Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Purchasing new siding for your home is a decision with major significance, both aesthetically and functionally. Unlike a fresh paint job or decorating scheme, new siding is something youll likely commit to for many years. By making the right decisions in terms of color and material, your siding will be a source of pride whenever you pull into your driveway. To that end, wed like to give you a brief rundown of what to consider when purchasing new siding for your home.

When to Replace Your Current Siding Here are a few tips to help you discern whether your current siding needs to be replaced:

- Perform a close-up inspection of any siding that appears warped. Using a screwdriver, poke beneath the warped siding and note how firm the layer under the siding feels. If this layer feels rotted in any way, its probably time to replace your siding.

- Surprisingly, a couple of signs that may indicate failing siding are noticeable from inside the home. If youre experiencing peeling paint or sagging wallpaper, it may be because your aging siding is allowing moisture to seep beneath it and into your wallboard. This can damage your homes interior walls, so its something you should get checked out as soon as possible.

- Another sign that your siding allows too much moisture into your homes walls is mold or mildew formation on the exterior of your siding. While not always a sign of failing siding, mold or mildew often signifies additional issues and should be a cause for further investigation.

- Dry rot, one of the more common problems with wood siding, is not always visible to the naked eye. To detect it, tap various areas of the siding with the bottom of a screwdriver or hammer. This will expose an area that has succumbed to dry rot, as only the topmost layer of siding will be intact. If dry rot is discovered, you may be able to get away with just replacing the damaged sections, but oftentimes contractors will recommend a full replacement. Since dry rot may compromise the structural integrity of your home, its definitely an area where youll want to defer to the experts.

Color While this dimension of your siding is almost entirely aesthetic, it carries with it several implications that you may not have initially considered.

- What colors predominate in your neighborhood? While that canary yellow might have looked sharp in a magazine, you may not want your home to stick out too much when seen in the context of your neighborhoods palette. Also, your neighborhood or homeowners association may have rules on the book regarding color options.

- If youre in a hot climate, you may want to consider a lighter shade that wont absorb as much heat as a darker shade does. This will save you energy and money when trying to keep your home cool in the summer.

- Notice the colors of your doors and window frames, and try to imagine your new siding juxtaposed with those. Do they complement each other? Also, if youre planning on changing those or other exterior features of your home in the future, consider how your homes new color scheme will harmonize with your siding.

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Things to Consider when Replacing Siding on Your House

What is a Septic System?

A Septic System is a small wastewater treatment system designed to dispose of household, biological sanitary waste. Wastewater from the home flows into the tank who's primary purpose is to separate solids (which settle to the bottom of the tank as sludge) from the wastewater before they reach the drain (leach) field. The lighter waste particles (such as hair or grease) form a type of scum which accumulates at the top of the tank until purged.

Up to 50 % of the solids retained in the bottom of the tank decompose while the rest accumulate in the tank and require periodic pumping for their removal. After the solids have been removed, the effluent or clarified wastewater, is transported to a distribution box which splits the effluent into a series of pipes set in trenches which are filled with gravel (called the drain or leach field).

These distribution pipes have holes that allow the wastewater to seep through the gravel and into the soil which acts as a natural filter eliminating many of the bacteria that cause diseases. Microorganisms in the soil break down many of the impurities before the filtered water flows back into the groundwater.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 25% of US homes have tanks which treat and dispose of effluage on site, most of which last between 25-35 years if maintained properly. Improperly functioning systems can cause sewage backups, smelly pools of sludge in the yard, excessive green growth, and/or contaminate well/water supplies.

What are the health affects of Sewerage?

Tanks are usually designed to hold enough sludge for up to three years of normal operation. When the sludge level increases beyond its designed capacity, sewage has less time to settle before leaving the tank allowing more solids to escape into the absorption field. Sludge infiltration into the soil absorption field can result in system failure. If sufficient ground area is not available for repair/replacement of the drain field, the home could be rendered inhabitable. To prevent this, the tank must be periodically pumped (the material pumped is known as septage) to remove the sludge buildup.

Improper maintenance by homeowners is the most common reason for failure, leading to high levels of coliform bacteria and nitrates in drinking water. Common problems associated with faulty systems include contaminated wells when the sewerage is located to close or uphill from the water supply.

What can I do to ensure the efficiency of my system?

