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| Remodeling and Home Services |
Whichever financing option a homeowner obtains, it’s recommended that they stick to it. If the budget is “x” and then reserve fund is “y,” don’t be afraid to tell the contractor that these are the budgetary parameters.
A professional remodeling contractor is familiar with the many financing options available and frequently can be of assistance in putting a homeowner in touch with various options, but it’s recommended that homeowners do their own homework on the available options.
A home-improvement company may offer financing, but this is not necessarily the best option even though it may seem easy to arrange the financing and the work contract at the same time. Be aware that some contractors will have you sign a credit contract to pay a certain price for the work plus a finance charge then immediately sell the right to collect on the contract for 20–50 percent less than the contract price. That usually means you could have gotten the work done for 20–50 percent less by paying cash or arranging financing yourself.
LANDSCAPING
Landscaping your home can add 7–15 percent to its value. In fact, landscaping can return 100–200 percent on your investment when it comes time to sell. Money magazine reports that a swimming pool returns only 20–50 percent of your money. Mature landscaping can lower energy costs, dampen noise and help reduce air pollution. Other ideas to enhance your home’s value through inexpensive landscaping include the following:
If this is the first time you’ve lived in a desert climate, one great place to learn about the landscape in Las Vegas is the Gardens at Springs Preserve (www.springspreserve.org), an eight-acre botanical preserve that features a wide range of desert landscapes and demonstrates native and nonnative desert plant life with interpretive stations and hands-on activities.
Unique features of Springs Preserve include the Watering Can Theater in the Gardens for irrigation instruction, the Tool Shed Theater, a children’s theater featuring molded mushroom-shaped chairs, a weather station with real-time weather data, the Enabling Garden for demonstrating options for people who have physical challenges and the Frame House, a 70-seat kitchen area that features outdoor cooking demonstrations.
The Las Vegas Valley Water District offers tips for water-smart landscaping (also known as xeriscape). It’s more than cacti and lava rock; it also can be a lush oasis brimming with water-efficient plants. With a little planning and the following tips, you can create the water-smart landscape of your dreams:
Water Smart Landscapes Program Plant List
For a detailed list of common plants found in Southern Nevada landscapes, visit the Southern Nevada Water Authority’s website at www.snwa.com and click on Landscapes. In the Landscape Design Toolkit section, select Plant Search. You also can call the Conservation Helpline at (702) 258-SAVE (7283).
A professional remodeling contractor is familiar with the many financing options available and frequently can be of assistance in putting a homeowner in touch with various options, but it’s recommended that homeowners do their own homework on the available options.
A home-improvement company may offer financing, but this is not necessarily the best option even though it may seem easy to arrange the financing and the work contract at the same time. Be aware that some contractors will have you sign a credit contract to pay a certain price for the work plus a finance charge then immediately sell the right to collect on the contract for 20–50 percent less than the contract price. That usually means you could have gotten the work done for 20–50 percent less by paying cash or arranging financing yourself.
LANDSCAPING
Landscaping your home can add 7–15 percent to its value. In fact, landscaping can return 100–200 percent on your investment when it comes time to sell. Money magazine reports that a swimming pool returns only 20–50 percent of your money. Mature landscaping can lower energy costs, dampen noise and help reduce air pollution. Other ideas to enhance your home’s value through inexpensive landscaping include the following:
- Select indigenous plants. Select native rather than exotic plants for your landscaping to reduce maintenance and to increase curb appeal. Indigenous grasses, trees and shrubs grow well together and to predictable sizes. They do not need watering (except during establishment), nor do they require chemical fertilizers because they already are adapted to local conditions and insects. Native plants not only accent your home, they also attract colorful birds and butterflies.
- Use small spaces effectively. Container gardening can work miracles in small spaces with the added benefit of being easy to move according to the plants’ needs. If you live in a condo or an apartment, revitalize your entryway, patio or balcony with attractive hanging baskets, planters and unique accessories. Try to limit the different kinds of plants and materials you use in a small garden.
- Create an outdoor living space. Consider adding a deck or a patio for entertaining and relaxing. This addition also can be a great investment. According to the Cost vs. Value Report 2011–12, installing a deck provides up to 53.6 percent return on investment. Select from a variety of different surfaces to fit any particular style or budget, including concrete pavers, natural clay, wood, stones and brick. Pebble, gravel, bricks and tiles also can be incorporated easily and inexpensively.
If this is the first time you’ve lived in a desert climate, one great place to learn about the landscape in Las Vegas is the Gardens at Springs Preserve (www.springspreserve.org), an eight-acre botanical preserve that features a wide range of desert landscapes and demonstrates native and nonnative desert plant life with interpretive stations and hands-on activities.
Unique features of Springs Preserve include the Watering Can Theater in the Gardens for irrigation instruction, the Tool Shed Theater, a children’s theater featuring molded mushroom-shaped chairs, a weather station with real-time weather data, the Enabling Garden for demonstrating options for people who have physical challenges and the Frame House, a 70-seat kitchen area that features outdoor cooking demonstrations.
The Las Vegas Valley Water District offers tips for water-smart landscaping (also known as xeriscape). It’s more than cacti and lava rock; it also can be a lush oasis brimming with water-efficient plants. With a little planning and the following tips, you can create the water-smart landscape of your dreams:
- Make a plan. Wandering the aisles of your local nursery can be fun, but develop a game plan before you go to stay on task and on budget. Put your ideas on paper with a landscape master plan that outlines where plants will go. Remember to allow space for young plants to mature and spread.
- Read! Learn! Get Inspired! Call (702) 258-SAVE for a free Water Smart Landscapes book and video. This guide will show you how to do it yourself or work with a contractor. Call (702) 258-3205 for a schedule of free landscaping classes at the Gardens at the Springs Preserve.
- Two yards are better than one. Talk to your neighbor about a combined landscape upgrade. Many suppliers offer better prices on larger quantities of material.
- Enroll in the Water Smart landscape program. Earn a rebate of $1 per square foot when you upgrade grass to water-efficient landscaping. You must be preapproved before you make any changes to your yard. Following are the steps to apply:
- Call (702) 258-SAVE before you begin.
- Participate in a required preconversion site review.
- Upgrade your landscape once you have approval.
- Call for a final inspection.
- Prepare surfaces. Preparatory work is critical. Properly remove turf areas you don’t use, grade for proper drainage and add mulches in your landscape. Mulches, such as rock or wood, help retain soil moisture and shield plants from extreme cold or heat.
- Beware the irrigation shortcut. Assess your current irrigation system. What areas need sprinklers? What areas need drip irrigation? Consult a professional if you plan to convert an existing system. Ill-advised shortcuts can parch plants and cost you more in maintenance, parts and water in the long run.
- Buy starter plants. Five-gallon plants are pretty, but pricey; choose one-gallon containers instead. Fall is a perfect time to plant in Las Vegas, and even small plants will mature quickly. Colorful groundcovers like lantana or myoporum spread easily, require little maintenance and are water-efficient.
Water Smart Landscapes Program Plant List
For a detailed list of common plants found in Southern Nevada landscapes, visit the Southern Nevada Water Authority’s website at www.snwa.com and click on Landscapes. In the Landscape Design Toolkit section, select Plant Search. You also can call the Conservation Helpline at (702) 258-SAVE (7283).
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