ensure that you’ll be first out of the gate when it comes time to enjoy your outdoor space this season. If you have projects in mind we can help make sure they’re completed in a timely fashion so that you’ll be able to take advantage of every sunny day ahead.

4. Give yourself, and your family, something to look forward to:

The last few weeks of winter are always tough to get through. But knowing that in eight weeks time you’ll be able to entertain guests in your new outdoor kitchen, or that this summer you’ll have your own backyard pool to dive into, might make the time feel more manageable. After all, with backyard features like that, who wouldn’t be excited?!

5. Now is a great time to invest in your home:

With the current state of the real estate market being hotter than ever, many sellers are getting top dollar for their homes across Montreal and surrounding areas. Two of the most important factors for buyers these days are a home’s curb appeal and its outdoor livable space. If you’re thinking of selling but your property needs a little landscaping TLC , we can help you make the right decisions in order to maximize your return on investment.

Five ways to create your own outdoor luxury retreat

megan

With a seemingly endless number of possibilities available to create your custom outdoor living space, homeowners often need some guidance on how to choose features in line with their goals for the project, and how they plan to use their outdoor space. The key, they say, is investing in what’s right for you and your family.

Here are the top five ways to create your own outdoor luxury retreat:

1. Outdoor kitchens:

Do you love to entertain? An outdoor kitchen is a wonderful addition for any homeowners who often host friends and family for meals and parties. By creating an outdoor space complete with a sink, BBQ, smoker, pizza oven, stovetop, wood-burning oven, fridge, bar area, full size dining table, and more, your parties will take on a whole new life. Moreover, thanks to strategically positioned heaters, you’ll be able to use your outdoor kitchen and dining area well into the cooler months. If your home is already party-central for friends and family, adding an outdoor kitchen might be the perfect way to kick off the season this year.

2. Pools and spas:

If you love swimming, lounging, and soaking, then a pool and spa feature is well worth exploring. What’s more, if you have kids, the addition of a pool can mean summers of endless fun for years to come. Quebec actually leads the way nation-wide in this category; each year 70 percent of all new in-ground pools in Canada are installed in Quebec! If you love the water and are looking to revamp your outdoor space, adding a pool and/or spa feature to your backyard is a no-brainer.

3. Gardens:

Whether you enjoy gardening yourself, or simply want to be surrounded by lush greenery and flowers, adding a garden – or garden complex – to your property can help to create a calming, beautiful space. In addition, a well-manicured garden can go a long way in boosting your home’s curb appeal. January through March is a great time to start planning for the upcoming growing season, so if greenery is a priority for you, we can help create a custom garden system for your entire property.

4. Uni-stone walkways, steps, and patios:

With a huge range of available materials, textures, and colours to choose from, adding a uni-stone walkway and patio to your backyard goes a long way in creating a polished, up-to-date look. From natural ledgerock and hammered limestone – a favourite in Quebec – to manmade Techo-Bloc, Permacon, Rocvale or Rhinox options, the sky is the limit when it comes to achieving the custom design you’re seeking. If you’re looking to tweak your yard as opposed to doing a total overhaul, updating the stone is a great way to invest and instantly boost the appeal and functionality of your space.

5. Bonus features:

Whether you’d like a resort-like lounging area, a built-in custom stone and glass fireplace, or specialized lighting throughout your whole yard, our experts can help bring your inspirations to life, and even offer ideas you may never have thought possible.

Top five reasons to revamp your backyard in 2018

megan

With winter in full swing, we’re feeling the cold just as much as you are. The snow and wind can’t help but make us long for the next summer season. So as we look ahead and toward those sunny days, here are the top five reasons to revamp your backyard in 2018.

1. This is a real old fashion Canadian winter:

According to meteorologists and the Farmers’ Almanac – which claims an accuracy rate of around 80% – this winter is a rough one. Experts are predicting a snowier than normal season thanks to the weather pattern known as La Nina. In fact it’s expected that the snowy days will last well into March. The cold will be biting, too, as we’ve already experienced over the last several weeks. After dealing with a winter like this, it would be lovely to at least look forward to having a brand new back yard to enjoy once everything – including you – defrosts.

2. It has never been easier to make your dreams a reality:

We deal in luxury. Whether it’s creating an outdoor kitchen, a complex garden or green space, a pool and spa with waterfall features, or a seating area equipped with a fireplace, we can make it happen. Our ability to create custom outdoor spaces truly has no limits. If you can dream it, we can do it.

3. Your ideal backyard may be more accessible than you think:

We may specialize in high-end custom designs, but we also have simple installations that can be done easily and in a timely fashion to suit any space and budget. If you’re interested in putting in a pool or spa, give us a call. You might be surprised at what’s possible, even on a smaller budget.

4. Extend your family vacation for months:

When you consider what a two-week summer vacation for a family of four costs, it’s easy to see the appeal of putting in a pool or spa instead. Upgrading your backyard means the family can enjoy the benefits of a summer vacation all season long. Why go anywhere when you can lounge by the pool in the comfort of your own property? The best part: this one-time investment means years of enjoyment.

5. A beautiful backyard can increase the value of your home:

Curb appeal and livable outdoor space have never been more important to buyers. That’s why having even basic landscaping, unistone, and backyard features can go a long way in improving the appeal of your property. If you’re looking to invest in your home in 2018, you can’t go wrong by focusing on the outdoors.