Garden planning – tips and tricks for your dream garden

Spring is here and summer is just around the corner. It’s high time to spruce up the garden for great summer days. A new herb bed, a swimming pond or perhaps a complete redesign of your oasis of well-being? So that you are well prepared and can start redesigning your garden, we have prepared some great ideas to bring summer into your garden.

You don’t have a garden? No problem, because we show you how to make your balcony or terrace fit for the summer!

Garden planning and design – step by step to a beautiful garden

Every renovation should start with good planning. Whether a complete renovation or just a small remodel, the steps should be well thought out and planned in advance. The division of the garden into different sections is very important. Depending on the requirements of the garden, more or less space must be planned for the individual elements. It should also be considered in advance which elements should be self-built and which should be commissioned. Creating some small elements in the garden yourself is a nice memory and a great project, especially in spring. How to transform an allotment from an unkempt shrubbery into a great feel-good spot is detailed in the video. Valuable tips on design principles and the first planning steps are also given.

• Garden design always needs good planning in advance
• The various garden elements must be well coordinated and adapted to the garden.

Designing a low-maintenance garden – enjoy and don’t slave away

A garden should be one thing above all, and that is an oasis of well-being. Very few people want to do heavy gardening work on a daily basis, which is why when planning a garden, attention should always be paid to what follow-up work the elements entail. Many different beds, a large grassy area and a pool make more work than a swimming pond, low-maintenance plants and a pebble path. So when planning a garden, always consider your own needs to choose the right elements for your garden. In the video, a professional explains how a garden can be laid out in a low-maintenance way, what benefits arise from this and what needs to be considered in the planning phase.

• A garden can be made very apple friendly with the right elements
• A low maintenance garden is perfect to relax and enjoy

Build your own garden path – visual connection and separating element

A garden path offers many practical advantages. Visually, a garden path is very nice to look at and additionally a great element to separate the garden into different areas. A garden path can also be practical, as it usually leads from one part of the garden to another. Especially barefoot, it is often more pleasant to walk over a path than through the grass. Creating a garden path is relatively easy and depending on the look, can be done on your own. In the video, it is explained step by step how a garden path can be easily created by yourself and how useful it can be. The example is illustrated by a gravel path with slabs.

• A garden path can be built with a few simple steps selsbt
• Visually, a garden path is a nice subdivision of the individual sections and a connection between them

Creating a garden pond – a small oasis in just a few steps

A garden pond has a particularly great visual effect, as it creates a small water paradise in the garden where fish and plants can find a home. Since water is considered a symbol of tranquility for many, a pond can directly change the atmosphere. The gentle lapping of the water and the shimmering of the sun on the surface of the water give the garden a great atmosphere. The creatures in the pond and the design of the individual elements invite you to observe and discover them. Especially in small gardens a pond offers a great element, because not much space is needed, but a great effect can be achieved. The video explains step by step how easy it is to create a small pond in your own garden.

• A garden pond provides a feel-good area and greatly enhances the atmosphere of the garden
• The construction is quite simple and can be done by yourself

Build your own fireplace – the element of fire for an idyllic togetherness

A fireplace offers a varied element in the garden design. It can be used for great events, such as a barbecue, but also provide a place of relaxation and idyll on warm summer nights. A fireplace invites to a nice get-together and is especially popular with families. In large gardens a demarcation of the fireplace as a separate area with surrounding design is a great element to create a whole new area. But even small gardens can enjoy the benefits of a fire pit. The video shows how easy it is to build a fire pit yourself and what a great effect the element of fire can have in garden design.

• A fireplace is easy to build yourself by hand
• The garden gains a great element that changes the atmosphere in the garden and can be used in many ways.

Growing your own herb garden – the right herbs and creative freedom

Herb gardens offer great design elements in the garden and are additionally useful for the kitchen. The beds can be created in a wide variety of sizes and shapes and thus offer a lot of creative freedom for both small and large gardens. The arrangement of the beds is completely up to the owner. From thyme to rosemary and basil, anything your heart desires is possible. In the video, experts show how easy it is to create herb beds yourself, what needs to be taken into account and how the bed can also look visually appealing. Which herbs are particularly suitable for cultivation in German herb beds, you can find out in the video.

