Hard as it is to believe, summer’s on its way. As you rotate your tires and inspect your air conditioner, don’t forget to give some quality time to your backyard. With less budget than you can think, especially if you follow these tips for designing a backyard that fits your needs and budget:
If you are remodeling the elevated part of the backyard, a cantilever tower hire can come handy.
Contents
Consider What You Need From Your Backyard
Before you begin your project, take some time to consider what you want your backyard for. Do you want a space to entertain guests? To relax and decompress after work? Perhaps you’d like a place to play games with your kids or grandkids. Whatever the case may be, several things should factor into the design process:
- Stay true to yourself and your personality when designing the space. This isn’t an area where cheap knock-offs will do—you need real originality here.
- Think about how much time and money you’re willing to invest in creating a functional and beautiful outdoor space. For example, if entertaining is one of your main priorities, consider installing lighting throughout the area. So you can use it at night without ruining everyone’s vision (or enjoyment).
Create a Budget
Once you know what elements you want to include in your project, it’s time to take a closer look at the budget. What does your current backyard look like? What do you hope it will become? How much are you willing to spend? It’s important to consider these questions to create a realistic, achievable plan and stick within your budget.
Learn about Zoning Laws and Restrictions
Check with Your Local Government
Your county or city might have zoning laws restricting what can be built in your backyard, especially if you’re adding a pool or spa.
Check with Your Neighborhood Association
They may have a lot of say in what you can build on your property and when it gets approved by the city. Then talk to them early to ensure they are on board before beginning work or making any changes to an existing structure.
Choose the Right Contractor
As a homeowner, you want to ensure that you are hiring the right contractor for your project. There are several things to consider when looking for contractors:
Check Their License and Insurance
Ensure the contractor is licensed and insured. They should have a current contractor’s license and workers’ compensation coverage issued by the state. Ask them to show proof of these documents if they’re unavailable on their website or office wall.
Ask for References
Don’t just take what they say at face value; call past customers and ask them about their experience with the company. If possible, visit some of the work sites in person to see how it was done.
Get Everything in Writing
Before starting any project, ensure you agree with your contractor. Outline what will be done during each stage of construction (including start/finish dates) along with the costs involved. So there will be no surprises later due to unforeseen circumstances.
Upgrade Your Backyard without Breaking the Bank
You can update your backyard without breaking the bank or getting overwhelmed. As with any home improvement project, choosing the right contractor is key. You should ask friends or family for recommendations and then interview potential contractors. Ensure you’re comfortable with their answers to your experience, cost, and timeline questions. Check out reviews online—make sure they’re recent and not just from someone who has a beef against them.
If you’re looking to update your backyard without breaking the bank or getting overwhelmed, consider these tips:
- Know what you need from your backyard. Do you want more space for entertaining? A place for children to play? What about irrigation? A patio or fire pit? What kind of fencing? Think about how much time of year each feature will be used so that there’s no waste in design or materials. Choose quality aluminum fences for the whole of your backyard and the compound.
- Create a budget based on those needs so everyone knows what’s possible within reason before jumping into bigger decisions like adding a bathroom inside (which could mean gutting one room)
Conclusion
With these tips, you’ll be ready to tackle any backyard remodeling design. Whether you’re a DIY-er or consider yourself more of the “hire someone else to do the work” type, these options fit any budget and lifestyle.