Every homeowner goes through many phases during their time spent owning their property. Most people are happy with what they have in the first years, but after a while, they seek changes.
It doesn’t matter if you’re unhappy with how your home looks or if it’s overdue for a bit of refreshment; renovation is a project that needs to be planned well.
The same principle applies to any home, including houses, but with a slight difference. Owning a house means you have a yard to think about. If you’re planning to renovate your yard, here are a few tips to ensure that you plan everything correctly.
Set a Budget
Before you start researching potential design ideas, you should consider the budget. Everything starts there, and this aspect will dictate how the renovation project will go and what you’ll be able to do.
Most people don’t have an unlimited budget, so you’ll need to consider how much you’re willing to spend on this project. It doesn’t have to be an exact number, but you should at least have a rough estimate.
You may have saved some cash, so that can be a good starting point when considering the budget. On the other hand, if you plan to take out a loan, make sure you’re getting one that you can pay off. It doesn’t matter which of these two options you choose; they’ll directly impact the next tip.
If your budget is limited, you may want to do some parts now and leave the rest for later. This isn’t a complete renovation, but it’s a start, so it counts. In most cases, it’s recommended to aim for a completed project to avoid having to re-do some things in the future.
Plan the Design
Planning a renovation often means considering changing the layout. The number of changes will depend on the budget, so choose a design you can afford. One option is to work on the design yourself, while the other is to hire a professional.
There are countless design options, and choosing the right one can make or break your backyard. When planning the design, you should consider the space you have to work with. Hiring a pool contractor may excite you, but having a pool in a small backyard isn’t the wisest option.
It’s understandable to want to work on the design yourself, but it’s still a good idea to consult a professional designer. With enough experience, any designer can get the most out of any location, making a backyard functional while looking like you want it to.
In addition, if you’re stuck with a spot, the designer may be able to give you some ideas. Again, it all boils down to experience, which you shouldn’t disregard immediately.
Make Sure You Choose a Future-Proof Design
Backyard renovation can be an expensive and long project, meaning it’s not something you’ll want to do too often. Considering this, it’s a good idea to think about the future a bit.
Maybe you plan to have kids, take on gardening, or grow your own fruits and vegetables. Regardless of your future plans, if they involve the backyard, you should consider them in the renovation. The main reason for this is to avoid having to redo the backyard, which can be costly.
Consider the Value of the Property
Some people remodel their backyards for personal reasons, while others plan to sell their houses and increase the resale value. If you’re taking this approach, it’s crucial to consider renovation options that will help you get more out of your house. The most important thing to consider here is how much you’ll spend on the project and how much it can increase its value.
The goal with these kinds of renovations is to get a price increase that is more than the amount you’ll invest. The specific percentage is up to you. On the other hand, investing a certain amount and not being able to cover the initial investment at least is a bad financial decision. Like with most renovation projects, you may want to consult a professional to discuss your options and potential benefits.
The Duration of the Renovation
Renovation projects take time, and some take longer to complete than others, which is another thing you should consider. Depending on the size of the project, you may be looking at a “yard-less house” for several weeks or maybe months.
If you plan on hiring a contractor or company for this project, discuss a potential delivery date. This can be especially crucial if you plan on selling your house. Any backyard renovation project begins with the idea you need to renovate. The problem some people face is that they don’t know where to start with the project, and today’s list should help them with the first steps.