Blog - Phoenix Landscaping Design & Pool Builders, Remodeling | Phoenix Landscaping Design & Pool Builders, Remodeling

August 19, 2020

What You Get From The UNIQUE Companies For $225,000

The clean lines and sharp contrasts in this landscape provide the interest and beauty that perfectly enhances the home.

Each outdoor living space should be UNIQUE to the taste of the homeowner and the style of the home. This is why the skill and expertise of a professional landscape designer pay substantial dividends. In the case of this traditional Chandler home, the setting is more formal. Yet, the homeowners still wanted a relaxing and comfortable feel to the space. The result is nothing short of amazing in this breathtaking backyard.

The simple, clean lines of the swimming pool, spa, turf, and custom gas fire pit are pleasing to the eye. And the light earth tones of the travertine pavers perfectly complement the colors and tones used for the house, trim, and roof tiles. But there is also a sense of fun and whimsy that can be added when the deck jets send perfect arches of water into the pool.

The perfect arches of these deck jets add interest and excitement to the pool area while still remaining true to the more subdued and formal feel of the space.

This outdoor oasis is a testament to the versatility and skill of the UNIQUE design and construction teams. As a licensed general contractor, as well as holding licenses for pool and landscape construction, we are the only company in the valley that is truly uniquely qualified to build every aspect and feature that you can imagine including on your property. Click here or call 480-969-1911 to schedule a free consultation with a UNIQUE designer.

To provide an example of a UNIQUE project in the $225,000 range, we have selected a pool and landscape project located in Chandler, Arizona. The pedigree for this pool and spa are as follows:

Pool Perimeter-116 linear feet
Pool Surface Area- 720 square feet
Pool Capacity-~ 21,600 gallons
Spa Size- 8’ x 8’
Spa Perimeter- 32 linear feet
Spa Capacity ~1,440 gallons
Pool And Spa Interior Finish- Treasure Series Sky Blue Primera Stone- Polished

Also included in this project are all the necessary automation components for filtration, sanitization, and cleaning of the pool and spa.

Added Features

The addition of paver patios and walkways provide a variety of functional spaces that flow together much like the rooms inside the home.

When you purchase a pool from any licensed pool builder, there are specific items included in every pool and every contract. Things like the excavation, rebar, shotcrete, and standard plumbing are all a part of every pool. But when working with the UNIQUE team, you will quickly discover that this list of necessities is just the beginning of your custom pool, spa, and outdoor living space. In the case of this 225k project, some of the pool and spa added features include:

Swimming Pool Heater
Baja Step
Bullnose Travertine Coping
Upgraded Waterline Tile
Spa Spillway
Deck Jets
Upgraded Lighting
Screen Logic System For Wireless Integration

This complete landscape and swimming pool package includes nearly 4,000 square feet of additional paved living space in the backyard. A combination of travertine and Marbella pavers were used to create this extensive area for entertaining, relaxing, and enjoying the pool and spa. One of the feature entertaining spaces includes a custom square gas fire pit. The cap on the fire pit is constructed of the same bullnose coping used on the pool decking.

To add to the traditional appearance of this space, nearly 3,600 square feet of natural grass was installed, complete with fully automatic irrigation. Additional irrigation zones were added to accommodate the plants, trees, and pots throughout the backyard. When completed, this property became home to over 750 new plants, all of which were installed by the UNIQUE team and carry their standard warranty.

Over 35 professional-grade lighting fixtures add to the beauty and functionality of this spectacular space. The fixtures are a blend of uplights, pathlights, downlights, and underwater units that carry a 10-year warranty. And the entire system is controlled by a single transformer that can be operated from an I-Phone for more convenience. Added comfort when enjoying this space is also provided by the professional mister system that cools the seating area with a microscopic mist that never puddles or creates damp surfaces.

As night falls, this pond will become the focal point of this courtyard. The water will radiate a calming blue glow to enhance this peaceful nook.

Finally, a 120 square foot pond and fountain provide the ambiance and serenity for a small patio tucked away from the grandeur of the larger outdoor living spaces. This quiet nook is the perfect place to relax and reflect while enjoying the colorful flowers and calming sound of the fountain.

Why Choose UNIQUE

Most consumers will agree that 225k is a substantial investment in a pool, spa, and outdoor living space. But when you consider all of the uses and enjoyment that the investment provides, it is a bit easier to swallow. However, savvy shoppers want to know what their 225k investment will look like before they begin writing checks. This is where the UNIQUE design team really shines. Our designers have decades of experience creating prize-winning outdoor projects. And they also have the support of a full CADD team. So you will be able to see your design on paper and even take a virtual tour of the project before signing the contract and committing your hard-earned money. To learn more about the design/build process, click here or call 480-969-1911 to schedule a free consultation with a UNIQUE designer.

August 5, 2020

What Does It Take To Create The Perfect Landscape In Phoenix, AZ?

Think of your outdoor living space as the perfect great room. It will provide a variety of functions, and all in a casual and relaxing atmosphere.