Regular Inspection, Service and Pumping: The single most important factor is the regular removal of sludge and scum before it washes into the drainfield. Pumping intervals depend largely on the size of the tank, the number of people in your household, the volume of water used and amount of solids being disposed. The State of Georgia recommends regular septic pumping every 3 to 5 years.

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Septic Tank Pumping, Sewer Cleaning | Birmingham

"...whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

1 Corinthians 10:31

Welcome to PAR Church Builders, Inc. PARprovides its clients a single-source design and build church construction solution. Our construction company specializes in building churches from the ground up, and we can also provide remodeling, resurfacing, and repurposing of existing churches. When it comes time to design and build your new church, the craftsmanship provided by the PAR construction team cannot be matched. Our main office islocated in the great state of Georgia, just south of the Atlanta metropolis. Because we have been blessed with success building churches in the southeast region, including Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and Alabama,PARnow has church construction projects all over the United States. We have built churches in Massachusetts, Texas, Michigan, North Carolina, Kentucky, and Delaware. FuturePAR church construction projects include taking our enterprise global.

PARstrives to provide churches with a magnificent, intricately designed, and state-of-the-art worship facility, where your community's congregation can come and praise God, as well as enjoy partaking in a communal celebration. The PAR website offers examples of our work, which can be viewed on thePAR Portfolio page. We are experts in the commencement of church planning, as well as implementing all phases of church construction. The PAR team will prove an excellent general contractor for you church building needs, and, with the help of professional and trusted subcontractors, we promise to build a marvelous worship space for your community.

PARChurch Builders prides itself in providing church building excellence, the right way, every time. We understand what it takes to build a church that the pastor envisions, and where the congregation will love giving praise to God. PARknows how difficult the process of building a new church is on your community, which is why we promise to stand side-by-side with you every step of the way: from breaking ground, until we hand you the keys to your new worship facility. This is an integral part to the fellowship we develop with the community. PAR believes in building an everlasting relationship with both the pastor and congregation.

Please enjoy the PARwebsite. You will see our vast portfolio of wonderful and beautifully constructed church layouts, along with detailed information regarding our church design process. You will have the opportunity to learn more about the PARcompany, along with the exceptional team responsible for the continued success regarding our church construction projects.Once you have thoroughly viewed the website, please feel free to contact us if you have any questions concerning how to plan your church build, or the phases of church construction.

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Par Church Builders

Photo 1: A zip tool is the key

Slide the zip tool along the bottom edge to release the vinyl siding from the piece below it.

Slip a flat bar behind the vinyl siding and lever out the nails.

Install the replacement piece and hook the lip of the upper siding piece into the slot to lock it into place.

Vinyl siding is tough, but not indestructible. If a falling branch or a well-hit baseball has cracked a piece of your siding, you can make it as good as new in about 15 minutes with a $5 zip tool (available at any home center) and a replacement piece. It's as simple as unzipping the damaged piece and snapping in a new one.

Starting at one end of the damaged piece, push the end of the zip tool up under the siding until you feel it hook the bottom lip (Photo 1). Pull the zip tool downward and out to unhook the bottom lip, then slide it along the edge, pulling the siding out as you go. Then unzip any pieces above the damaged piece. Hold them out of the way with your elbow while you pry out the nails that hold the damaged piece in place (Photo 2).

Slide the replacement piece up into place, pushing up until the lower lip locks into the piece below it. Drive 1-1/4-in. roofing nails through the nailing flange. Space them about every 16 in. (near the old nail holes). Nail in the center of the nailing slot and leave about 1/32 in. of space between the nail head and the siding so the vinyl can move freely. Don't nail the heads tightly or the siding will buckle when it warms up.

With the new piece nailed, use the zip tool to lock the upper piece down over it. Start at one end and pull the lip down, twisting the tool slightly to force the leading edge down (Photo 3). Slide the zip tool along, pushing in on the vinyl just behind the tool with your other hand so it snaps into place.

It's best to repair vinyl in warm weather. In temperatures below freezing it becomes less flexible and may crack.

The downside of replacing older vinyl siding is that it can be hard to match the style and color, and siding rarely has any identifying marks. The best way to get a replacement piece is to take the broken piece to vinyl siding distributors in your area and find the closest match. If the old vinyl has faded or you can't find the right color, take the broken piece to a paint store and have the color matched. Paint the replacement piece with one coat of top-quality acrylic primer followed by acrylic house paintacrylic paint will flex with the movement of the vinyl.

