Effective vs Chronological Property Age and Project Time:Installation of Concrete Curbing.

In real estate, properties age in two ways: chronologically and effectively. Chronological age is the time from when a house was built to the present day. Effective age, on the other hand, refers to how old the home appears to be and how it functions in the realm of modern day standards, codes, and amenities.

The process of maintaining the effective age of a property as it ages chronologically is a continuous process and can be challenging if a Homeowner purchases an older home already behind on updates. Just like people, age looks VERY different from property to property, depending on how it was built, the amount of proactive maintenance, and what it has endured over the years.  Effective age can be significantly higher or lower than chronological age.

As of this summer, we have been in our house for 13 years. That is typically the timeframe that major, major renovation time hits as the life of household systems and big ticket items starts to age cycle: roofs, bathrooms, HVAC systems, water heaters, windows, etc. Steve and I were compelled to sit down this summer to discuss and decide what our next life move will be: commit to another substantial chunk of time in this house and take on the next level of renovation or consider a move. The choice was easy. We love our house and it suits our family needs perfectly- we stay!

Over the years we have shifted projects back and forth from the interior to the exterior as the need arose. This Fall, we have committed to serious exterior renovation to the front and backyard, more specifically via hardscape.  Nothing can transform the appearance and functionality of a property exterior like a new hardscape design.  That being said, it is costly, permanent (or at least not easily changed), and can solve or create issues with grade or drainage so you do NOT jump into these projects haphazardly.

Project 1 is a small one in the big picture, but important as it directly affects our curb appeal.  One of the things that we liked about the property when we purchased it was the free-flowing front garden bed defined by natural rock...

13 years later, however, it needed revamping.  Many of the rocks were split and in need of replacement. I wanted to maintain the feel but redefine the lines a tad to accommodate my well-established plants.  Hence, the beds needed an entire overhaul. We chose to go the installed concrete curb route and couldn't be happier! The process is quick, easy, and gives you total control of shape and color with only a 24 hour cure time. ... 

It is also durable and incredibly affordable at only $8.50/ft which includes your choice of color, shape, and surface texture. The size and design choices are endless, from classic brick to more textured stone. A teeny peek at the process...

We paid our chosen company (a referral from a friend) $150 for the back-breaking task of removing and hauling away the existing landscaping rock...

Once they regraded the soil and established the new lines of the beds...

... upon our approval, they began the project. See the type of machine used here.

After the machine pours the curbing, another person follows behind to surface it.  Rather than being stained, the concrete itself is tinted so it will never wear over time.  We chose the 18 inch paver stamp in the gray tinted concrete to coordinate with our gray roof and front porch slate (project HERE)...

From start to finish, the project took approximately 4 hours and we are tickled pink with the result!  

Far more tidy look and more effective at retaining our mulch and preventing further bed erosion.  They poured approximately 82ft.  At $8.50/ft, the cost of the curbing was $697.

The next project is to fill in the extended beds with soil and remulch as we head into Autumn...

If considering this project in St. Louis, I highly recommend calling Archway Lawncare and Landscaping.  They were not only incredibly professional and easy to work with, but their work at our property was impeccable!

Nitty Gritty...

Archway Lawncare and Landscaping
636-262-8319

Email: archwaylawncare@gmail.com
Web: http://www.archwaylawncare.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/archway.lawncare
Twitter: https://twitter.com/archwaylawncare

When all else fails- slate it! Slating over a concrete porch.

Ahh yes, project time again here in Casa de Nenonen. 

Our original concrete front porch, circa 1968, has been screaming "MAKE ME OVER"  for some time.  Particularly after last Fall's concrete project.  While still in excellent shape, 40 years of Suburban life have left it withered.

Over the years, bopping in and out of properties, I have seen good and horribly bad aesthetic solutions.  Wanting a relatively low maintenance and cost effective solution that would pull together the different visual elements of our house, stand the test of time, and become more beautiful with wear and age ...

... we opted for slate.  A peek at the project:

Total cost of materials for our 60 sq. ft. porch, everything from adhesive to sealant, was approximately $400. 

After giving the porch a good cleaning, we laid out the slate to ensure a balanced color variation.  This step is KEY and essential as with EVERY natural stone, each lot tends to have a completely different hue and texture.

Next came cuts and adhesive.  We were concerned that slate may be problematic when cutting with a wet saw, fearing splintering or splitting...

We were pleasantly surprised!  With a brand new blade, cutting was simple and precise with few errors. 

After filling in the cracks...

... next came grout and caulk.

We allowed the project to cure for a couple of days before 2 applications of a high quality outdoor sealant.

The final result: a much more warm and clean entry...

Mission complete! Next up?

Farewell to the brass hardware and settle on a new color for the door and sidelights.