- Wed Jan 28, 2026 5:20 am
#7761
In the real estate and construction trades, we see a clear distinction between DIY landscaping and professional installation, especially when it comes time to sell. While DIY projects can be fun and save money upfront, they rarely add the same level of equity to a home as professional work. Larkin Landscape and Design knows that when it comes to appraisal value and buyer perception, the difference is in the details and the durability.
DIY projects often suffer from a lack of structural integrity. A homeowner might lay a patio on a thin base of sand because it is easier. It looks fine for a month, but after one winter, it heaves, becomes uneven, and holds water. An appraiser or home inspector will flag this immediately as a defect. It becomes a liability that the buyer will want fixed, rather than an asset they are willing to pay for. Professional hardscaping is built on a deep, compacted aggregate base designed to withstand the freeze-thaw cycle. This durability is what adds long-term value.
Design continuity is another major factor. DIY landscapes often look piecemeal, with a mix of materials and styles that don't flow together. A professional design creates a cohesive look that complements the architecture of the house. The materials match, the lines are clean, and the flow is logical. This unity increases curb appeal significantly. For homeowners investing in Hardscaping & Landscaping in Central Iowa, a cohesive professional design is often the tipping point that pushes a home into a higher price bracket.
Material quality also differs greatly. Professionals have access to commercial-grade materials that aren't available at the big-box stores. We use thicker pavers, larger specimen trees, and higher-quality lighting fixtures. These materials last longer and look better, signaling luxury to potential buyers. A buyer can tell the difference between a thin paver and a substantial stone slab.
Finally, there is the issue of time and completion. DIY projects often drag on for years, leaving the yard in a state of semi-construction. A professional crew finishes the job efficiently, delivering a turnkey product that is ready for the market immediately.
If your goal is to maximize equity, professional execution is the only reliable path.
To discuss how we can increase the value of your property, schedule a site consultation.
https://www.larklandscape.com/
DIY projects often suffer from a lack of structural integrity. A homeowner might lay a patio on a thin base of sand because it is easier. It looks fine for a month, but after one winter, it heaves, becomes uneven, and holds water. An appraiser or home inspector will flag this immediately as a defect. It becomes a liability that the buyer will want fixed, rather than an asset they are willing to pay for. Professional hardscaping is built on a deep, compacted aggregate base designed to withstand the freeze-thaw cycle. This durability is what adds long-term value.
Design continuity is another major factor. DIY landscapes often look piecemeal, with a mix of materials and styles that don't flow together. A professional design creates a cohesive look that complements the architecture of the house. The materials match, the lines are clean, and the flow is logical. This unity increases curb appeal significantly. For homeowners investing in Hardscaping & Landscaping in Central Iowa, a cohesive professional design is often the tipping point that pushes a home into a higher price bracket.
Material quality also differs greatly. Professionals have access to commercial-grade materials that aren't available at the big-box stores. We use thicker pavers, larger specimen trees, and higher-quality lighting fixtures. These materials last longer and look better, signaling luxury to potential buyers. A buyer can tell the difference between a thin paver and a substantial stone slab.
Finally, there is the issue of time and completion. DIY projects often drag on for years, leaving the yard in a state of semi-construction. A professional crew finishes the job efficiently, delivering a turnkey product that is ready for the market immediately.
If your goal is to maximize equity, professional execution is the only reliable path.
To discuss how we can increase the value of your property, schedule a site consultation.
https://www.larklandscape.com/