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How to Replace Vinyl Siding | The Family Handyman

Typical costs: Glazed ceramic tiles run $1-$20 a square foot, giving a materials-only cost of $100-$2,000 for a 10x10-foot room. Depending on size, unglazed quarry tiles average $2 a square foot, or $200 for 10x10 feet. Porcelain tiles can mimic the look of real stone for $2-$4 a square foot, or $200-$400 for 10x10 feet of materials, Custom-made art tiles are $25 and more a square foot, giving a starting cost of $2,500 for 10x10-feet; exotic tiles of glass, metal or leather can cost many times more than porcelain, so it's best to use these as accent pieces or in borders. Terracotta tiles are $1-$2.50 a square foot, or $100-$250 for 10x10 feet; European terracotta may cost more. Natural stone tiles of marble, granite, slate or more start at $2 a square foot, or $200 for 10x10-feet, but costs climb rapidly for custom designs or special orders. Mosaics are any tile less than two inches square (although they can be round or hexagonal), usually mounted on a 12x12-inch mesh sheet. These come in porcelain, glass, stone and metal, or a combination of those, and run $3-$25 a square foot (or $300-$2,500 for 10x10-feet). Mosaics cost quite a bit more for custom designs and special orders. Installation charges start around $5-10 a square foot ($500-$1,000 for 10x10-feet) and rise sharply for custom work. Odd room layouts cost more. There's usually a fee for moving furniture or tearing out the old floor. Some tile prices include installation. Related articles: Vinyl Flooring, Hardwood Floors, Carpet, Bathroom Remodeling, Kitchen Remodeling What should be included: Tiles can be laid over an existing floor if it's smooth, level, clean and tightly attached to the subfloor; otherwise it must be removed. The tile should be laid out dry and all pieces cut to fit before it's glued down and mortar spread between the tiles. There's often some breakage when cutting, so it's usual to order 10 to 20 percent extra; this means you'll have some available for future repairs. Do-it-yourself instructions, including videos, are provided at Ceramic-Tile-Floor.info[1] . If using manufactured tiles of any sort, make sure they're all from the same lot and shade numbers (made in the same batch). Ceramic can expand by as much as a quarter inch, so ask for consistently sized tiles with no more than 1/8th-inch variation. While there are no official industry standards, most ceramic tile is rated by the Porcelain Enamel Institute abrasion tests; PEI 0 is wall tile only, no foot traffic, while PEI 5 is designed for abusive, extra-heavy foot traffic. Grout comes in a range of colors, and should be selected to go with your tile. Additional costs: A under-tile warming system costs $1,100 or more for a 10x10-foot bathroom; for details, visit Ceramic-Tile-Floor.info[2] . Shopping for tile flooring: The World Floor Covering Association provides a directory[3] of retail floor stores by zip code. Major manufacturers include Armstrong[4] and Daltile. Online retailers include BuildDirect.com[5] and StoneLocator.com[6] . Home improvement centers like Home Depot[7] sell tile flooring and installation services. Read care-and-maintenance instructions and product warranties before you buy. Even, straight installation is crucial for tile floors. Ask installers about experience and training, and for pictures of previous projects. If inspecting a finished floor, look for uneven areas and listen as you walk across; a hollow echo could mean the tile bed wasn't prepared properly. Get written estimates from several contractors; listing the exact materials you want used. Request and contact references, and check companies with the Better Business Bureau[8] . The written contract should include how the old floor will be removed and the subfloor prepped, whether furniture moving is included, specific products to be installed, all labor and materials costs, and dates within which the project will be completed. CostHelper News What People Are Paying - Recent Comments Page 2 of 2-<< Previous 12 Posted by: Olten in Col, GA. Posted: October 28th, 2014 07:10AM Sq Ft of Flooring: 30 Installer:

demo ceramic/cement lath and some bad floor joist. reinstall subfloor and ceramic tile new toilet and vanity. how much should I pAy.

Problem, tiles are not level, some higher than others in some rows, feel the unevenness when you walk on the floor barefooted. Tiles are 12" x 24" with 1/8 inch grout line. Had to have entire bedroom floor removed. Is this a hard tile to lay? Does it take a special talent? Amount spent and sq. ft. is approx. since additional work being done on walls, electric, etc.

I am having porcelain tiles installed in my kitchen which currently has a concrete slab. Am I paying too much for the labor? I am supplying all materials.

