The pandemic made us appreciate our homes more and pushed us to make each outdoor space as beautiful and calming as possible. Australians love the outdoors, and what better way to experience beautiful scenery and fresh air every day than with a backyard renovation?
Renovating your backyard is not a simple DIY activity that you can just wake up and begin. It takes a lot of planning, learning, unlearning, and patience to work on your outdoor living space. Especially if you’ve had a neglected backyard for some time.
Above all, it’s crucial to have a clear idea of what you want the backyard to be before you start renovating. Do you want a yard with a cool fountain and lighting for a social night with friends? A play area for the kids? Or an outdoor room for parties?
Whatever your reason for backyard renovation is, there are certain Dos and Don’ts available to guide you through the process. We will explore a few in this article.
6 Dos and Don’ts of a Backyard Renovation
Do define your goals and priorities
When you first decide to do a backyard renovation, you will be excited to look up different backyard renovation ideas online. While this isn’t wrong, you should not get carried away by unrealistic pictures of backyard renovations with a beautiful swimming pool.
Have a clear idea of what you want to achieve with your backyard, and look for tips and pieces that complement your concept. Ask yourself vital questions like; what is my purpose for this space? What do I need? Is it just an outdoor seating area with patio furniture? Or is it an outdoor kitchen?
Also think about your budget and the standard backyard renovation cost.
For example, if it’s just you and your partner in your home, your priorities for backyard or patio renovations may differ from those of a family with four kids.
Maybe you want a space that would double as a meditation area and a spot for the kids to play in. As long as you keep your goals as your anchor, you will remain focused on the project and not get carried away.
Do consider your landscaping
When considering outdoor renovations, you need to factor in your landscape design. Consider your home’s overall structure and theme and see how you can reflect that same theme in your backyard.
The best backyards have a natural, seamless flow from the main house and feel like a part of the home instead of an add-on.
When it comes to landscape renovations, you should hire a professional to map out a plan for you and include them in every project stage. You may not know how to level a backyard, so you must let the experts handle this part. You can share your ideas with them, but they will know how to give you the best results.
The professional will also help with the garden aspect, and if you’re using existing trees and grass or adding more trees and foliage.
Remember to consider every aspect of landscape design when preparing for the backyard renovation cost. Every mini-project must be done the right way to save money in future.
Do consider your environment
When planning patio renovations, you must consider the lay of your land. For example, if your backyard is sloping somehow, you have to figure out how to work with it.
Some might want to install a retaining wall that can laterally support the soil in your garden space.
You can take advantage of the different levels and create separate lounge areas or zones for hilly and sloping backyards. This will make your space appear larger and cater to everyone in your house.
Having a kids’ play area, pool, and grill area is a great way to maximise your space’s potential when levelling the backyard. If your backyard is not big enough, you can create different sections using varying materials.
For example, a wooden deck can signify the grill/seating area, and artificial grass can indicate the kids’ play area. One of the cool features is to paint the deck or fencing a fun colour. The painting session will be great for the kids too.
With smaller spaces, you have to put your creative hat on and make the most of it. Perhaps it’ll be a small garden with expensive features instead.
Don’t go over budget
It’s easy to get carried away with all the exciting ideas your landscaper is proposing. However, you must try to stick to your budget. As the renovation progresses, you may have to pick your battles with the budget and compromise a bit to get your dream backyard.
For example, if you want a fireplace in your backyard, you can opt for a DIY fire pit instead and save the fireplace ash for some brilliant uses. You get almost the same effect while saving some money. Having a fire pit offers a lovely communal space for less of the cost.
Also, no law states you must complete your entire backyard renovations at once. You can speak with your landscape developer, start off with the most critical projects, and then finish the rest when you can be flexible with the budget.
Doing the renovations in phases is better than spending a ton of money and going beyond your budget at once. Be meticulous with the cost of this investment and remember, it’s your backyard and you don’t have to agree to every expensive idea your landscaper shares.
Take your time creating an attractive exterior home—there are endless possibilities.
Don’t install problematic plants.
Everyone loves a bit of greenery in their backyards because of the tropical aesthetic. We definitely encourage adding plants to your landscape; however, you must be sure not to install invasive species.
You don’t want to spend your money on a species that does not like the Australian climate or one that grows too wildly. Spending money every other month on plant maintenance is not wise. Ask your landscaper or lawn care expert about which plants thrive in your climate and don’t require a lot of maintenance.
There is no point overthinking your greenery if you don’t have a green thumb or plan on adding a garden to your backyard. As long as the plants are green, healthy and look great, they will look amazing.
While you’re at it, think of plants and trees that will offer a bit of shade in your yard. The location of these trees is almost as important. Pinterest offers tons of inspiration with this.
Don’t forget to get approvals
You may want to include certain additions in your backyard that require approval from the city council. For example, if you live in south wales, you will need the council’s approval to build a wall taller than 600mm.
Few projects like adding a swimming pool, pavilions or decks can be done under a private certifier, and you don’t have to get approval from the council. However, other projects may require assessment and approval from the council, and you must check all these boxes prior.
You don’t want to be forced to get rid of your fence or be served a huge fine because you failed to follow due process. Ensure everything is legal and done the right way so you can enjoy your new backyard without any issues.
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