• A herb garden is not only practical, but also beautiful to look at
• The construction is very simple and can be individually adapted to all conditions.

Building a swimming pond – a big project with a big effect

A swimming pond is a larger project that also requires a larger garden. The effect that such an element achieves is spectacular. A well planned and built swimming pond can change the whole atmosphere of a garden and increase the comfort enormously. The natural design blends in with the natural surroundings and allows you to create an oasis of well-being. Through natural filtration with the help of certain aquatic plants, the pond even remains chemical and therefore chlorine free. The care and time required for maintenance is thus greatly minimized. In the video, a professional shows the entire planning and construction process of a swimming pond and a breathtaking result.

• A swimming pond is very inviting, especially in large gardens, and integrates well with nature.
• The advantages are numerous and especially on hot summer days the swimming pond is worth its weight in gold.

Designing small gardens – great effect with few elements

The trend towards small gardens is on the rise. Often there is simply not enough space to create an expansive garden. However, the design does not have to be restricted by the size of the garden. Even small gardens have the potential to become an oasis of peace and an idyllic place of relaxation. Choosing the right elements is crucial here. The video also shows how important it is to plan and position the individual elements precisely so that the garden does not appear overcrowded. The video makes clear that a great use of the given possibilities is nevertheless possible and even small elements can have a great effect.

• Even small gardens can become a paradise of well-being with the right planning
• The right elements in the right position allow perfect use of the given space

Efficient heating with environmental energy – the heat pump makes it possible

The heat pump is one of the newest renewable energies that can be used to heat buildings. In addition to solar energy and the environmentally friendly alternatives with biogas and bio fuel oil, the heat pump offers a CO2-neutral option for builders and property owners.

Functionality – how the heat pump works

The heat pump uses the thermal energies already stored in the environment to convert them into usable heat for heating. The special thing about this technology is that nothing is burned here, as with wood, gas or oil heating systems, but a technical process converts the thermal energies into heat. The principle is the same as in a refrigerator. Thermal energy with low temperatures are to be raised to a higher level. With the heat pump it works only the other way round. The environmental heat can therefore not only be used in the heating system, but also to provide hot water for the household.

The energy sources of the heat pump – air, earth & water

The heat pump uses different energy sources to generate heat. The brine-to-water heat pump uses the earth as an energy source, the water-to-water heat pump uses the water as an energy source and the air-to-water heat pump uses the air as an energy source. Which heat pump is best for your property depends on a variety of factors, but especially on the location of the property.

The air-to-water heat pump – thermal energy from the air

The energy source air is the easiest to use by the heat pump. The heat pump works with a simple system that sucks in and blows out the air. For this purpose, the heat pump uses the outside air, which is always available and is therefore one of the renewable energies. But even if the heat pump works with outside air, it can be placed inside the house. It then uses ducts to draw in air from outside. But it is also possible to place the system outside the property. There is no need for ducts as the system directly uses the air that is in the surrounding area. However, it is important with a heat pump that works with air that it is always kept free of frost in winter. Since the system has to work with air temperatures below zero, it becomes increasingly difficult to convert the cold air into usable heat. The colder the air, the more difficult the conversion. To keep the efficiency of the heat pump as high as possible, regularly clear it of frost and make sure it is properly maintained.

The brine-to-water heat pump – Earth as an energy source

Thermal energy is also stored in the ground, which the brine-to-water heat pump uses to generate heat for heating. For this purpose, pipes are installed in the ground in which a mixture of water and antifreeze circulates. The liquid, also called brine, extracts heat from the earth and transports it to the heat pump, which feeds it into the heating system. Each metre of ground provides thermal energy of approximately 50 watts that the brine fluid can extract from it. For a normal building, an average of around 150 metres of depth is required, which can, however, be divided into several boreholes. Depending on the individual circumstances of the property, deep boreholes or shallow collectors can be installed. The deep boreholes go up to 100 metres deep into the ground and therefore require special permits and are also not permitted in every area. With this method, plastic pipes (probes) are then installed in the ground.