I am a owner and installer and the prices you have seen on this site will be different from state to state. Hiring a sub contractor or a store that will hire the sub contractor. So go with a sub contractor and cut out the store. Prices will change because of people that will do it cheaper than anyone else. Licensed installer will most likely give you more and be reliable. Licensed contractors ,be sure they are legal and not unlicensed contractors. The companies that hire sub contractors do not tell the company who is in your home. They can hire anyone. Big flooring companies should know the name of the people that is being allowed to come in your home. Back east will always pay more than someone that is on the west coast. This site should tell you how to protect yourself. The person that says you should lay out the tile and cut it before you install it is someone that cant lay out the floor and install it at the same time and cut it in at the same time. Any real installer !

I am having porcelain tiles installed on my patio which currently has a concrete slab. Am I paying too much for the labor? I am supplying all materials.

I recently had tile installed in my great room.I supplied all materials. The house is about 5 years old and this was an addition we just had done. The tile installer I used was recommended from a friend. His name is Ralph Pilling. And he is by far 1 of the best contractors I have ever come accross. He does outstanding work , it was a pleasure having him do work I my house

friendly, considerate and honest. They were a pleasure to watch work and were aware of all our concerns We HIGHLY recommend Chad and will be glad to speak as well as show our floors to anyone interested in seeing them. Also we did shop price and he was right there.

We recently built our new DREAM home and have done several renovations to complete the home. We added slate floors in the kitchen, a slate backsplash with slate/glass accents and tumbled marble shower tile. And our last project is 12X12 tumbled marble with a 20 SF design in the middle of the master bath floors. We are getting charged $690.00 which includes installation of the tile, custom tile design (That we designed ourselves), pulling & resetting the toilet, baseboards and shoe muoulding. A fantastic deal.

Please tell me that the cost price was a misprint ofr that kind of money the guy should have rebuilt the entire room. $55,890 divided by 380 comes out to $147 per square foot.

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Cost of Tile Flooring - Estimates and Prices Paid

Are you in the market for a new septic tank? Do you know what size or type you need? Do you know where it will go? There are plenty of questions to be asked for a septic tank installation in Hagerstown, MD. Your first step should be to consult with an expert about what size and type of septic tank your home needs. At Larry & Sons, we offer excellent septic tank installation services throughout the area, and we can make sure that your new septic system works exactly as it should for years to come. Let us help you find a septic tank solution for your property.

A septic tank is a major investment for most homeowners. If youre starting from scratch, you may need an entire sewer and septic system in addition to the tank. Whether youre building a new home, or merely upgrading your existing septic system, our plumbers have the technical expertise, equipment and experience to ensure that the job is completed correctly the first time. We can outfit your home with an excellent septic tank that is appropriately sized so that it handles your wastewater with ease. We ensure that our septic tank installation services in Hagerstown, MD are completed carefully and thoroughly. We have been taking care of customers with excellent customer service and quality workmanship since 1960. Give us a call today to learn more about our septic tank installation services.

The septic tank installation experts at Larry & Sons offer excellent services at great value throughout the Hagerstown, MD area.

For homes who cannot connect to a municipal waste management system, a private waste sewer system is necessary. For health and environmental reasons, your wastewater cannot simply go directly into the ground, which is what makes septic tank installation so critical to the effectiveness of your entire plumbing system, as well as to the health of your property. The septic tank is designed to break down wastewater before it can reach the drainfield. There are numerous factors to consider during a septic tank installation, including the location of the tank on the property, the size and type of septic tank, as well as your budget. We can help you navigate the territory and select a system based on your needs. Our experienced plumbers can then implement the tank into your existing plumbing system so that it works well for years to come.

If its not already obvious why your septic tank installation should be completed by a professional, then its worth bearing in mind that its not only about digging a large hole and place a big metal tank inside. While plumbing materials and equipment are sturdy and built to last, they can also be damaged by the inexperienced user. Your septic tank installation is simply too important to be completed by anyone other than a certified plumbing professional. At Larry & Sons, we offer excellent septic tank installation services that ensure your home disposes of wastewater carefully and efficiently. We also offer followup septic tank repair and maintenance services. Give one of our friendly staff members a call today to schedule your septic tank installation in Hagerstown, MD.

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Septic Tank Installation | Hagerstown | Larry & Sons

Typically, construction of a new septic tank system starts at the house by installing a building sewer, then installing a septic tank and, finally, installing whatever wastewater distribution component (i.e. drain field) is necessary for the local codes, site and soil conditions.

