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Getting the Most Out of Your General Contractor

If you are thinking about hiring a general contractor, you should read my blog before you pick up the phone or send that email. I am not a general contractor myself, but I have just finished restoring my home. It was a big project that involved working with multiple contractors over an extended period of time. Although I am not a professional, I learnt an awful lot about how to get the most out of a team of contractors and how to keep a project on schedule and under budget. I also learnt a thing or two about the work they were carrying out.

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Getting the Most Out of Your General Contractor

Incorporating Stonework in Your Residential Hardscaping Applications

by Kurt Lawson

Stonework is one of the versatile building supplies that are not only functional but will add some dimension to your landscape when utilised appropriately. Structures made from stonework are not only visually appealing, but they are capable of withstanding gruelling weather changes without succumbing to damage. Nonetheless, homeowners will frequent seek out the use of stonework when they are contemplating paving and flooring applications on their property. Although stone does suit these projects, it is not the only way that you can make the most of it. Here are some ways of incorporating stonework in your residential hardscaping applications.

Stonework to reduce the incline of your property

If your residence is constructed on a steep slope, chances are erosion is one of your primary concerns. A simple way to address this issue would be the use of stonework to create terraces on your property. The terraces do not have to be exclusively functional. Architectural design can lend visual appeal to your stonework, which would transform the terraces into a focal point on your property. Additionally, the stone terraces will be highly durable as they are capable of enduring weathering without being at risk of disintegration. Construction of stone terraces to decrease the incline of your land also makes it easier for you to landscape your property.

Stonework to create retaining walls

When some people think of retaining walls, they assume that their main purpose is to curb soil erosion. Although they do achieve this, retaining walls can also be an elegant aspect of your hardscaping. Constructing these walls using stones gives you the chance to include aesthetically appealing dividers on your property. You then have the opportunity to demarcate various parts of your property for different applications such as a herb garden, an alfresco entertainment area and more. A good place to derive inspiration from would be Chinese gardens, which make use of rock walls in their design to create definition of various spaces on the property.

Stonework to accentuate natural features

Another creative way of incorporating stonework in your hardscaping is to use it a method of emphasising the natural features on your property. For example, if your garden is not defined, you could use stonework as edging, which would make the garden stand out. On the other hand, if you have a water feature on your property such as a small pond or a rock pool, surrounding it with stonework would make it stand out.

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