Author: Shannon Mcdaniel

How Landscaping Can Boost Your Property Value

Shannon Mcdaniel Landscaping , , , , ,

A well-maintained landscape is one of the top things potential home buyers notice. It can also boost your property value.

Landscaping

A beautiful landscape starts with planning and design. It then comes down to details like the proper lawn care, pruning and weeding. For professional help, contact Landscaping Harrisburg PA.

A great landscape design is unified by strong, observable lines. These can be geometric shapes or naturalistic themes like meandering lines.

Color is one of the most important elements of landscape design. It evokes emotions, creates focal points, establishes harmony, and can make the difference between an average garden and a stunning one that will have your neighbors green with envy. But many landscapers overlook the importance of color and fail to incorporate it properly.

While it may seem obvious that colors should be balanced in a landscape, the specifics of how to achieve this can be complicated. First, it’s necessary to understand the color wheel and how primary and secondary colors work together. For example, blue and yellow combine to produce purple, and red and green give us orange. Combining these colors produces tertiary shades, which help provide unity and balance in the landscape by creating agreement between plant and flower colors.

Moreover, colors are often chosen to complement the existing environment and architecture of the landscape. For example, if your house is painted in warm earthy tones, selecting flowers and shrubs with vibrant red, orange, or yellow hues will help create a natural connection between your home and garden. Additionally, contrasting colors can be used to draw attention to specific areas of the garden, such as a vibrant red rose in a sea of green foliage.

Another important aspect of color theory is the understanding that colors have different effects on our moods and emotional responses. Cool colors, like blues and greens, can create a calming effect, while warm colors like yellows and reds can energize and inspire. Choosing the right combination of colors to create the desired ambiance can make your garden feel intimate or serene, stimulating or energizing.

However, it is important to avoid using too much variation in color in your garden. Excessive variety can create a chaotic and unorganized appearance. To avoid this, it’s generally recommended to select tints and shades of the same color to form a palette. Additionally, it’s important to choose plants with varying leaf sizes, shapes and textures to add visual interest to the landscape. Lastly, it’s also helpful to choose plants that are native to the area of your property, as these will blend well with your surrounding environment.

Form

The shapes of your garden’s features, plants and hardscape are important to the overall landscape design. Form is the third element in a well designed landscape and differs from shape and line in that it takes into account a landscape’s three-dimensional qualities. While lines emphasize two-dimensional attributes, form focuses on a landscape’s overall three-dimensional character and creates a mood or feel for the space.

Line is a key component of form and can be created through many means including planting beds, walkways and path lines, hardscape materials (such as pavers) and fence lines. The shape of these lines, whether straight or curved, affect how your eye moves through the landscape and can elicit emotional and physical responses. For example, straight lines feel structural and forceful and are often associated with a formal design, while curved lines feel more natural and relaxed.

Form is also found in plant and shrub shape. The rectilinear shapes of houses, walkways and driveways delineate form in the garden as do the rounded, vase-like or irregular forms of plants and shrubs. When groups of plants or shrubs are combined, they change their individual forms into a single unified whole that adds to the overall design.

The size of the individual components in a landscape is important for form as well. They should be appropriately sized to fit their surroundings and not crowd or overwhelm them. This is especially important when creating a sense of space through the use of lines.

A well-designed landscape is a balance of these elements which work together to provide visual interest and harmony to a space. This is achieved by combining shapes, lines, texture, color and scale. When these elements are used in conjunction, they can produce a balanced and cohesive design that draws the eye and inspires an emotional response.

To develop your own landscape composition, consider the shapes of gardens and yards you admire and study them closely. You may notice that the same design principles are used, such as the use of lines to create movement and create a flow of spaces. It’s also important to note the size of the hardscape and softscape elements compared to the plants and shrubs within them.