A building sewer is part of a house drain system that extends beyond the home and carries waste to its proper disposal whether it is a private onsite system (septic system), public sewer, or other form of treatment. Before it exits the home or structure, it is referred to as the building drain.

The first step is locating where the building drain exits the house and becomes the building sewer. This is done utilizing house plans and visually finding its location within the house. Depending on the construction schedule for the home, a system can be installed prior to the building drain or waste lines. In this case, a consultation with the interior plumber is necessary to confirm the correct system location and that the depth will be beneath the foundation footing.

The pipe choice for waste lines in North America is PVC, or polyvinyl chloride. Usually 4 inch diameter PVC is used, although depending on code requirements, amount of waste water expected per day and flow velocities this can be smaller or larger. In addition to sizing the diameter of pipe, it is important to determine the correct pitch of the pipe for correct gravity flow of waste. Pressurized systems follow different construction guidelines.

Most municipalities and uniform plumbing codes require that a cleanout, or a way to access the building sewer or building drain be within several feet of the exterior wall. This cleanout must be brought above or at grade, whether it is inside or outside the home.

The depth of the building sewer below the surface, or below grade, is also dependent on several factors, such as depth of frost, type of soil, possibility of flooding and what the ground above the building sewer will be used for. Use of insulated pipes and surrounding the building sewer pipes with more permeable and less compactable material can help to keep this part of the septic system more functional if perfect depth and soil type are not available.

Soil type, local codes, presence of rock and stones, the possibility of water flood events and distance to set backs can affect methods of burying the pipe. Unless the soil type is such that it will evenly support the building sewer and prevent any settling or compaction of soil, the soil will have to be tamped down and/or surrounded by material that will not further compact such as one to two inch stone. In northern locations where frost depths extend potentially below the depth of pipe, and when the building sewer travels a distance that could increase the chances that the waste water could freeze, insulated pipe must be used or foam sheathing added.

This information is based on a typical new construction and represents general code requirements and site, soil and climate conditions which can greatly vary.

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Installing a New Septic System: the Building Sewer

Bigger. Better. Bolder. Room additions are meant to create more space in your home so that your life can become more convenient and efficient. Room additions by Remodel Works Bath and Kitchen push the limits of conventional design as we strive to bring our customers modern designs that will truly create added value to their home. Room additions can be done to expand an existing space or add completely new room to your home. Whether you need more room for your growing family, want to create a room for relaxation or entertainment, or want to expand your master bathroom to create a relaxation haven, Remodel Works can create a room addition that will make you fall in love with your home all over again. Deciding to do a room addition is a great alternative to the hassle that is moving to a new home by improving upon your current residence. The bottom line of doing a room addition is to make your home bigger to better accommodate your familys needs. With Remodel Works, you can get a room addition that is executed with skill, professionalism, and the highest level of customer service. For us, room additions shouldnt just be bigger, they should make your house better.

At Remodel Works Bath and Kitchen, we do room additions better than our competitors by using state of the art materials from world renowned vendors, having highly trained technicians working in your home, and continuously pursuing improvement within our company so that we can always be the best. There are thousands of horror stories out there of people living with subpar work. Hiring an inexperienced contractor has unfortunately left them feeling helpless and unhappy. Remodel Works Bath and Kitchen never does subpar work as we pride ourselves on the quality projects we create with our clients. We are able to build better room additions because we care. Each and every Remodel Works employee working on your project is dedicated and passionate about creating something you will love.

For your room addition, our designers will take your vision and bring it to life. When we get started on your room addition we will go through your needs and wants so that you get everything you are asking for and more. Once we have your ideas, our designers will take their professional knowledge and create a proposal. As soon as you approve a proposed design, the fun begins. Our expansive showroom has everything you need to create a cutting edge room addition that perfectly pairs style and function. The Remodel Works showroom has unique designs, textures, and quality materials you can choose from. Whether you are looking for a down home rustic feel or something modern, together we can create a bold look that will take your breath away.

Remodel Works Bath and Kitchen strives to be the room addition specialist that goes above and beyond customer expectations. As a family owned and operated company Remodel Works was created to meet the needs of San Diego residents seeking a reliable room addition expert that would be up front with them, create quality projects, and push the limits of modern design. Dont settle, Remodel Works Bath and Kitchen will make your room addition bigger, better, bolder.