With all of the added time that you have spent at home these past few months, you might be ready to invest some time and money in your outdoor living space. This option is the simplest and more cost-effective way to add usable living space to your current home. And if you are like most, the thought of moving to a larger home is not a viable option right now. So it is time to figure out how to make the best uses of the space that you have outside your home. And the first piece of advice is to seek the help of a professional. You would not grab a hammer and begin to build an addition onto your home. So follow that same thought process and call in the professionals from the UNIQUE Companies at 480-969-1911.

What sets UNIQUE apart from all of the other contractors in the Valley is the three AZ ROC licenses we hold. We are licensed to install swimming pools and landscapes, but we are also licensed general contractors. And what that means for you is one-stop shopping! UNIQUE can design, engineer, and build any outdoor feature or structure that you would like to add to your Phoenix property. And it all starts by clicking here or calling 480-969-1911 to schedule a free consultation with a UNIQUE design professional.

What Is Perfect?

Each homeowner will have his or her own idea of what it will take to create a perfect outdoor living space. But they all agree that the UNIQUE Companies are the only team to trust when turning that dream into reality.

Technically, the word perfect means complete and without defect or blemish. But when most people use the word perfect to describe something like their outdoor living space, they are implying a great deal more than defect-free. Homeowners are conveying that they desire a space that meets all of their needs, and is visually appealing, functional, easy to take care of, affordable, expandable, and much more. But when we realistically look at what every homeowner wants and expects from a “perfect” backyard, the list varies from person to person. That is because each person is UNIQUE. They want an outdoor living space that is equally UNIQUE and meets their criteria and desires. That is when it becomes apparent that working with an experienced pool and landscape designer is the only way to tick all of the boxes on your wish list and end up with a space that functions as seamlessly as your indoor living space.

What Is The Heart Of Your Home?

Thinking about your indoor living space is a great way to begin planning your outdoor living space. You want to have a clear list of what works inside your house and what doesn’t meet your needs. First, think about the area where everyone congregates. In most homes, it is a combination of the kitchen, dining, and living space. And that is a feature that you will want to recreate in your outdoor living area. A ramada or pergola is the perfect shade structure to create a comfortable outdoor living space that will become everyone’s favorite place to hang out, relax, cook, and dine alfresco.

What To Include In Your Perfectly UNIQUE Outdoor Great Room

Imagine your perfect day spent enjoying the great outdoors. Now describe that day to your UNQUE designer to begin selecting the features that will make those days your new reality.

Most outdoor living spaces are a bit more casual than their indoor counterparts. But it is essential to ensure that the area flows well and can handle multiple functions. Some days it might be just you and your immediate family, while other days you might be hosting a larger group. And you want your outdoor living space to accommodate and meet the needs of both groups.

Outdoor cooking is a great way to get the entire family involved in meal prep and avoid heating up your home. An island with a BBQ grill or smoker is the perfect way to prepare healthy and tasty meals. And to prevent multiple trips back indoors, consider adding a mini-fridge and sink. Other options include an ice chest for cold drinks, storage drawers, and side burners. Your UNIQUE design pro can help you evaluate your choices and design your perfect BBQ island.

You can design your outdoor kitchen and seating area to be anything you want, from a large bar with seating to a more traditional outdoor dining table.

Along with your fabulous meal, you will want a great place to dine outdoors. Some people prefer a large seating area built into their BBQ island, while others prefer a freestanding dining table. Whatever suits your needs is the way to go, no one option offers more advantages than another. This process is all about learning what you will enjoy the most and will help you build the most fantastic memories.

Finally, the entire point of your perfect outdoor living space is relaxation and fun. So picture your ideal lounge space and describe every detail of it to your UNIQUE designer. Our goal is always to listen to every aspect of your dream space and then create it before your very eyes. And we can even add features like a professional quality misting system that cools the area without annoying big drops of water on you or your guests. Or a fireplace that will add just a touch of warmth and ambiance in the cooler months. Because once you enjoy your outdoor living space in the summertime, you will not want to give it up when fall and wintertime roll around. Always plan for year-round enjoyment and function from your perfect outdoor living space.

Remember, in Arizona, you will be able to enjoy your outdoor living space year round. So be sure to consider all the features that you will enjoy day and night, 365 days a year.

The First Step

Designing a new living space that might be half the size of your home can be intimidating. But remember, you are not undertaking this project alone. Your UNIQUE design pro will be with you every step of the way, from your first thoughts on features to selecting the materials and color palette for your new space. And once the plans are completed, the UNIQUE construction team will take over and create your perfect space! During that time, you will have a project manager overseeing the day-to-day work as well as your designer. Any questions that you might have can be answered with just a quick call, text, or email. To take that first step to create your perfectly UNIQUE outdoor living space, click here or call 480-969-1911 to schedule your free design consultation.

July 30, 2020

The Most Common Landscape Mistakes And UNIQUE Ways To Avoid Them

There is no mistaking a professionally designed and installed landscape project. This design is as breathtaking at night as it is during the day thanks to the professional lighting design and installation.