Texture

While many people think of color when discussing landscape design, texture is an equally important feature. Often overlooked, textures create depth, interest and balance in a garden. Whether it’s the fine feathery fronds of a fern or the rough bark of an old oak tree, the texture of plants and materials can help set the mood for your landscape.

Texture refers to both the visual and tactile qualities of a plant or material. It can be soft or hard, smooth or coarse, light or heavy — all of these factors impact how your landscape looks and feels.

Landscapers focus on adding contrast with varying textures to make gardens more interesting and engaging. For example, a combination of fine and coarse textures can add depth and intrigue to a garden, while different leaf shapes and branching structures offer contrasting visual effects.

In addition to plant textures, hardscape elements like pebbled paths and wood-based features also introduce texture into a garden. The best landscapes blend a variety of textures that create a harmonious whole.

It’s important to keep in mind that the perception of a plant’s texture will change depending on your distance from the plant. Close up, the small leaves of a shrub with a fine texture may look dense and compact, while from a distance the foliage will appear full and luscious.

To ensure that your garden maintains a cohesive design, consider the texture of each plant as it matures and evolves over time. Be sure to select species that not only suit your aesthetic, but also align with your maintenance capabilities and needs.

The best landscapes aren’t just beautiful, they create an experience and sense of place. By incorporating textures throughout your landscape, you can establish an ambiance that reflects your unique style and personality.

Lighting

Your home and yard are often your greatest source of pride and joy – so why let them fade into darkness after the sun goes down? Landscape lighting brings a whole new dimension to your outdoor spaces, highlighting the best features of your property and making them stand out from the rest.

Lighting can highlight special features of your yard, including statues and other sculptures, fountains, ponds, flower gardens, patios, pergolas, and even your favorite trees. By using techniques like up-lighting, cross lighting, and silhouetting, you can create a dramatic effect that highlights the beauty of these special elements and draws attention to them at night.

The proper lighting can also add to the overall mood of your landscape, creating an inviting environment for entertaining or simply relaxing after dark. Whether you’re looking for a romantic ambiance, a fun and playful atmosphere, or something more subtle, a professional lighting designer can help you find the right balance and arrangement of lights to achieve your desired effect.

Safety and Security

A well-lit yard can improve your home’s safety by illuminating walkways, stairs, and paths for greater visibility and preventing accidents or injuries caused by tripping or falling over unseen obstacles. The increased light level also acts as a deterrent to potential criminals and is an excellent way to protect your family, pets, or guests from intruders at night.

Increases Curb Appeal

A beautifully lit property can enhance your home’s curb appeal and make it more appealing to potential buyers. In fact, a well-lit exterior is rated as one of the most desirable and essential features by potential home buyers.

Adding landscape lighting to your property is an investment that will last as long as you own your home. It can also increase the value of your home when you’re ready to sell, and it can provide an attractive atmosphere for your friends and family to enjoy all day and night. Investing in a professionally designed and installed landscaping lighting plan is a wise decision that will pay off over time. Plus, it’s a gradual process that can be added to as your budget and exterior space allows, giving you more flexibility when it comes to choosing and installing lighting.

The Basics of Brick Laying

Shannon Mcdaniel Concrete Services , , , , , , , , , , ,

It is possible to lay brick over concrete, but the concrete surface must be structurally sound and free of any major cracks or other damage that could interfere with adhesion. It also must be thoroughly cleaned before laying bricks.

The basic tools of the trade include pointed trowels and bolster chisels. A spirit level and a club hammer are also required. Visit https://www.bricklayerperthwa.com.au/ to learn more.

Brick Laying

Brick laying is the process of adhering thin bricks to concrete, to create an attractive wall or patio. Usually this is done on existing concrete structures that are looking outdated or need some updating. The first step is to clean the concrete surface thoroughly. This will ensure the bond between the concrete and the brick is strong. The bricks are usually laid in a course, so it is important to make sure that the surface of each course is flat and smooth. This can be achieved by using a hand trowel.

