How can garden makeovers in Brisbane increase the value of your property?

Why do we love garden makeovers in Brisbane?

Aussies love their backyards, whether it’s a few acres, small suburban yard, townhouse patio or even a balcony or rooftop garden. This means that many property owners invest both their time and money on designer inspired garden makeovers in Brisbane, simply because they want to provide the best outdoor spaces for their families.

Even the recent movement towards downsizing still hasn’t negated our bond to gardens. This is most probably because we want to bring that outdoor feeling inside our homes, but it’s also likely due to our love of BBQs and family gatherings. Whatever the reason for our attachment to gardens, a well-designed and maintained garden can significantly increase the value of your home. This increased equity can be very important to people who want to renovate their homes or sell them, because buyers love landscaped gardens.

How much can garden makeovers increase the value of Brisbane homes?

Beautifully designed and maintained gardens can increase the value of properties by up to 25%. This won’t be true for everyone’s properties, but 15% to 20% is a good guideline and should be eminently achievable. Many of our clients have told us that it was their outdoor landscaping that actually clinched the deal when they sold their previous homes. Many real estate agents also state that designer inspired and well maintained outdoor spaces can draw a significant amount of interest from buyers. 

 

It’s not just people wanting to sell their homes that are interested in increasing its value with a garden makeover. Brisbane has such a fabulous climate that many homeowners want to take advantage of our beautiful weather with a revamped outdoor entertainment space. If a side effect of an awesome garden is that you increase the value of your home, no-one’s going to argue the point!

 

Then there’s the trend towards downsizing or simply living in a large home on a smaller plot of land. In both of these instances the garden areas are very limited, so it pays to design a wonderful space that acts as an extension of your home. A small scruffy yard doesn’t put a smile on anyone’s face! Many Aussies, particularly those living in cities or highly dense urban areas are moving away from large gardens that have an expanse of grass and not much else. Instead they are refocusing on paved terraces, alfresco dining, large entertainment areas and outdoor kitchens, literally creating outdoor rooms or destinations in their gardens.

 

In fact, one of our clients recently told us that the view from their home out into the garden was just as important as the view from the garden inside their home. This means that for many Aussies, their garden makeovers are just as important as their bathroom and kitchen renovations in Brisbane. On top of this, we can’t forget that councils in highly urbanised areas are also investing in green spaces because they have shown to improve our mental health and there are plenty of apartment blocks in Brisbane with rooftop gardens. It seems that everyone wants their own slice of greenery, whether it’s in their own back garden or a wall of vertical plants growing in their small, terraced patio.

 

It’s also fair to say that if buyers are aware that your garden was designed by a professional landscaper this information can definitely increase their interest. That’s because a professionally designed garden takes your home’s intrinsic value to a whole different level that’s reflected in its price. 

What are the best landscaping tips for increasing your equity?

One of the best times to sell a property is in the spring when flowers and trees are in full bloom and buyers can really appreciate a property’s outdoor spaces. It’s even better if you have a pool, because with summer round the corner, a landscaped garden and pool area can be the tipping point for many home buyers. So if you want to increase the value of your home, whether because you want to sell your home, pull out the equity or simply enjoy knowing that it was money well spent, what’s the best upgrades to make? 

 

You can create a garden retreat, private oasis or entertainer’s delight! What’s right for your garden makeover in Brisbane?

 

Lay new turf: If you’re considering selling your property then laying brand new turf is a great way to increase the value of your property. So consider laying a new lawn in both the back and front of your home, particularly at the front as this increases your home’s curb appeal. New turf also makes your property stand out from other homes that a buyer might have viewed, giving it a fresh and low maintenance appearance.

 

Plant advanced trees: We don’t mean a tree that’s 50 years old, but a good size tree that already has some significant growth. Even if these replanted trees are only 2 or 3 metres tall, they will eventually grow into a beautiful shady tree for your garden. If you don’t want to plant a large tree in your back garden then plant one near to the nature strip at the front of your property, because this will add to the curb appeal of your home.

 

Decking and patios: There’s nothing quite like a large expanse of beautiful hardwood decking to give your home a deep connection with the outdoors. Decking instantly adds a certain ambiance to outdoor spaces and it also allows you to create different zones, such as alfresco dining areas, lounging areas and other external ‘rooms’ that expand your living areas.

