Concerns People Have When Buying a House With a Big Yard
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A house with a big yard has become a typical feature on homebuyers' wish lists. Large back and front yards provide a chance to step outside and take in the scenery, whether to cultivate flowers, fruits, and veggies, have lots of area for games and unplanned picnics, or even just additional space for your dog.
A large yard isn't free, as lovely and restful as it may sound. Homebuyers might anticipate paying more for a property with a lot of green space. However, many of them are not sure how much time and energy they will need to put into maintaining that yard. Not to mention how large of a budget they will need to consider.
Due to these factors, it is understandable that prospective homebuyers are concerned. In this article, we will discuss some of the drawbacks of owning a big yard and urge you to decide whether or not a big yard is a suitable choice for you.
Ongoing maintenance
First of all, you'll need to take care of ongoing maintenance like fertilizer, winterizing your lawn if you live in a colder area, watering, weeding, and seeding. Additionally, you will occasionally have to aerate if you decide to manage yard labour by yourself to reduce monthly and annual expenses. And that only applies to the yard. Keep in mind that you'll still need to handle extra duties like trimming and tree upkeep for your property's safety and exterior beauty. Furthermore, don't forget that you will need a place to store all the equipment so it lasts longer. Ongoing maintenance is not just working on your yard but also making sure your tools are in good working condition.
Packing for relocation
If you're already moving from a home with a yard, chances are you already have most of the equipment mentioned. Your garden is usually the last thing on your mind when you consider moving. In the haste of the process, you can easily overlook some pieces of decoration. The most common things to forget are backyard decorations, so be sure to take everything with you when you move. For this reason, consider hiring experts to assist you in making your relocation as stress-free as possible.
Seasonal needs
Whatever your location, some seasons will require more yard maintenance than others. Fall and winter means raking leaves, trimming shrubs and trees, and shovelling snow. In the spring and summer, vegetation can practically multiply overnight. Because of this, you may need professional assistance to eradicate quickly proliferating weeds. Or, perhaps, you'll need to prepare for weekly maintenance tasks like mowing, which requires either hiring assistance or using your initiative while also purchasing tools like a lawnmower and trimmer. Coastal homeowners may have to do more work during hurricane season because they may need to employ tree services to trim down overhanging trees.
Weed and pest management
Your yard may be loved by others as well. Depending on where you live, widespread yard pests include weeds, fleas, ants, wasps, rats, and even bigger (though unquestionably cuter) animals like rabbits and deer. A house with a big yard will probably require pest and weed treatment at least annually, if not year-round, whether you do it yourself or employ professionals.
Tree troubles
Your yard benefits from trees' shade, personality, and beauty, but they can also present risks. Even adorable bird nests in trees may cause chaos; woodpeckers, for instance, injure trees and increase their susceptibility to disease and structural instability. When looking for a home, pay close attention to the number and state of the trees on the property and consider how manageable they will be for you in the future. If they potentially fall during blizzards, tornadoes, hurricanes, or any other common storms in your area, you should also take note of their proximity to the house.
Additionally, trees could refer to tree roots. If the house you're considering has older plumbing, tree roots may have already damaged the terra cotta pipes. Find out if an older home has contemporary pipes and if there has ever been a problem with roots clogging the system. Even better, ask the neighbours if your realtor is uncertain or if the sellers are unwilling to share. Because roots can extend far and wide, they are likely to be aware. A tree that is only 6 inches tall can have roots that extend an incredible 19 feet, according to green infrastructure experts.
Putting up (and repairing) fences
Although having a yard is excellent, you could feel somewhat exposed if it is unfenced. Installing a privacy fence typically costs around $2,400. Fence maintenance can be pricey as well. If you're looking for a home, consider including the cost of adding and repairing a fence in your discussions.
A slippery slope
The slope of a yard is another expense. Yard grading may be necessary for yards with significant slopes since they can interfere with drainage. Although there is a ton of advice online on how to DIY this process, you might want to employ a specialist because a yard slope could lead to foundation problems. Regarding yard costs, on average, $1,600 nationwide.
Allergies
Are your allergies seasonal or persistent year-round? You might not be the appropriate person to own a yard, especially if you're the one who has to do the accompanying yard labour. Even while over-the-counter and prescription medications might ease allergy problems, it's important to take your general health into account when choosing a home with a big yard. You might look at this list of suggestions for doing yard work when you have allergies if discomfort rather than actual safety is the only concern.
Time is also money
Even if you have all the necessary tools, taking care of your lawn and yard on your own is likely to take longer than hiring a crew of experts. What would take a lawn care firm 30 minutes could take you three hours. Consultants from Preferred Movers recommend considering the value of your weekend and setting your budget wisely.
To summarize
A yard is a lovely area to take in the great outdoors while remaining within your own house. It may also give you access to a wide range of opportunities. But keep in mind that maintaining a house with a big yard takes time and money. Understandably, homebuyers are concerned as a result of these circumstances, but in the end, it's up to you to consider all pros and cons and decide if you would like a house with a big yard.