You want to make your backyard into something amazing…
But every time you look at your blank canvas of an outdoor space, you just don’t know where to begin. Budgets. Contractors. Design ideas. Materials. Outdoor furniture. Plantings. WHAT DO YOU DO WITH IT ALL? ?
Take it from a guy who suffered through this exact issue over a decade ago…
If you dive into your outdoor space without a plan, you’ll dig yourself into a hole and never finish your project.
But if you’ve already learned this lesson THE HARD WAY…
Why Proper Outdoor Space Planning Is Essential
Your outdoor living space is more than just dirt and grass.
It’s an extension of your home that can increase your property value significantly. Research shows 98% of experts agree that updating your outdoor space can help add value to your home.
If you’ve already bought your dream home then that may not be your motivation. But think about it this way…
Your outdoor space gives you more room to live without breaking your budget on increasing the square footage of your home. Creating usable outdoor rooms has never been easier with new innovations happening in the hardscaping industry every day. From hardscaping in Las Vegas offers to other cities around the country, you can add patios, walkways, and other structural elements to make any boring old yard into an entertainment wonderland.
But here’s the thing…
Bad planning results in costly mistakes. Imagine spending all that money on a beautiful new patio… Only to realize you cut off your yard from all sunlight. Or creating a windy sports zone where nobody wants to hang. Or building a dream outdoor kitchen where nobody wants to cook.
Planning BEFORE you pick up a hammer will save you from headaches and wasted money.
The 3 Components Every Outdoor Space Needs
Hold your carousel for selecting your perfect color pallet or furniture just a second.
You need to have a few things built before you worry about aesthetics.
Let’s take a look at the components of any outdoor living space.
Start With Layout
Your hardscaping is essentially the furniture of your outdoor area. This includes:
- Patios or decks
- Walkways
- Retaining walls
- Drainage
Did you know the residential hardscaping service market size is projected to reach $1.2 billion by 2032? According to industry research, this is because homeowners have come to realize that hardscaping is more than just pretty — It’s an investment that can extend the living area of your home for generations if done correctly. And the market is growing at a rate of 11.2% annually. Just check out the possibilities listed below:
Backyard Patio Ideas
Walkway Ideas
By simply adding solid surfaces and ways to connect them, you can define various “rooms” in your yard. Patios, decks, and walkways are essential for any backyard.
Zone & Purposes
Just like indoors, your outdoor space should have separate zones for specific purposes.
Areas for entertaining guests should have large covered surfaces for furniture and flow for traffic. Design experts recommend no smaller than 12’x12′ for the smallest common area. Kitchen or grill spaces should be close to your home (no one wants to tote that brisket half way across your backyard) and have proper ventilation.
Playgrounds for kids/pets should have softer surfaces and be in the line of sight from your main seating areas. Dining spaces or fire pits need proper sun exposure.
Each of these “rooms” in your backyard serves a different function and should be placed accordingly.
Infrastructure
Ah yes, the fun stuff.
You know your outdoor living space will need:
- Electricity
- Water
- Drainage
- Storage
Obviously. Lets move on.
Budgeting Your Outdoor Space – Do It Right
Alright. Now we’re talking money. And when it comes to budgets…
The average homeowner spends about 25% of their overall remodeling budget on outdoor projects. So it’s important to know how to allocate that money.
First off, don’t blow it all at once.
Divide your project into phases.
Phase 1 is typically your hardscaping. Once you’ve laid that all out, you have usable space to continue saving for phase two. Install landscaping & gardens, fire pits, outdoor kitchens, or shed/storage areas as your second phase. And phase three can include pergolas, landscaping lighting, or specialty features like pizza ovens.
Breaking up your backyard makeover into layers will also help you determine what you REALLY want versus what you thought you wanted. And you’ll be able to spread out payments to fit your budget.
Take your time, enjoy the process.
Where To Spend & Where To Save
This should be obvious by now, but spend the money on the materials that matter.
Hiring someone to help with installation? Make sure they know what they’re doing. There’s nothing worse than nails sticking up through your patio through you laid down yourself.
Save where you can on furniture, decorations, and even plants (they’ll grow). Spend a little extra on materials that will last for years – like your hardscaping.
Costs for hardscaping materials have gone up year over year due to the demand. But that doesn’t mean you cant find some quality materials that will last.
Here’s a secret though…
Not all upgrades to your outdoor space have the same return on investment when you sell your home. Landscaping can net you back nearly 100% of your project costs. Outdoor kitchens? Same thing.
But that inground pool you have been wanting? Less than 20%…
Think about your renovations as long-term investments, rather than just focusing on your wants.
DIY’ing vs Hiring A Professional Contractor
Alright, now for the fun part…
Want something done right? Hire a professional to do it.
Don’t want to spend money? DIY it.
Planting bushes ✔️
Building a paver patio ✔️
Hooking up a hose bibbie ✔️
Unless you’re a trained professional, you shouldn’t be messing with gas lines or electrical. Keep it simple and know when to call for help.
Landscaping businesses are struggling to find labor these days. In fact, 76% of landscaping businesses say they have at least one job opening. That’s a lot of positions open in one industry.
If you do decide to hire a company versus doing it yourself, make sure you plan ahead. Many popular landscaping contractors are booked weeks or even months in advance.
Once you’ve verified they’re licensed and insured, get three quotes. Look at their previous work (ask for photos of recent jobs they’ve completed). Call their references. Read their contract.
You’re essentially hiring these guys to be another member of your family, make sure they fit.
Bringing It All Together
No need to get overwhelmed when starting your outdoor space journey.
Remember utilize this space how you want and will use it. Take your time, focus on the foundation and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
You can make your outdoor area into another room in your house that you love to spend time in. Just remember to PLAN ahead.