Once the surface is ready it is time to start preparing the mortar. You can mix it by hand or in a wheelbarrow, or even in a cement mixer. A good mix is three parts masonry sand (builders sand works well, if it is very clean) to one part masonry cement. This should be mixed well to a consistency similar to pudding. It is important not to rush this stage as a badly prepared mortar will cause problems later on, and can be very time consuming to fix.

When you are happy with the consistency of the mortar it is time to begin laying bricks. Always start at the bottom of a wall and work upwards, making sure each course is level. This is especially important when you are working on a curve as this will require you to pay particular attention to the alignment of each course. Throughout the whole process it is good to use a spirit level regularly to check that your work is as straight as possible, this will ensure that when you come back to it after a break everything will be in line again.

After the first course is complete, it is a good idea to drive a wooden stake into each end of the wall, this will help you to determine how high each future course should be. This is also a great way to find out how long the walls will be as you can measure the distance between the stakes. Once this has been determined you can start the next course, remembering to check that each brick is flush with the previous.

Bricklaying is a great profession for those who like to work with their hands and enjoy working outdoors. This type of construction also requires a lot of attention to detail and can be very rewarding. A bricklayer earns a good salary and benefits in addition to the satisfaction that comes with doing the job well. However, it is important to note that there are several steps involved in this trade and that proper preparation is essential for success.

One of the most important aspects of laying brick is to prepare the foundation. If the foundation is not properly prepared, it can cause problems with the longevity and strength of the finished product. This includes ensuring that the base is compacted and level, and that it is free of any voids or water damage.

The most common type of foundation for brick is a concrete block or slab foundation. This type of foundation is typically cheaper and faster to construct than a poured concrete foundation. However, it is not as strong or durable as a poured concrete foundation.

A poured concrete foundation is often used for larger buildings and houses. This type of foundation can withstand a lot of pressure and is usually used for load bearing walls. In order to construct this type of foundation, a trench is dug and the foundation is poured into the ground. This type of foundation is also often used for basements and other types of below-ground structures.

Depending on the type of structure and location, there are many different types of foundations available. For example, a t-shaped foundation is commonly used in colder climates. This type of foundation consists of a t-shaped footing placed in the ground below the frost line, a foundation wall, and a slab between the walls. This type of foundation is more expensive and time consuming than a slab-on-grade foundation, but it offers greater structural integrity and can withstand heavier loads.

When constructing a foundation for brick, it is important to consider the size of the project and the soil conditions. The more extensive the project, the more time and money will be required for preparation and installation. In addition, it is a good idea to consider the use of rebar and concrete for additional support.

Brick is an excellent choice for patios, sidewalks, and other outdoor projects that require a sturdy, attractive foundation. It’s also possible to lay brick over concrete, but it is important to make sure the concrete surface is structurally sound and free of major cracks or unevenness that can interfere with adhesion. If necessary, the concrete should be repaired and covered with coarse sand or gravel to provide a solid base for the brick wall.

Before starting, it’s helpful to dig a trench for the footer of your brick wall. The footer should be the width and depth of your planned brick wall, and it’s important to ensure that it sits below the finished ground level so water cannot pool around the base of the wall, which can cause it to fail.

When the concrete footer is poured, allow it to set for several days before beginning work on the actual brick wall. During this time, it’s also important to prepare the work area by cleaning away any loose dirt and debris that might get in the way of brick adhesion. If necessary, the area should be sprayed down with water to moisten it, and it should also be covered with a tarp or other protective covering to keep it dry.

Once the work area is prepared, mix the mortar. This is a basic combination of five parts sand to one part cement, and it should be stirred until it has a consistency that’s easy to manipulate. If desired, you can add additives to the mortar mix such as colorants or frost-proofer.

Begin laying the first course of bricks, starting with the bottom row. Place a brick on the edge of your foundation and use your guide line to make sure it’s straight and at the correct height. Butter the end of the next brick with a small amount of mortar, and then push it into place against the first brick. Continue laying rows, checking the bricks for alignment and proper height with your guide line and level after each one is laid.

