With easy access to tutorials online, DIY home projects are more popular than ever, hence why the appeal to DIY home improvement is understandable. Homeowners may see the need for improvements but hesitate to spend the necessary but expensive money for professionals. However, not all DIY home improvement is cost-effective – or a good idea!
Certain large projects like hardscaping shouldn’t be undertaken on your own. Here are three reasons why you should never attempt hardscaping in Miramar Beach, FL, by yourself.
What is Hardscaping?
Good hardscaping in Miramar Beach, FL, is the key to a home with gorgeous outdoor spaces and major curb appeal. But what is hardscaping?
The word “hardscaping” is often used interchangeably with “landscaping.” However, the two, though similar, are not the same. Landscaping is an umbrella term used to describe decorative work done to the outdoor space of a property. There are two types: softscaping and hardscaping. Hardscape design offers landscapes that are low-maintenance.
Softscaping
Softscaping is the “green” aspect of landscaping. It includes the installation of any sort of greenery, such as grass, shrubs, flowers, and vegetable gardens.
Hardscaping
Hardscaping refers to any “hard” landscaping additions. Examples include:
- Pathways
- Decks
- Pools
- Patios
- Driveways
- Fire pits
- Outdoor kitchens
- Pavilions
- And more
Hardscaping is the perfect complement to softscaping, highlighting visual details and directing foot traffic around your yard.
Hardscaping in Miramar Beach, FL, is the perfect way to both embellish and protect your property, as hardscape also helps prevent water absorption from hoses, sprinklers, and rain.
Why Shouldn’t I Try Hardscaping Myself?
So why shouldn’t you attempt hardscaping in Miramar Beach, FL, by yourself? There are three main reasons: mistakes, quality, and longevity.
1. Mistakes
As much as homeowners may do their research, mistakes are a common problem when it comes to DIY hardscaping.
Mistakes cost you time and money. Depending on how big the mistake is, you may need to spend thousands of dollars more just to fix it! Homeowners also tend to underestimate the time projects require, so you don’t want to spend all that time only to need it redone.
Depending on the project, a mistake can even pose potential safety issues. For example, improperly wiring lights or installing large water fixtures could injure you or cause damage to your home. Since hardscaping serves a functional purpose in addition to its aesthetic purposes, it is important to ensure it is done correctly the first time.
If you hire a professional, mistakes are less likely to occur and can be more easily fixed without costing you extra.
2. Quality
Even with the proper hardscaping knowledge needed to prevent mistakes, amateurs still have one major disadvantage: lack of better materials.
Unlike most homeowners, professional hardscapers have access to quality materials that are more durable and are often able to be purchased at a discounted price. Unfortunately, amateurs are often not afforded these same discounts and deals with the manufacturers.
The right materials are essential to a proper hardscaping job, so it is best to let a professional do the work.
3. Longevity
Hardscaping in Miramar Beach, FL, is an investment and you want to be sure yours will last more than a few years. The higher quality materials and proper installation processes that contractors provide will lengthen the lifespan of your project.
Unlike DIY home improvement, you can also purchase a warranty, which provides that extra peace of mind should your project need to be repaired.
Schedule a Hardscaping Appointment Today With Patriot Landscape
Call the experienced hardscaping team at Patriot Landscape in Florida at 850-517-0112 to schedule an appointment for hardscaping at your home today or use the Request an Estimate form online.
We work hard to ensure that you’re given the absolute best landscape you can possibly receive.