If this variant is technically or legally not possible, the variant of flat plate collectors can be used. Here, similar to underfloor heating, pipes are laid at a depth of 1.50 m, which can extract 25 watts per square metre. A modern single-family house needs about 350 square meters of pipes to provide heating. The big advantage over the air-water heat pump is that the heat can be extracted all year round without any loss. This fact increases the efficiency of the heat pump and thus reduces the electricity costs incurred. See also: money guide.

The water-to-water heat pump – thermal energy in groundwater

Thermal energy can also be found in the groundwater, which can be used to generate heat. The water-to-water heat pump has a relatively simple mode of operation, as it has two wells that transport the groundwater to the water-to-water heat pump and back again. The wells must be installed in the direction of flow of the groundwater with a minimum distance to prevent the groundwater, which has already cooled down, from entering the heater again.

However, before installing a water-to-water heat pump, the groundwater must be tested. Good water quality is a prerequisite for installation, because chemical ingredients can put a great strain on the heat exchanger and thus limit efficiency enormously. In addition, the use of groundwater in a water-to-water heat pump is subject to approval and is not permitted everywhere. However, the thermal energy that can be used from groundwater is the most constant throughout the year, as the temperatures in the groundwater are not subject to large fluctuations. The water-to-water heat pump is one of the most effective variants of the heat pump.

The cost of a heat pump – installation, operation and energy source

The costs involved in installing a heat pump are generally divided into three areas. The cost of the energy source, i.e. the extraction of thermal energy from the air, earth or water, the cost of the system itself and the cost of operation and maintenance. Depending on which system is suitable for your property, the costs differ depending on the model and the system.

Costs for the extraction of environmental energy from air, earth or water

The choice of thermal energy from which the heat is to be extracted decisively determines the costs. An air-source heat pump, for example, requires hardly any additional technology, whereas with a brine heat pump, the drilling and additional materials must also be paid for. The cost of one metre of deep drilling is around 60 to 80 euros, while one square metre of surface collector costs 10 to 20 euros. The water heat pump also requires costs for the drilling, because the two wells must be laid to the groundwater and back. The costs here amount to about 5000-6000 euros for both wells. Depending upon condition of the environment and situation of the real estate the prices can deviate however also. An exact offer can only be made by a specialist.

Costs for the heat pump itself

The heat pump itself consists of the same components, regardless of the energy source itself, and can be combined with all three options. Depending on the size, installation costs range from 8000 to 12000 euros. However, the installation of a heat pump can be subsidised by various grants. Again, depending on the size required and individual circumstances of the location, prices may vary. For precise prices, request a quote from a specialist company.

Costs for the operation of the heat pump

All heat pumps operate electrically and require electricity to convert the thermal energy into heat. However, the level of these operating costs is highly variable. They depend on the selected energy source, the energy status of the property and the type of heat transfer to the various rooms. It is therefore not possible to give an exact price here and it must be calculated individually for each property.

Avoiding trouble with tradesmen – delays, mistakes & waste disposal

What is the best way to escape the hassle of tradesmen? Who is really responsible for the resulting garbage and what rights do you have in case of delay or non-observance of the appointment? So that you are prepared for the next visit from the craftsman, all questions around the topic of craftsmen are answered here.

Lateness – tolerance for appointments and punctuality

In principle, craftsmen are given a tolerance of fifteen minutes. However, if you are more than a quarter of an hour late, you are entitled to anew appointment. In this case, the arrival and departure times may only be charged once. If, for example, you have to go to an appointment and the craftsman is late and then stands in front of a closed door, this arrival and departure time may not be charged. However, you can very rarely claim compensation for such a case. Employees who have taken paid leave for the appointment usually come away empty-handed, since the waste of free time is not damage according to the legislator.