Once you’ve completed the first row, move your guide line up to the 1/2 mortar marker at the start of the second row. This will help you keep the second row even with the first and ensure that all the bricks are at the same height.

Concrete block walls can be finished in a variety of ways, but the most common is to cover them with wood paneling. This process can be expensive, but it gives the wall a clean, stylish appearance that many homeowners find attractive. Another option is to install a brick veneer over the concrete. This method is less expensive, but it may require additional steps to ensure that the bricks adhere properly to the concrete surface.

Before laying any bricks, it is important to make sure that the concrete surface is clean and free of any dirt, oil, or other contaminants that could interfere with the mortar’s adhesion. The surface must also be level and free of any cracks or unevenness that could cause the brick to shift over time.

The next step is to prepare the mortar. This is usually done by mixing it in a wheelbarrow or mortar box. The mix should be roughly three parts masonry sand (or builders sand, if very clean) to one part masonry cement. Water should be added to the mixture to create a consistency that is somewhat thicker than pudding.

Once the mortar is mixed, it can be used to begin laying the bricks. It is generally good practice to build up the ends of a wall first, as this will help to ensure that the final brick structure is straight and level. After the ends are completed, it is a good idea to use a spirit level regularly to check that the rest of the wall remains level and true.

Bricks are typically laid in courses, and the end of each course should be staggered from the previous course. This helps to prevent a “bow” in the brickwork and can be achieved by simply using a piece of string and pins to mark the position of each block.

When the head and bed joints in a course have been built, they should be struck with a tool called a joint striker. The tool is essentially a length of tubing whose diameter is the same as your joint spacing, bent in an “S” shape. You can purchase a joint striker from most brick and construction supply stores, or you can make your own using a piece of copper pipe or a piece of 1/2 inch PVC tube.

5 Types of Home Remodelling

Shannon Mcdaniel Home Improvement , , , ,

Home Remodeling Tacoma WA is an exciting time to add personal flair to your home. However, a house renovation can turn into an overwhelming project for homeowners.

It is important to understand that your daily routine will return to normal once the remodel is finished. This is particularly true for families with children.

Home remodeling is a long-term process that involves multiple steps. It includes planning, design, and construction. This type of work can be done by a general contractor or a design-build firm, which handles both the design and construction phases. You can also take on the project yourself. However, remodeling yourself will cost you time and money. Before you begin any remodeling, you should ensure your budget is comprehensive. It is easy to overlook things when making a budget, so be careful. A professional kitchen designer can help you determine your needs and plan the perfect kitchen.

Kitchens are complicated spaces that have to comply with many codes. They often have water, drain, and supply lines competing with wires and ducts. Adding a dishwasher, refrigerator, or sink may require relocating these lines. This is why hiring a contractor with experience with kitchen remodels is important.

A major remodel can be a huge undertaking, but it can increase the value of your home. 

The first step in a kitchen remodel is to tear down the old cabinets, countertops, and flooring. This can be messy, but it is an important part of the process. After the demolition is complete, it is time to start the design phase of the kitchen remodel. You should make a list of necessary changes and want-to-have changes. You will be able to use this list to narrow down the options later on in the process.

Once you have a good idea of your ideal kitchen, it is time to begin selecting cabinets. Choosing a cabinet style that will match the rest of your home and be easy to clean is important. It is also important to choose the right cabinet hardware and lighting. These details can make a big difference in the look of your kitchen.

Bathroom remodeling is typically a more complicated project than other types of home remodeling, but it can be something other than an expensive one. With a little planning and budgeting, it is possible to create a beautiful new bathroom that will make you want to spend more time in it.

The first step is to find a certified and licensed contractor in the area. Once you have found a contractor you are comfortable with, getting at least two or three estimates is important. It is also a good idea to ask for references from past clients and check out their social media pages. Getting the proper permits is also an essential part of the process, but this is something that your contractor should be able to handle for you.

