The Perfect Backyard Makeover For Summertime
Key Takeaways
- Learning how to plan a backyard makeover starts with knowing the right questions to ask yourself.
- If you are looking for ideas on how to execute a backyard makeover on a budget, start by evaluating the cost of materials.
- There can be an overwhelming amount of backyard makeover ideas, so start by prioritizing the type of projects that will best serve the ideal purpose of your backyard.
A backyard makeover can seem like a major undertaking that is easy to put off for months, or even years. However, re-considering the benefits of giving your backyard a facelift may be just the thing you need to get some motivation. For homeowners, executing projects can increase the level of enjoyment and functionality of outdoor spaces. For example, a backyard with increased functionality can extend both the number of hours and days a family can spend outdoors. From the investor lens, updating the exterior spaces of a property can create additional selling points that can help get the property off the market quickly. Finally, both homeowners and investors can enjoy an increase in property value by giving the backyard the makeover it deserves.
How To Plan A Backyard Makeover
Giving your backyard a makeover can get easily complicated, especially if you are taking on multiple projects. Putting together a game plan in advance can prevent you from feeling overwhelmed, but can also help you put together a budget, schedule and even come up with a list of needed materials. If you’re wondering how to plan a backyard makeover, first take a step back and ask yourself some questions to get in better touch with your goals:
- What is my purpose behind my backyard makeover?
- What kind of materials do I like?
- How much work am I willing to put in?
Next, perform a walkthrough of your exterior property and make a list of you like and do not like. This can include making a list of areas that need to be replaced, improved, or things that can be salvaged. This can range anywhere from foliage and shrubbery, to your deck, to structures such as a shed or garage. Once you have a better idea of what kind of projects you would like to take on, you can start sketching out a plan for your project. Drawing a plan to scale can help you get a better idea of how spaces should flow with each other. Unless you are planning for a completely DIY backyard makeover, consider hiring a professional to help you with the planning phase of your project.
Average Backyard Remodel Costs
- Outdoor deck costs: An outdoor deck can help add a sense of space and different levels to your exterior space. As with any type of makeover project, the variation in cost mostly depends on the type of materials you choose, the size of the project, and any type of unique designs you would like to incorporate. In addition, unless you opt for a DIY option, you will also need to factor in the cost of labor. Deck materials can range from pressure-treated wood to capped composite, while the high-end decks can be constructed with tropical hardwoods or composite materials. Professionally-installed decks typically range between $16 per square foot on the low end to $30 per square foot on the premium end.
- Fire pit costs: A fire pit can be a great feature to add to your property exterior at relatively low cost, and can invite residents to gather outdoors even at night. This inherently extends the usability of the outdoor space, and can help increase value and attractiveness. The cheapest option for fire pits are portable ones that can range between $80 to $600, depending on the material used. Prefabricated models range between $1,200 to $4,000 while high-end custom builds can cost in the high thousands.
- Swimming pool costs: Swimming pools are highly desired in high-temperature markets, and can range from basic pools, to luxury pools featuring unique design features. The cost can vary depending on the material and installation type, as well as any special features that are added. According to www.landscapingnetwork.com, the nationwide average for installing a swimming pool is about $50 per square foot. Vinyl-lined pools can range between $1,500 to $5,000; fiberglass pools range between $15,000 to $25,000; concrete, granite and custom pools can range anywhere between $20,000 and $55,000. Some special features that can ramp up your pool budget include water features, spas, rocks and slides.
- Outdoor kitchen costs: Outdoor kitchens are a popular backyard addition, as it allows families to enjoy more time outdoors and share meals. The main item desired in an outdoor kitchen is the grill, which is available at low-end to high-end costs. While a grill can cost anywhere from $200 to $4,000, the budget of your kitchen will increase based on what type of features you wish to add. This could include countertops, sinks and refrigerators, which will require the cost of labor for construction and installation. The most luxury outdoor kitchens can cost upwards of $100,000, but can also be done cheaply for $2,000.
- Patio costs: Paving your patio can become expensive quickly, but the cost varies greatly depending on the material that you pick, as well as the size of the area you’d like to pave. For example, concrete ranges from $6 to $17 per square foot, while flagstone ranges from $15 to $30 per square foot. An average-sized patio of 144 square feet can cost roughly $860 to $2,500 based on concrete, or up to roughly $4,000 when using flagstone.
Backyard Makeover On A Budget
Executing a backyard makeover on a budget is entirely possible, and is all about prioritizing which projects you think will be the most impactful for your space. The section above outlined several common examples of backyard makeover ideas, as well as their average costs. Some projects are on average more expensive than others, but the key factors that contribute to cost are the materials used, the size or square footage of the project, as well as any paid labor. Some cheap backyard makeover ideas include executing a DIY backyard makeover without hiring the help of professionals, and sticking with the lowest-cost materials.
Backyard Makeover Ideas
If you think about your backyard and longingly wish that you spent more time outside, feel that the exterior spaces look worn out, or even have a sense of distaste, perhaps it is time for a backyard makeover. Giving your exterior spaces a facelift will not only maximize utility for you and your family, but can significantly add value to your property. However, there are so many backyard makeover ideas to choose from, it can feel overwhelming to figure out what type of projects will work best for you. The first place to start is to identify exactly what purpose of your space you desire. Having this in mind will help you narrow down what kind of projects to prioritize within your budget. Here are some ideas to get you thinking:
- Update old materials: If the property was built in 1970, then chances are, your exterior spaces are stuck in that era as well. Consider replacing old brick, concrete or stucco with modern materials such as flagstone or patterned concrete.
- Extend patio space: In some cases, the patio area of a backyard is too small. Extend the square footage of your patio to allow more space for moving around, placing outdoor furniture, or even installing a kitchen.
- Redo paving: Redoing old, boring paving can give your outdoor space an instant facelift. You can either completely take out and replace paving, or you can save some money by dressing up what already exists with staining or engraving.
- Rejuvenate landscaping: If your greenery looks dilapidated or taking care of your landscaping has become a major headache, then perhaps your most desired project would be giving your landscaping a major change. Some effective projects can be getting rid of your lawn altogether by replacing it with paving, and selecting plants that are best adapted to your local climate, or even plants that require little care or water altogether.
- Maximize use of small spaces: Most backyards are not without small or awkwardly-shaped spaces that can feel limiting. If this is the case, you might consider splurging and working with a professional to help design a unique layout that will help maximize the use of your oddly-shaped space.
A backyard makeover can serve as a major value-add for your property and does not necessarily have to break your bank. With a little bit of creativity and plenty of planning ahead, and perhaps some help from the professionals, you are sure to find creative solutions for even the most unsightly or awkward of spaces.
Are you excited to execute a backyard makeover this season? If so, share with us what kind of projects you will be working on: