Susie Skog knows Lake Norman Real Estate Inside Out

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There are certain home features that have to be sacrificed when living in a city, like a private swimming pool or spacious backyard. You may be surprised to learn that an outdoor shower doesnt have to be one of them. While the thought alone probably conjures up images of a vacation home outside the confines of the metropolis, it is within the realm of possibility to design an outdoor shower in the city. If bathing in fresh air is a luxury you cant live without, heres everything you need to know.

Year-Round Feature
Outdoor showers are understandably associated with the warmer months, yet they are equally enjoyable, if not more, when the temperatures cool down. From winter sunrises to a quick rinse in the thick of summer, a private sanctuary where you can connect with nature under cascading water can undoubtedly be considered a year-round feature.

Bring in an Ensemble
Keep in mind that designing an outdoor shower in the city can require working with an ensemble of professionals depending on where you plan to put it. If you have a backyard, then youll have a relatively easier time installing one than if its going on your balcony or rooftop terrace. The latter can require hiring a plumber, architect, engineer and even a landscape designer to bring the perfect oasis to life.

Privacy Matters
Privacy, of course, is a top consideration when designing an outdoor shower in the city. Thats why working with an architect or landscape designer is well worth the cost in order to have creative solutions that combine form and function. Even if your rooftop terrace is safe from any prying eyes, drones have completely changed privacy in urban areas. A pergola with thick vegetation, for example, can provide you with cover from above without compromising the outdoor experience.

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Interior design certainly gets a lot of attention when it comes to creating luxurious living spaces. Equally important, however, is landscape design. From breathtaking gardens to verdant outdoor living areas, the grounds of your property are an opportunity to make it stand out. If youre on the fence about upgrading your homes landscape design, here are a few reasons why it can be a smart choice.

Curb Appeal
First, and perhaps most importantly, if you plan on listing your home in the near future, working with a professional landscape designer is a practically guaranteed way to increase your homes curb appeal. Luxury homebuyers take note of well-kept lawns, gardens and plantings, and are certainly more drawn to a home with thoughtfully designed grounds than one that looks uncared for.

Better Views
Its also worth mentioning that the benefits of landscape design can be felt just as much inside the home as outside. Whether youre using lush plantings to create privacy or designing formal gardens, you can easily improve the views throughout your home. Even when youre inside, it can be relaxing to feel connected to nature and a professional landscape architect will be able to incorporate verdant trees, shrubs and flowers into your views.

Improved Outdoor Living
Your homes landscape design should meet your lifestyle. That might mean creating a special outdoor area where you can entertain guests with a backdrop of abundant greenery or perhaps growing a garden that you enjoy spending time in. If your kids are always playing in the backyard, you can incorporate a swing set or playground into an idyllic design.

Increase Property Value
If nothing else, investing in landscape design is usually money well spent. According to the American Society of Landscape Architects, landscape improvements can return 100-200 percent of their cost when a house is sold. That alone is a pretty good reason to beautify the backyard before putting your home on the market.

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Here are the most popular lifestyle properties among luxury homeowners.

City Living

Vibrant cultures, new restaurants and afternoons at museums are right around the corner.

Alpine Abode

Hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter, there are endless outdoor activities in the mountains.

Country Club & Resort

Enjoy a full package of lavish amenities, from fine dining to golf courses.

Waterfront Getaways

Enjoy dazzling views from sunrise to sunset, and a wide variety of activities right in your backyard.

Vineyard Properties

A vineyard property is the perfect way to connect to your land (and perhaps enjoy some wine while youre at it!)

Equestrian Estates

A sprawling estate complete with equestrian facilities could be a dream come true.

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If youre an avid art collector, then you are probably aware that the biggest threat facing your collection is damage that occurs while in transit or during installation. However, the last thing you want to deal with during an already stressful moving process is having one of your favorite works of art improperly cared for. When its time to package the collection and ship it to your new address, here are few helpful tips to keep in mind.

Get Art Insurance
Before you do anything, make sure that every valuable item is insured because even the act of packing can potentially harm a delicate canvas painting. Fine art insurance will keep you covered in the event of catastrophe and, while youll hopefully never need it, the fact of the matter is that accidents do happen when priceless artwork is being transported.

Art Handlers
Unless youve received professional training, this is probably not the time to show off your DIY skills. Moving a masterpiece is a serious undertaking and there are services readily available to handle it every step of the way. Whether its just one piece or an expansive collection, these companies will use custom-made crates to mitigate risk and carefully install your art upon arrival at your new home.

Qualified Movers
If you have a beloved collection but may not feel its necessary to bring in professional art handlers, at the very least its important to make sure that your moving company has experience with valuable items. From inherited antiques to your childrens first drawings, irreplaceable items come in many forms and your moving company needs to understand the significance of each and every piece.

Climate-Controlled Storage
Sometimes, logistics require that your artwork be put in storage, either for short or long term, before being installed in your new home. If thats the case, its essential to choose a facility that knows how to care for precious works and can provide climate-controlled storage.

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