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Stormwater and New Homes

February 9, 2019 By Doug Francis

Landscaping stormwater areas in new homes in Vienna VA

Seeing a small ditch or poorly landscaped rocky area is what home buyers are startled to see when looking at new homes in Vienna. They can become an all-consuming focal point… and not in a very good way.

weather chart from WJLA TV 7 in Washington DC

First off, there was a rainfall record set in 2018.

Stormwater runoff has become an issue across the country as record levels of rain have been added to meteorological logbooks almost everywhere.

And the traditional route for downspout water has been to dump at each corner of a house or be routed away in pipes or tubes of a flexible black drain pipe.

Today’s engineered solution is to build a stormwater filtration area located on the property intending to slow down the flow and allow the ground to absorb the maximum amount of water. The intended result is less water and fewer pollutants getting into the untreated stormwater system which eventually flows into the Potomac River.

The ultimate goal here is to be in compliance with the Chesapeake Bay Clean Water Act reducing runoff that flows over pavement and yard areas, picking up pollutants such as excessive nutrients, motor oils, sediment, trash, heavy metals and various chemicals.

When builders submit plans in the Town of Vienna, there are many levels of review including a site plan showing a proposed stormwater filtration area. Since water flows downhill, geography typically dictates where the area will need to be establish.

Make it a temporary scar

Stormwater retention area in a front yard in Vienna VA

New homeowners shouldn’t consider this area a “scar” on the property that they’ll have to live with, but a design opportunity to consult with a landscape architect to plant shrubs or build a stacked rock wall.

Native planting can also help maintain the soil and survive the hardship duty you have given them. Maybe a Chokeberry or Winterberry bush for added color.

Adding value to your home

Landscaping these areas will not only add visual appeal, but also adds value in the long run especially when you plan to sell your home. These stormwater areas are now requirements for new homes in Vienna, so tackle these scars and make them look amazing.

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Filed Under: Blog, Home Buyer Tips, Home Seller Tips Tagged With: infill homes, landscape design, Vienna Real Estate

About Doug Francis

A Realtor specializing in unique and new homes around Vienna, Virginia, Doug started writing a first-hand blog about his everyday real estate experiences a decade ago. In depth, helpful and fun has always been the objective. Outside real estate, he "starred" in a tech commercial for Verisign's "Where the World Clicks" campaign, and was quoted in Money Magazine's Best Places to Live article on Vienna. He's a Boston University graduate who feels morning coffee is non-negotiable.

Being able to guide my clients through many real estate sales, either moving out, moving in, or just across town, has been a rewarding experience that helps when discussing a plan with a future client.

Being able to help them focus and understand our proven sales plan always eases their anxiety of this looming personal task. And, putting it into bite-sized steps always helps them get where they really want to be.

My background… I’ve been an active licensed agent in Virginia for 25 years, work at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty in McLean, and sell homes in all price ranges. I donate to the town tree replacement fund, participate in a neighborhood citizens association, and try my best to stay in shape.

Questions? Email doug@dougfrancis.com or call me at (703) 304-6827 to discuss your plans. Cheers!

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About Doug Francis

I am a Realtor with TTR Sotheby's International Realty® just outside Washington D.C. in Northern Virginia. I have been a full-time Realtor licensed in Virginia since 1991, and cover a big territory specializing in the Vienna real estate market and custom homes for sale.

I have unique knowledge of digital real estate marketing ~ and my marketing starts here. My elite clientele has been attracted to my results-oriented strategy for years, and I am accepting new clients now.

Thanks for reading... and feel free to contact me at 703-304-6827 or send me an email at doug@dougfrancis.com anytime!

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6723 Whittier Avenue McLean, VA 22101

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