Monday, June 24, 2013

Water Features: Things To Consider

On the most common motives homeowners have for undertaking a landscaping project is to add some much-needed aesthetic appeal to their home. Prior to selecting any one type of project however homeowners must take a look around their yards and keep all the essentials in mind. Prior to undertaking a large or exotic landscaping project homeowners should first ensure that their yards have essentials such as a patio, plants, and even an irrigation system to keep the entire yard healthy. Once a yard has these things however homeowners can set their sights on bigger things.

One of the bigger and more popular things homeowners look to once a yard has all the necessities is water features. From small mini waterfalls to larger fountains and many projects that fall in between there is a lot for homeowners to choose from and consider. Water features can easily become the standouts not only in the backyard of the home but the front as well and so homeowners should take great care in selecting the right water feature for their yard.

The first thing homeowners will want to give serious thought to is sound. Different water features carry with them different sounds and different levels of volume as well. If a homeowner wants something quiet and tranquil they should consider putting in some sort of pond which will remain virtually silent as there is very little water movement in a tranquil pond. It is also possible to have a contractor build a bubbling brook which of course carries with it some noise. Although it's not extremely loud or obnoxious the sound of constantly running or bubbling water might get old so homeowners should consider this before putting in these types of water features. There are then those homeowners who don't mind sound or even a large amount of noise. These types of homeowners have a great deal many more options available to them when it comes to water features. For starters large fountains that constantly spill water over can be built as can small raging rivers that are either a stand-alone body of water or run directly into a pool or spa. It behooves homeowners to abstain from making hasty decisions with regards to water features as noise must always be considered.

Once sound has been determined homeowners can turn their attention towards the appearance of their new water feature. Depending on a homeowners budget and personal tastes water features can be very simple like a bird bath or very complex and look like a mini jungle or stream. Different water features along with different personal tastes will ultimately dictate how a water feature will look and how it will be decorated. Of course consulting with an experienced landscaping designer will give homeowners additional information as to what works and what doesn't and will help them make a more informed decision.

Having decided on what types of sounds and decor are acceptable homeowners and contractors can begin discussing where exactly new water feature will be located. Adding water features to a front yard certainly adds curb appeal to a home though it is less likely to be enjoyed on a frequent basis by the homeowner. Water features built into a backyard on the other hand are usually built to impress guests, create atmosphere, or even serve as a gathering spot. Homeowners will also have to decide whether their new water feature will be above ground or an in ground addition to their home. Above ground units really stand out in the yard and are easy to see. They are also cheaper as well. In contrast in ground units have the benefit of being insulated by soil and don't have as many problems when the weather changes. In ground units will usually require a bit more effort during installation and may cost more than above ground units.

With the first three key things settled upon homeowners will have to turn their attention towards the actual installation of the new water feature. Homeowners investing in less inexpensive water features can usually find some do-it-yourself installation kits both online and in stores though installing these can be quite a chore. On the other hand, homeowners who either don't want to install their new water feature themselves or have elected to have an elaborate or complex water feature installed will need to hire a contractor to handle all aspects of installation. Although pride sometimes budget sway a person to attempt installation themselves, having a professional landscaping contractor install water features should always be a homeowner's first choice.

With so many things to consider prior to putting in a new water feature homeowners should keep in mind several things. Bigger isn't always better despite what some contractors may tell them nor does spending more money on an expensive water feature make more inexpensive water features less applicable or functional. While considering all of the aforementioned issues homeowners should always keep things like price, size, and quality in the back of their minds. Doing so will help them avoid buyer's remorse and help them get the most out of their new water feature regardless of where it's located.

Millennium Construction specializes in landscaping company, Newport Beach landscape design, Landscape Orange County.

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