 

Add screening plants: If the people next door can see into your garden it’s a good idea to include screening plants in your garden makeover. Brisbane has many houses that are now built very closely together, resulting in a significant loss of privacy. So planting clumping bamboo, native lilly pillys or any plants that grow at least 2 metres tall will increase your backyard’s privacy. You can also install privacy screens if you prefer a lower maintenance option, but whichever strategy you choose, a private outdoor oasis will be a great addition to your home!

 

For professionally landscaped, designer inspired, garden makeovers in Brisbane, call Vorstman Landscaping & Constructions on 0447 211 779 to discuss your needs.

Do you really need a retaining wall?

We all want the perfect outdoor space and here at Vorstman Constructions we love bringing to life thoughtfully considered, well designed and perfectly executed landscaping projects. There are a lot of factors to consider about outdoor areas, including the oft forgotten but vitally important retaining walls. While not every project will need a retaining wall, it’s important that you understand what they are and what function they offer to determine whether you really need a retaining wall or not. 

What are retaining walls?

Retaining walls are used to create a barrier to two different sections of a garden. Built to be solid and rigid, the retaining wall retains the soil, grass, plants or shrubbery on either side. In a broader sense, you can consider all borders or partitions, whether it’s in commercial level agriculture or ancient agrarian cultures, used to separate land as a form of retaining wall.

Retaining walls are used to ensure that a backyard space is kept looking amazing and functioning perfectly. On an aesthetic level, the retaining wall keeps the garden neat and wonderful. On a functional level, it ensures nothing grows out of place or encroaches over areas you don’t want plants or grass to go. They are also able to prevent erosion by supplying greater support to the soil or contents, and slows the overflow of water when it rains.

When it comes to maintenance, retaining walls makes the ongoing upkeep of your garden easier and less time consuming. On a financial level, well designed and professionally constructed retaining walls like those we produce can add value to your home. 

Garden retaining walls can be made from a variety of materials and created to suit your style and home design preference. They can even be adapted to offer some extra benches or seating, or double as an external feature wall.

How do you know if you need a retaining wall?

Issues with erosion 

Erosion, which is the fancy term for soil or other earth moving from one spot to another, due to either water flooding, gravity over time or other movement on the surface of the soil, can be a problem in gardens. If your garden is on a hill or an angle, or you’re finding that the foundation is continuously slipping down, a retainer wall can help provide much needed support.

Extreme level changes

If you have two sections of the garden with different soil or plants that sit at significantly different levels or heights you have two options:

  1. Slope the soil from one section to the other; or
  2. Construct a retaining wall.

Of course, option 1 might not be a possibility depending on your specific outdoor area. Hence the need for a retaining wall.

Boundaries

Retaining walls can also be used to demarcate boundaries, especially in front gardens, to separate your property and garden from your neighbours’ We always recommend getting in touch with your local council before constructing these sorts of retaining walls and communicating with your neighbour before going ahead and putting one in.

Earthquake threats

If you live in an area that can be subject to earthquakes and you live on or near a fault line, the effect of even a minor earthquake can cause high levels of erosion. Well constructed retaining walls will help prevent this from happening. 

What sort of retaining walls are available?

Timber and wood

Using high quality wood or timber can be a very cost effective way of constructing a retaining wall. Timber, much like when used for decking, can really complement the rest of your natural-looking outdoor landscape. Bear in mind that wood is susceptible to weakening over time when exposed to moisture and water. We often recommend treated pine sleeper as a great choice for retaining walls.

Concrete 

Concrete can be used in two different ways. The first is in the form of interlocking or link blocks. Easy to construct and a great option for reclaiming sloped land or erosion damage, link blocks are also great for incorporating veggie patches or planter boxes. 

The other is in the form of solid-looking poured concrete. Concrete, of course, is a very durable construction material and will offer a long term solution for your garden’s retaining wall as it’s insect proof, resistant to rotting, and easy to clean. Concrete is becoming an increasingly popular choice for modern homes and gardens with minimalist design styles.

Natural stone or rock

Another classic design for retaining walls, like wood, natural stone will elegantly complement the rest of your garden design. There are plenty of different stone and rock types to choose from, so it’s important to consult the experts to ensure it’ll look and function well. Our team of landscaping experts are able to help you choose the right type of rock and rock-wall design to suit your preferences. Note: in most cases, natural stone is the most expensive option but still a great investment and worth the price.

