Home Improvement Real Estate Fountains & Waterfalls Add Value to Luxury Homes


by rob tendick - Date: 2007-05-29 - Word Count: 612 Share This!

Waterfalls or fountains can convert your home into a calming natural area, enriched with tranquil sound. Indoor waterfalls are popular for their healing power; they not only add a soothing effect through their sounds but are also a feast for the eyes. When planning to build outdoor waterfalls, you need to focus on two aspects - the cascading structure of the waterfall and the pool into which the water falls.

Waterfalls

Outdoor and indoor waterfalls are available in all shapes and sizes. The most difficult part of building an artificial waterfall is deciding on how to achieve the required height of the waterfall. You can use the existing slope of the property, or erect a beam or an artificial slope. There is no point in building a huge structure, as the expense will be equally big. A small structure is as effective in creating a soothing atmosphere as a bigger one.

Before building a waterfall or fountain, you need to consider the location. The fountain/waterfall must be visible and must gel with the existing natural landscape of your garden. You can use slate, stone, bronze or any other solid material to build the structure. Polyresin is a tough yet lightweight substitute for heavy stone or marble that can take on the appearance of a variety of finishes without being too heavy on the wallet.

A perfect fountain/waterfall needs to strike equilibrium between merging into the existing surroundings and standing out as a focal point. If it is too small, it will fail to have much impact. On the other hand, if it is too big, it might look out of place. For narrow entrances and small balconies, you should choose a wall or tabletop fountain. In huge gardens, you can add depth by using a cascading waterfall.

Solar Fountains

With the rise in cost of energy, especially in California, more and more homeowners are trying to find alternative sources of energy. This has given a boost to the rise of solar fountains. They are not only environmentally friendly, but also very easy on the pocketbook. Solar fountains run on sunlight. Since there is no electricity needed, they do not need to be situated near a power source. Thus, there is no position restriction. Solar pond fountains can be placed on the pond itself. There are no cords to contend with, which can be a hazard around water. They can float around on the pond - you can also use a rope and an anchor to keep them in place. Solar fountains need almost no maintenance, do not emit noise and are safe for use around children and pets.

Solar fountains can be easily used in the winter, as long as the temperature does not fall below freezing. If the solar panel is linked to the fountain during icy weather and it is sunny outside, the pump may bet dented. It is best to detach your solar fountain in inclement weather.

Adding a waterfall to your home not only increases the look and feel, it can even add value to your home. Building such a structure is often easier said than done for most of us, and if that is the case there are many professionals out there who can fill your need. The best place to start is with a landscaping and backyard design company.

Danielle Stone is the Northern California Luxury Real Estate marketing director whose informative website covers El Dorado Hills real estate where you can find local area information on Folsom real estate, El Dorado Hills, Cameron Park, gated equestrian communities, full access to the Sacramento California area MLS listings, and helpful information to have a successful real estate experience.


Related Tags: real estate, home, lifestyle, house, luxury home, landscape, fountain, waterfall, backyard

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