Your property can have a lasting impression on many visitors and prospective home-buyers. So if you’ve been admiring your garden or yard a little less often lately, then it may be time for a makeover.

You may want to look into hardscaping, which includes physical structures such as gazebos or patios. Review these tips for adding hardscaping to your yard.

1. Check Your Yard’s Layout

Your yard’s layout will determine what aspects of hardscaping will work and what won’t. So take the time to get to know your yard, determine if there’s anything you want to revamp, and take some measurements to visualize what you could make work.

2. Plan Out Your Design

Design is an essential aspect of hardscaping. Create a rough list of things you’d like to add. Talk with your neighbors about their yards and see what they’ve done with their hardscaping. Maybe they’ve added features such as ponds or small gardens—consider incorporating their ideas into your own creation.

If your property has hills, you might consider trying something unique, such as a gazebo. A gazebo standing atop a hill, with steps leading up to it, would make your yard’s appearance much more striking. A design such as this will also offer the best views when you’re relaxing inside it during the day or at night.

3. Budget for Your Creation

Budgeting is an important principle of hardscaping. Instead of splurging on everything on your list, narrow it down to your top picks. Then, you can focus on ordering materials and planning your construction project.

If you need additional help, hire a contractor. A contractor will help you stay within budget and keeps your design realistic.

4. Hire a Professional

You may need to use other professional services besides a contractor. For example, if you end up having to remove any concrete attached to the house, you may need to use a dumpster rental service to dispose of the waste and to keep you on track with your project timeline.

Keep these tips for adding hardscaping to your yard or garden in your back pocket. Planning each part of your hardscaping project now will result in a beautiful property later.