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Ways to Save on Your Home's Outdoor Renovations

Your home is made up of more than just the indoor space. With some work, your yard can become an entertainment space as well. The high cost is what keeps many homeowners from renovating their outdoor space. However, there are ways of keeping the cost down. Here is a look at what you can do to make your outdoor renovations financially manageable.

Know your needs.

Making a budget for your renovation is a must, but keep that budget within the realm of what you will actually use in your yard. If your outdoor space can feel like a new place with some new planters and a new layout, do not spend money on a gazebo. Reining in your wishlist with a serious look at what your yard really needs changed will be your best way of keeping your costs to a minimum.

Do the work yourself.

If your goal is to save money, do whatever work you can on your own. Even if you need to hire contractors for some work, there are other jobs that do not need professional skill. For example, spreading mulch in flowerbeds or on exposed soil is something most anyone can do. Do not hire a professional for a job you can do on your own.

Try small changes first.

A renovation in your outdoor space doesn’t need to be large. Sometimes, something as simple as new mulch, gravel, or even new planters can make your yard feel like an entirely new place. During your renovations, use small changes to create the large difference you are looking for in your yard.

Perform maintenance.

Especially if you already have wooden structures like a deck or gazebo, perform maintenance and upkeep on those pieces first. Fixing minor damage to your wooden structures and applying a fresh coat of stain can easily transform a tired yard into a fresh one. 

Make it durable.

The largest cost of an outdoor renovation will come over time. Since everything in your yard will be left outside it will be open to the elements and can break down easily. To avoid having to spend more money on replacing items that have become broken or rusted, ensure that you are purchasing durable materials for your renovation that will hold up well in the climate you live in. For example, if your area gets a lot of rain and humidity then make sure that you get waterproof furniture.

Do your research.

Renovating your yard may have additional steps that you need to follow. If you miss these steps then you will have to pay more money down the road to fix the problems that arise. For example, you should pay attention to the slope of your ground in the yard before planning renovations. You need to make sure that the slope of your yard works well for drainage from the areas you plan on using. Check the structure and layout of your yard thoroughly before starting in on any renovations.

Last Updated: April 13, 2016