Demolition is a messy and noisy part of the remodeling process, but it is necessary to make room for the new fixtures and surfaces installed in your bathroom. This step can be relatively quick and easy if you only replace the toilet and sink. However, moving the location of the tub or shower, changing the room’s layout, and tearing up the existing tile floor are much more involved processes that will require more time.

Upon completion of demolition and construction, the next step is to install any cabinets, mirrors, or other major items included in your remodel. This is a great opportunity to add some personal touches to help your bathroom feel like it is your own. For example, if you’re looking for a way to brighten up your bathroom and give it a fresh look without spending much money, consider painting your vanity. There are a variety of colors and finishes to choose from, so you’re sure to find the perfect match for your space.

If you want to upgrade your bathroom with a new tub or shower, installing the new tiles covering these areas is also a great time. This is a job that requires attention to detail, as well as the use of special tools and techniques.

The living room is the heart of the home, where families gather to share time and memories. It’s a high-use area that needs to accommodate multiple activities and serve as a transition between the home and the outdoors. Living rooms tended toward formal design in the past, but today’s open floor plans have led to families using this space for many functions, including family game nights and movie nights with the kids.

When designing your living room, the first step is to assess the function of the space and the way you use it. You can do this with a “room board,” which helps you visualize your layout before making big changes. This can prevent costly mistakes, like discovering that your new rug’s pattern clashes with the curtains or that you need more storage space.

Functionality should lead to form, so consider your daily routine when rearranging furniture or selecting accessories. For example, if you plan on hosting guests, you should install a coffee table that doubles as a serving tray for drinks and snacks. This will help keep the living room tidy as you host guests.

During the remodeling process, it is important to choose a skilled professional. A licensed and insured remodeler will provide a safe work environment, follow local codes, and obtain necessary permits. You can find a qualified contractor by searching the Internet for valuable information or asking friends and neighbors for recommendations.

If you’re remodeling your living room, consider painting the ceiling white to brighten the space and open up the walls. This can make the space feel bigger, and it’s easy to coordinate with any color palette you choose for your decor.

A popular wall choice is shiplap, which can be painted any color and adds a beautiful texture. Another option is to use a patterned wallpaper that adds personality and visual interest. Adding an accent wall or window treatment is also a great way to update your living room and create a focal point.

Whether you’re trying to improve your sleep habits or add value to your home, a bedroom remodel is an excellent investment. However, a successful remodel requires careful planning, like any home improvement project. This will help save money and ensure that your goals are met once the remodel is complete.

To get started, ensure you have a clear idea of your objectives with the remodel and share these with your contractor. This will allow them to design and build a plan that aligns with your goals. It will also keep the project on track and ensure everyone is on the same page throughout the remodeling process.

One of the most important things to consider is what your bedroom is primarily used for. This helps you design your bedroom layout and determine what items you’ll need for the space. For example, if you work at home or have a hobby that involves working from home, you may want to include a workspace in your bedroom. This will provide a separate area where you can focus on work without disrupting your relaxing environment at home.

Once you’ve determined your goals with the remodel, you can start making decisions about things like wall paint, furniture, and more. It’s also important to eliminate any clutter in the room before beginning the remodel. This will not only improve the aesthetics of the room, but it will also reduce your stress levels.

During the remodeling process, having a rough sketch of what you’d like the finished product to look like is helpful. This can be a simple drawing showing where furniture will go and what you’d like the color of the walls. This information will make the project more efficient for you and your contractor.

Another great way to upgrade your bedroom is by adding new flooring. Instead of carpet, you can opt for wood floors or even tiles with a similar appearance. This will give the room a modern and stylish feel. You can also choose different rugs for the floor depending on your preferences. You can opt for a shaggy rug for a soft and comfortable feel, while you can go with a wool rug for a more sturdy feel.