In order to protect yourself, you should agree a written contractual penalty with the craftsman’s company for larger construction projects, which becomes due when the deadline is exceeded. For smaller projects or assembly work, however, such an arrangement is not worthwhile in most cases. So if there are no claims for damages, you can still do something about a significant delay or a cancelled appointment without a cancellation. You can, of course, demand a new date and set a reasonable grace period for this. This varies depending on the case. For urgent matters, such as water damage, your deadline may be set quickly. For simple installation work, two weeks is a common deadline. Send a reminder with the deadline by registered mail to the craftsman and only if no result is achieved after the reminder and the craftsman is still not on time, you can withdraw from the contract with the company and hire another. Freelancers, in contrast to employees, can claim loss of earnings as long as they had an appointment with the craftsman, but he still reschedules you.

As a general rule, tradesmen only have to pay compensation if they themselves are at fault. This includes, for example, delays because the craftsman took longer at the previous appointment or because he forgot materials. They are also liable for damages if materials are not delivered by third parties, because craftsmen bear the so-called procurement risk. Our guide: insurance guide. However, you do not have to pay compensation if the accident at work is due to a serious illness or force majeure. This includes, for example, storm damage in the company.

Garbage, tools & materials – who is responsible?

Craftsmen should leave their workplace swept clean. So if there is a job that causes a lot of dust, the craftsman must sweep the affected area afterwards and leave it swept clean. The rubbish that accumulates during work must also be taken away and disposed of by the tradesmen. When replacing a device, you should agree with the company that the old device and the packaging of the new one will be taken away by the craftsman and disposed of properly.

As a rule of thumb, a quarter of an hour is charged for the journey to and from the company. However, it is best if you agree a flat rate for travel costs with the company in advance. If the craftsman forgets materials or tools, you do not have to pay for the travel costs or the time taken to obtain the new tools/materials. However, if you change your mind and, for example, get a different wall colour painted by your painter, he can transfer the additional costs incurred to you.

Legal basics – what claims and rights do you have?

Often clients do not know the rights and claims that you have against the craftsmen. A small list with the most important conditions:

• Workmen must take their own rubbish with them
• Hourly wages are calculated according to qualification: semi-skilled workers and apprentices are charged less than journeymen or master craftsmen.
• If materials or tools are forgotten by the workman, he may not charge for the journey and the additional time
• Replaced devices must be taken away and disposed of
• If the craftsman is more than 15 minutes late, you are entitled to a new appointment. Arrival and departure time may then only be charged once.
• In the case of assembly work that can be carried out by one fitter, it is not necessarily necessary to pay two fitters.
• The work site in question must be left swept clean
• Calculations per hour or part thereof are inadmissible unless agreed in advance.

So that you can be really safe with their next craftsman however, there are still some legal tips, which it gives to consider. Before you decide on a craftsman company, it is advisable to compare in advance both the hourly rates as well as the material prices and the conditions of the company. It is not only price that is important, but also the qualifications. A good company will save you a lot of stress later, which is why it pays to search in advance. Fees for an estimate may only be charged by tradesmen or the company’s customer service if this has been expressly agreed in advance.

Of course, the safest thing for you to do is to agree on a fixed price right from the start, which should not be exceeded in this way. Such fixed price agreements should be regulated in detail and both the scope of the work to be done and the materials should be specified in the order. However, some craftsmen do not offer this service. Therefore, tradesmen without a fixed price must inform them immediately if the estimated costs are significantly exceeded. If the costs are exceeded by 15 to 20 percent, you can cancel the contract, but you still have to pay for the partial services that have been provided up to this point.

Once the work has been completed, you should check whether the services and work have been carried out properly. You do not have to pay for work that is not included in the contract. Do not pay the bill until the acceptance was satisfactory and everything was done according to the contract. If in doubt, consult a specialist. If there are any defects, you must document them on photos. The company must rectify the defects and as long as this has not been done, you can retain part of the invoice amount due until the defects have been rectified. The rule of thumb here is to withhold twice the amount of what it would cost to fix the defects. However, if you discover a defect after acceptance, the company must correct the defects free of charge within a reasonable time. If the defects are not corrected or are not successfuly corrected, you can commission another company to carry out the corrections and claim the costs from the original tradesman.