Home Removal Services Blog

The weather is improving outside and the garden may be increasingly on your mind. If you want your garden to be the outdoor space you’ve dreamed of, now is the time to make a start!

Due to the relatively poor weather that homeowners experience in the UK, the garden as an outside living space tends to be something that is only considered as the weather warms up in spring and summer. If you have ideas for re-developing your garden then advance planning is the secret. Given the huge cost of moving house, many homeowners are now choosing to spend the money on developing their existing houses and outdoor spaces.

With finances being more of an issue in this climate, outdoor spaces that are both affordable and practical are ever the more important. There are no set rules governing the design of your garden as everyone’s idea of the perfect garden varies.

A Safe Place to Play!

Does the garden provide a stimulating and fun play environment that is safe for the kids? Child proofing the outdoor space spans a whole host of issues such as the review of existing perimeter fencing (how secure is it?); removal of dangerous plants / trees; replacement of chipped / broken pavers; installation of an approved children’s play surface to ensure added safety around fixed play equipment e.g. slides / swings; installation of a year round outdoor play area in the guise of a decked or paved patio.

Think long and hard about the safety measures and remember that toddlers and older children require different safety solutions.

A Driveway to be Proud of!

If you have ever had to drive around the roads adjacent to your house searching for a place to park, then an off street parking space might be just what the doctor ordered. A practical, clean driveway will give you stress free and immediate access to your house.

One interesting legal point is that unless you are working with a permeable driveway product planning permission may be required.

Here Comes the Good Life

Whilst making your dream garden space, be sure not to overlook the need for a “grow your own” zone. Growing your own groceries can be a great deal of fun and extremely economical. You’ll also be reducing your family’s carbon footprint.

Entertaining Outdoors

If you are like me then you’ll enjoy the more informal dinner party that is possible in a garden dinning area. Good lighting, practical access to the kitchen, a nice patio or decked surface and of course a lovely barbecue make this all possible. Consider every aspect of this when going through the planning stage, as it’s way more practical and economical to include this early on in the process than to add it as an after thought.

Once you’ve had a chance to think through the changes you want to make to your outdoor space, it pays to bring in the professionals and seek guidance on a realistic price which should detail all the installation and labour costs, along with an anticipated time frame.

Buying new outdoor patio furniture is the easiest way to liven up the look of your patio or deck. Here’s a look at some of the new trends that might inspire you to go shopping.

* Tuscan. This style is ideal if you want a Mediterranean look with a contemporary feel to it. The materials used in this kind of patio furniture are ideal for hot climates. They feature simple but stylish frames and rattan seats. These stylish yet resilient pieces are ideal for entertaining on the patio.

* The bar look. Pub style furniture is ideal when located beside the pool or as part of an outdoor entertainment setting. They frequently are designed using wood or wrought iron, and they sit higher than regular patio furniture. This style sets the ideal mood for entertaining in the evening.

* Wicker. Outdoor wicker is a great look, evoking images of past eras. These days, they’re made with more durable materials that can withstand the elements, so they’ll last you a long time. They often have pillowy seating that you can sink into luxuriously. They’re the perfect choice if you want both longevity and comfort in your backyard living arrangements.

* Botanical. Why not create a relaxing, natural setting? These pieces usually feature bold tropical patterns. They’re ideal if you want to give your deck or patio a Caribbean feeling. The exotic patterns make these sets a stylish and popular choice.

* Contemporary. This furniture features trendy European design which will give your patio a sophisticated, modern appearance. They often utilize wicker specially produced to withstand the elements. The cut-outs on these sets give a distinctive look that will have your guests turning their heads.

Ever changing technology means that there are some new materials being used these days for outdoor patio furniture. They can be highly durable or not, depending on the circumstances. For instance, rattan will hold its own in dry conditions and will give you years of service, but it has to be protected from the rain or it will start to break down.

As you’re shopping, think about how versatile the pieces are that you’re looking at. Lots of people want to change the look of their patio furniture occasionally, without having to replace it. Therefore, it’s best to choose something that will easily adapt to almost any style. If you have a tendency to rearrange every now and then, make sure the pieces are easy to move.

Also, you should think about purchasing a couple of items that can multitask. For instance, you could use a solid end table for extra seating when needed. Or you can use it to hold ornaments, fresh picked flowers or potted plants.