Can you build a retaining wall yourself?

Technically, with the right materials, equipment, knowledge and skill you could construct a retaining wall if you need to. However, we always recommend hiring professionals–like the Vorstman team–to install your wall. The reason for this is to ensure that it is done properly. Badly constructed retaining walls can lean over time, bulge, become misshapen, or even crack. Not only will this blemish the overall look and design of your garden, but it can compromise the structural integrity and end up causing more damage and costing you more to repair or replace in the future. 

Professional landscapers have the experience and skill necessary to create a retaining wall that actually works and actually looks decent. It’s tempting to try to take a seemingly quicker shortcut and save a bit of money today, but the long term costs are not worth the risk. 

Choosing the best retaining wall contractor

Vorstman Landscaping Constructions offers a comprehensive selection of landscaping services including retaining wall constructions. If you’re still not sure if you really need a retaining wall or not sure what type of retaining wall you need, make sure to speak to our team today. We offer onsite consultations and thorough design services to keep your outdoor space looking and functioning optimally. Contact our team of retaining walls contractors and landscapers today.

What to Look For in a Commercial Landscaper

Are you searching for a commercial landscaping service? There are so many of them around, that it can be difficult finding the right one for your business. Whilst your budget might seem like a priority to you right now (and we appreciate that budget is a concern), it doesn’t make sense to use this as the main criteria when choosing a landscape company. That’s because not all landscapers are equal. There are those that can give you a poor, mediocre or a brilliant result, so how do you find this illusive landscape company that can give you an awesome result for an affordable price?

Do they have the skills, qualifications and experience you need? 

First of all, you need to make sure that they’re qualified landscapers, because if you want a large retaining wall built, you need to be confident that they’ll do it properly. So ask them about their qualifications and also look for this information on their website. This is also where you’ll find information about their skills and experience because they’ll use their website to promote their business. 

 

It’s likely that a commercial landscaping service will specialise in a particular type of landscaping. For example, at Vorstman we specialise in creating modern landscapes to suit your lifestyle and budget. So check out their website and find out where their specialities lie and make sure that they match your requirements. Also make sure that the company has all the necessary insurance policies (such as professional and public indemnity and work cover), reducing your risks if an accident occurs on-site.

Do they have a good reputation?

You also need to know if the commercial landscaping service has a good reputation in the local community, because this also gives you confidence in the company. To look into their reputation, you can ask the company for contact details of previous commercial clients who are happy to talk to you about their experience. You can also ask for recommendations from friends, employees and other businesses in the area, as well as via social media networks. Has anyone ever used the landscaping company? Would they recommend them? Do they have any other recommendations?

Arrange to meet the commercial landscaping service on-site

Once you have checked the background of the landscaping company, it’s a good idea to meet them face to face on-site. This is because you can get a much better idea of who you’ll be working with and whether they ring any alarm bells. You want a company that is prepared to listen to your needs, offer any advice or ideas, and doesn’t run roughshod over you. Also, if you are interested in a particular service they offer, for example sustainable practices, this is the time to talk about how these practices can be incorporated into your landscaping design. If everything works out and you think you can work with your chosen company, then ask them for a free quote and take it from there. 


Vorstman Constructions is a leading commercial landscaping service located in Greenbank. Why not call us on 0447 211 770 to discuss your needs?

4 Popular ideas for garden makeovers

Unless you have an absolutely perfect garden with not a blade out of place, you might be in the mood to explore garden makeovers. These can be as little as replacing the dead turf in the back garden with fresh new turf or as much as a complete redesign with retaining walls, new paths and garden beds. If you are interested in changing your garden’s design, then you might already have  few ideas in mind. To help give you more inspiration for your makeover, let’s take a look at four of the more popular ideas that SE QLD homeowners have embraced lately.

 1. Outdoor entertainment areas

Whether you want a complete outdoor kitchen or just a fire pit with rustic seating, outdoor entertainment areas are very popular in our corner of the world. Our mild winters and hot summers mean that we can use our outdoor spaces all year round, so it simply makes sense to maximise your living and entertainment spaces by extending into the garden. Maybe you want an undercover area for your BBQ with an outdoor fridge and al fresco dining? Making use of your outdoor spaces is an essential characteristic of Brisbane homeowners, so why not give us a call and explore a few garden makeover ideas with us?