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#1 San Diego Room Additions : Bath, Kitchen, Master ...

After paying for lawn treatment for more than a year, Angies List member Carol Campbell of San Antonio became suspicious because her lawn's appearance didn't improve. Her technician always came when she was away, and she only knew hed been there after noticing the treatment markers in her yard.

Deciding to set up her own sting operation, she pretended not to be home the next time he came. "The technician rang the doorbell, which I didn't answer, but instead watched as he 'treated' my lawn," she recounted in her 2012 review. "The treatment consisted of the technician walking to the backyard, placing a treatment stake in the yard, and then walking around to the front yard and doing the same. He then got into his truck and drove off. Nothing other than the lawn stake was applied to my lawn."

Campbells review is just one of several that detail negative experiences members have had with lawn fertilization and treatment companies. Unlike with mowing, lawn treatment doesnt produce immediate results, so it can be difficult to monitor the quality of service. In some cases, homeowners went months or even years before realizing they were paying for shoddy service.

Here are four of the top complaints we found in member reviews:

Several members described companies that were eager to take their business, but then avoided them like the plague.

Many cited frustration with trying to file a complaint or dispute a bill. In most cases, the members were unhappy with the quality of service, and when they tried to complain to the company, their calls were never returned or they were told a manager would come out and correct the problem. But as the days turned into weeks, nobody ever returned their calls, and a manager never came to assess their lawns.

"Not only was the fertilizing service poorly done, but when I called to ask them to improve, I never could reach them and they never called me back," wrote Anthony M. of Wexford, Pa., in a September 2012 Angie's List review. "The only time they called me back was to sell me more services." His review noted how he was never able to reach the local office, and all of his complaints were sent to an out-of-state call center.

In another complaint, members said their providers started treatment without first inspecting their lawns.

The members said they hired the company after getting an extremely low quote over the phone. However, when the technician arrived to treat the lawn, they were told there was an unforeseen problem, additional treatments would be needed and, of course, it would cost more money.

Whether a scam was involved or not, many members reported that they paid the extra money out of fear that their lawns would deteriorate. The ones who refused the upcharge were disappointed because they received only partial service.

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Homeowners Reveal Lawn Care Scams and Shoddy Service ...

Include Shade

Relief from the sun, usually with trees, is an almost must-have when it comes to pool landscaping. The one tree trait you want to avoid, says Catriona Tudor Erler, author of Poolscaping (Storey Publishing, 2003), is a towering plant that sheds a lot. "Trees that are less likely to shed will make pool maintenance easier," Tudor Erler says. If the tree does shed, place it so that branches won't grow to hang over the pool's edge. In warmer climates, a good choice is a palm tree, which sheds little and has a small root ball.

Although pool landscaping should include some shade either nearby on the pool's pad or at one end of the water, trees should have less-aggressive root systems, Tudor Erler says, to avoid uprooting any hardscaping.

Starting pool landscaping from scratch certainly has its advantages. But that doesn't mean you can't redo an old pool landscape using the same plant suggestions and tips. As a key element, Tudor Erler relies on including a small planting pocket garden right next to the pool -- a little corner or small bed to offer color and provide visual relief.

Try a tidy ornamental grass such as feather reedgrass, which can reach 4 feet and has flowering stems in late spring or early summer.

If your pool landscaping features a more natural appearance with surrounding rocks or irregular pavers, it's good to fill the in-between hardscape spaces with plants that soften, grow low, and spread, such as groundcovers.

Containers are a blue-ribbon choice to dress up pool landscaping, particularly if you lack the budget, time, or desire to change your permanent landscape. The one caveat: Tudor Erler recommends containers that match the scale of your pool.

Because pools -- even if they are elevated slightly -- are so strongly horizontal, it's helpful to add a big raised bed next to the pool, Tudor Erler says. "The planting beds don't have to be right up against the pool," she says, since shedding blooms and foliage can add to pool maintenance. "A well-done pool landscaping will have all kinds of floral interest, drama, and height."

Raised beds aren't the only addition that can add vertical height to a swimming pool landscape; containers filled with dwarf trees or shrubs can provide height, too. "Another idea is to stack containers in diminishing height and fill with cascading plants," Tudor Erler says.

Try a dwarf variety of burning bush, a deciduous shrub with leaves that turn red in autumn.

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Pool Landscaping Inspiration - Better Homes and Gardens ...