The landscape around your Phoenix home can make a great first impression on guests and passersby. Or it can be an eyesore that leaves everyone wondering what you were thinking when you dreamed up this design if, by chance, you even had a plan in mind. We have all seen beautiful houses that have been hidden behind hideous landscapes. It is merely a gathering of trees and plants that appear to have just meandered into the yard and taken root in random places.

Sadly many new homeowners think that landscaping is a simple task that they can easily manage on their own. It offers the opportunity for some sweat equity and saves the cost of professional landscape design and installation. But soon after they begin the process of actually installing the landscape, their opinion changes, and they discover the truth about this process. Landscape design and installation require a great deal of knowledge, skill, and effort if you want the result to look fantastic and survive the first hot summer in the Valley of the Sun.

To save homeowners from making some common and costly mistakes, we have compiled a list of the most common landscape mistakes and a UNIQUE way to avoid making them in your own yard.

Curb Appeal Is Essential

This beautiful landscape is both eye catching and inviting. The massive palm trees create a focal point at the entry to the courtyard.

It is easy to forget about curb appeal at your own home. You spend most of your time looking at the yard from inside the house or sitting in the yard itself. But the rest of the world will be looking at your yard from the street. And that first glance is how they will remember it. And while that thought might not disturb you now, realize that at some point, you will want to sell the property. And no curb appeal means no buyers or cheap buyers, which is equally as bad.

To avoid having little or no curb appeal, the solution is simple. Hire a professional who has been creating custom landscape designs for decades. You would never consider rebuilding your car’s engine, so why think that you can design and build a complete landscape? Just click here or call 480-969-9119 to schedule a free initial consultation with a UNIQUE design team member. Our staff will handle all of the annoying details and heavy lifting. All you need to do is tell your designer what you like, what you don’t like, and how you envision using your outdoor living space.

Too Many Mistakes To Overcome

Proper plant selection, placement, and installation are essential to create a perfectly natural looking oasis. These plants are thriving because of the skill and knowledge of the design professional and the installation crew.

As we mentioned, there is a massive amount of skill and education required to design a landscape project properly. And when a homeowner decides to take on this significant responsibility, there is no way to grasp the knowledge needed until it is too late. The most common newbie mistakes include:

Selecting the wrong plants for the region
Selecting the wrong plants for the exposure of your property
Selecting the wrong location for the plants on your property
Installing the plants to deep or too shallow
Not considering the growth rate of the plant or its mature size

In some cases, you will get lucky. An oleander will grow just about anywhere that you plant it. But in a few years, that one sturdy plant that survived your first attempt at landscaping might be the only thing that you can see when you look out your living room window.

To avoid all of the frustration of dead plants, unhealthy plants, plants in the wrong location, and monstrosities that have taken over your yard, click here or call 480-969-9119 to schedule a free initial consultation with a member of the UNIQUE design team. Please understand that our staff will be happy to work with you on the plant selections for your property and help you customize as many features as possible. But know that we will also provide the guidance needed to ensure that you are selecting from a plant palette that will grow in our climate. And that the plants are placed in locations that will meet their needs for light, water, and soil type. Then each one will be properly installed by professionals and carry the UNIQUE plant warranty. So you know that your landscape will look as exceptional in the future as it did the day we completed it.

Too Much Clutter

A small group of pots is the perfect accent to add texture and color to this large patio area.

It might sound a little silly to say that a yard has too much clutter. But when you think of it as an outdoor living space, it makes more sense. Many novice homeowners go overboard when they are striving to personalize their outdoor space. In an area where one or two planters, pots or urns would add a touch of interest and class, they add six. And where a sculpture or piece of yard art might add a splash of whimsy, they go too far and create what looks like the set of a fairy and gnome theatrical event.

To avoid over cluttering and over-accessorizing your yard, click here or call 480-969-9119 to schedule a free initial consultation with a member of the UNIQUE design team. When your landscape is completed, it might have a few open areas and some space between the plants. But that is because our professionals how quickly your new plants will grow and thrive. They will soon fill the open space with natural beauty that will exceed any piece of yard art or ornamentation.

This new landscape blends beautifully with the natural surroundings and in just a short time, these plants will grow to fill in the open spaces without looking over crowded or cluttered.

There are many small projects that you can enjoy that will add a personal touch to your outdoor living space. From making handprint stepping stones with the children to selecting the furniture for your outdoor oasis, these are touches that will personalize the space and create character. Leave the planting, irrigation, and installation of the new patio to the professionals. Not only will this choice help you to avoid all of the common mistakes that many DIY landscapers make, but it will also save you the frustration of wondering why the citrus tree is wilting and the Bird of Paradise has yet to bloom. When you work with the UNIQUE team, all you do is pick up the phone and call 480-969-9119 if you have a question or concern about how your plants are doing or how to care for your new BBQ island countertop. One call to schedule your free design consultation provides you with a UNIQUE solution to all of these annoying and costly common landscape mistakes.