Many of us dream of spending more time outdoors, and those lucky few who can afford the time to remodel their backyards might find themselves wondering how they can make the most out of their outdoor space.
If you’re feeling stuck in a rut, there are many ways to transform your backyard into an outdoor haven. All it takes is a little work, some creative inspiration, and the willingness to let go of your preconceived notions about how you think your backyard should look. Here’s how you can get started.
Identify your Goals
Before you begin planning what you’re going to do with your yard, consider the most important aspect of the outdoor space for you. It could be that it’s where your kids play or that it’s where you relax at the end of a long day.
Once you know what’s most important about your outdoor space, you’ll have a better understanding of what pitfalls to avoid and how to make the most out of your available resources.
Prepare your Budget
The next step is to figure out just how much you’re willing to spend on your remodeling project. Some homeowners might want to limit their budget, while others may be okay investing more into their backyard oasis.
Once you’ve established a budget for yourself, you can begin thinking about the materials you need and what you can do with them.
Establish your Theme
You should know your ultimate goal for the space, but it can be challenging to figure out how you want to approach your design. Should you create a Zen garden, or maybe go with something more modern?
The best way to answer this question is by deciding upon a theme. Is there an activity you’ll be using the space for most often? Does the time of year play a big role in your yard design?
Establishing a theme will help keep you on track and ensure that you don’t over-extend yourself.
Prepare Necessary Permits
Before you begin your project, make sure that you’ve secured all necessary permits and permissions. It is important if the work extends beyond simple lawn maintenance.
Keep in mind that there may be somebody else whose permission you need to obtain before beginning construction. For example, if you’re throwing a party in your yard and want to put up a temporary pavilion, you might need your homeowner’s association’s approval.
Hire a Professional
If you’re not particularly handy with tools, it’s probably best if you don’t attempt any work yourself. There are plenty of professionals out there who can help turn your backyard into an outdoor haven for a reasonable price.
Paying a professional to do the work for you can be an expensive endeavor, but think of what you’ll have to show for it in the end. You won’t get lost trying to figure out your design plan or which tools to use-you’ll get on with things and accomplish all that you set out to do.
Incorporate the Necessary Elements
After preparing the basics, it’s time to incorporate the necessary components. A water feature might be great for a hot summer day, or a fireplace will offer a place to gather with friends on a cool fall evening.
Once you know what elements are most important to you, the next step is to think about best incorporating those elements into your design. With the basics in place, you’ll want to ensure that everything flows together well.
Don’t Forget About Safety
Remodeling your backyard doesn’t only involve aesthetics. It should also focus on safety and long-term use. That means that you should take the safety of your family and pets into consideration as an added benefit to any design or redesign you make.
For example, if you have a storage shed installed, ensure adequate ventilation for airflow and a small window in case of emergency. Placing corrugated roof sheets and other adequate materials will ensure that it’s a space your family will enjoy for years to come.
Test it Out
Once you’re happy with your design plan, it’s time to revisit the space. This time is when you’ll want to measure things out and make sure that everything fits properly. You can also use this opportunity to invite friends and family over to give you their opinions.
Testing out your space before calling it quits can be a wise decision if you’re planning on selling your house shortly. Potential buyers will want to imagine themselves living in your yard, so make it as easy as possible for them!
Now that you’ve read about the basics of backyard remodeling, it’s time to take action about your project. Keep everything you’ve learned into account and start planning out what you want your backyard to look like.
