Are you thinking of buying artificial grass for your home? Well, synthetic grass is actually a perfect way to increase curb appeal and reduce exterior maintenance costs, but there are important considerations to keep in mind before pulling out your turf and replacing it with artificial turf.
Indeed, there are several important reasons for the growing interest in artificial turf, including increasing consumer awareness of water conservation and the significant strain that conventional lawn care places on the global water supply.
Of course, rethinking your lawn option may not be about water use. Many people choose artificial turf because it doesn’t require as much regular maintenance as regular grass, but there are some annoying characteristics of turf, such as weeds, bugs, and dirt. However, there are also some drawbacks that you should be aware of, especially if you don’t want to spend a lot of money on top-quality artificial grass.
So what do you need to consider? Here are eight things you should know about synthetic grass when deciding if it’s right for your home.
- Learn about artificial grass materials, how they are manufactured, their uses, general installation guidelines, and local design or building codes that require special measures.
For example, some homeowners’ and merchants’ associations must submit plans for new projects and obtain permits before construction. First, check with your local water utility to see if they offer discounts to property owners who replace their irrigated areas with drought-tolerant plants or artificial turf material for natural turf.
Information can be found online on the ASGi Water Discount Program page.
- What does the area look like to you when it’s finished?
To visualize, you can grab a gardening or landscape magazine and flip through them. Go to home shows to see exhibits, visit gardening and landscaping websites, or watch TV shows to inspire your ideas.
Even driving around the region can build up a palette of ideas on which to base your new project wishlist. You can also explain to your designer or contractor exactly what you want in the area. Most importantly, their job is to help you visualize the right solution that fits your wishes and on-site needs.
- Look at all aspects of the site. Anything to add to the list that can be repaired, replaced, or refurbished? You may need to list certain items and discuss them with your designer or contractor.
Artificial grass installers typically offer a complete service, including excavation, drainage, installation, and modifications to suit your landscape needs.
Renovation presents some interesting challenges. Dismantling and removal costs can mean additional costs for time, labor, transportation, containers, and landfill costs.
- Familiarize yourself with standard installation guidelines for premium artificial grass and synthetic grass materials manufactured and used for turf, landscaping, and putting greens in your area to make informed decisions about which solutions and suppliers to choose.
You can download a free copy of the ASGi Standard Installation Guidelines at the end of this article. Artificial grass materials are typically manufactured by professional installers.
- Please consult with a designer or contractor familiar with the construction of artificial turf and artificial turf. Invite multiple experts to the site to provide contrasting and comparative information that can be used in decision-making.
Many states require builders to have a legally valid license to install artificial grass products for turf, landscaping and putting greens.
For specific information in your area, visit or contact your local building exchange or licensing office.
Another source of qualified and licensed operators on the web is ServiceMagic. It pre-screens the appropriate licenses, bonds, and insurance.
- Ask potential contractors to review their local work. As with any construction project, there is artistry in execution.
Ask for contact information for reference. Take the time to check their qualifications and execution up close and personal, and arrange onsite visits for multiple facilities.
- Obtain a written agreement signed and dated by both parties before negotiating with the contractor. A handshake is often considered a legally binding agreement, but when an argument heats up, it can be very challenging to remember who said what to whom and literally impossible to prove.
Written contracts and modification orders that clearly describe the materials and services are your legal right, don’t give them away easily.
They also serve as a reminder of intent and evidence in the event of a dispute requiring arbitration. Many states provide licensed contractors with general liability insurance for accidents involving property or goods on site, and workers’ compensation insurance for personal injury that may occur while working on a project.
- Set a budget. A professionally installed project will cost him 40-60% more than a homebrew project.
Experts not only provide experience and expertise, but they also provide the right people, electronics, tools, and supplies to get the job done right the first time.
Don’t compromise on your project’s success. Find the right construction partner and get a fair deal based on your budget and what you want to invest in your dream project. Experienced artificial grass installers bring the right tools and materials as well as the expertise and experience to ensure that your project is properly and professionally installed and enjoyed.
Top Tips for Artificial Grass
- Conventional artificial turf for homes contains harmful substances such as lead in the infill material between the blades.
Toxins and lead in artificial turf are rarely something to worry about, but it’s a good idea to check directly with the company you bought it from.
On the plus side, not only are you making sure you’re buying toxic and lead-free artificial turf, but you’re also safe from the dangers of toxic chemicals commonly used in natural turfs, like fertilizers and herbicides.
- They look better and more real than ever. Artificial grass has come a long way; high-quality artificial grass is now without the plastic characteristics and very unnatural colors that many people associate with it.
- Of course, you don’t have to worry about watering, mowing, or weeding. However, any stains that do occur need to be dealt with.
Artificial Turf Resale Value
It’s difficult to find specific information on how artificial grass will affect resale value, especially if you live in a dry, hot area where lawn maintenance is often a hassle.
However, if you’re buying turf in an area where it easily stands out as a fake in the neighborhood where everyone else has lush natural turf, this could be a disadvantage.
If you’re concerned about this, you can talk to your local real estate agent for information on how artificial grass is doing in your neighborhood in terms of resale value.
In addition, the better looking, the more buyers are willing to pay, so a good-looking artificial turf can be worth selling.
Ezy Decking provides premium artificial grass & synthetic installation services to the Gold Coast, Brisbane & Northern NSW areas. Call us today!