 2. Add some hardscaping to your garden

If you are always walking across the grass or a dirt track to the washing line or the shed, why not build a concrete or paved path? It’s no fun walking through wet grass or muddy dirt, not when you can solve the problem quite easily with hardscaping. There might be other areas of your garden where you have trodden a path through the grass, well why not build a permanent path? This will make your yard look more appealing and stop the path getting muddy in the rain. You can also consider covering some of the ground with pebbles or decking, it all depends on how you use the outdoor spaces. A lovely timber decked area can cover a multitude of sins and looks particularly fabulous! Paths can also be made of decking, raising the paths above the ground if you tend to have a problem with drainage in the rain. We take on lots of garden makeovers where we use hardscaping to add an extra dimension to the exterior of Brisbane homes, so why not give it some thought for your home?

 3. Using local or native plants in garden makeovers

Plants that are locally grown or in particular, native plants, are already adapted for the local environment. In Brisbane this means that they require less water and are often very drought tolerant. Many native plants are also havens for native wildlife, especially birds, and many homeowners plant natives for these two reasons – their drought tolerance and the abundance of birdlife when the plants are in flower. Gardens based on native flora are also much less demanding of your time, as they need little maintenance. Maybe a good pruning every year, but generally, native plants look fabulous and manage themselves.

 4. Creating your own private oasis at home

With our busy lives, many homeowners are renovating their gardens to create an inspiring private oasis where they can de-stress and relax at the end of the day. Just breathing in the fresh air and enjoying the view of your garden can be enough to refresh your soul. We can help you create a wonderful relaxing oasis in your Brisbane home. Garden makeovers are our speciality!

Call Vorstman Constructions on 0447 211 770 to discuss your landscaping needs.

Are all landscape contractors created equal?

If you’re ready to renovate your gardens, it’s time to find the best landscape contractors in your area, but how do you do that? Are all landscapers equal? Unfortunately, as with any trade, not all landscapers are the same, because they have different specialties, skills, qualifications and experience. Here’s a few tips to help you find the right landscapers for your job.

Finding the best contractors for your garden makeover

The best way to start your search is to have a design in mind or a basic overview of what you actually want done on your land. Even if it’s just that you want some sort of natural landscaping around the pool, stone pathways and a retaining wall. Knowing the basics you can work out the details later with your landscaper.

Next you need to ask around your network of friends and relatives and see if any of them have hired landscape contractors in the past few years and if so, would they recommend them? It’s always great when a friend recommends a contractor, because it gives you more faith in the company. It’s also a good idea to search online for local landscapers, as they will know your area well and understand the soil types, etc. Make a list of at least three companies and be sure to check their websites for the following pieces of information.

Qualifications: Do they have any professional qualifications? Often, landscapers don’t include their qualifications on their website, so look for a QBCC licence number, because that tells you they are a licenced builder (which is good!). At Vorstman Constructions, we are QBCC licenced builders and we can do all your hard and soft landscaping, whether residential or commercial.

Experience: How much experience do they have in landscaping? Whilst you don’t mind apprentices learning on the job, they need to be supervised by someone who is experienced. At Vorstman Constructions, we have more than 20 years’ experience in the landscaping industry and have worked all over Queensland creating fabulous gardens for both residential and commercial clients. 

Do you like them? This is one of the best ways to make your decision. If they are qualified and experienced – do you like them? Do you think that you can work with them? Will they listen to your opinions and work with you to achieve your dream landscaping? If you own a commercial property, this might not be such a big deal, as long as they can do the job. For a homeowner however, it can be a very big deal. So once you have your short list of at least three landscape contractors, your next step is to contact them, talk about your project and ask them to come out and discuss it with you. A face to face meeting is the best way to decide whether or not you feel comfortable with them and if you are, then ask for a quote.

Ask for quotes: Quotes can be different between landscapers, but don’t believe that the cheapest is the best. Many people have been stung by opting for the cheapest quote and then not being happy with the results. Qualifications, experience and being easy to get along with are some of the most important factors when choosing landscapers.

To discuss your next landscaping project, call the friendliest landscape contractors in Brisbane on 0447 211 770 or shoot us an email today.