Want to learn how to plan a backyard renovation that you’ll actually use?
You’re not alone. Chances are good you’ve daydreamed about your ideal outdoor oasis at some point.
The problem with daydreams is they usually don’t take things like budget and realistic lifestyle into account.
The end result?
End up with a backyard you never use. Money down the drain. And major regrets.
Luckily planning a backyard space isn’t as complicated as most people make it out to be. If you start with the right approach and partner with professional landscape design services near you, you can absolutely plan a backyard renovation you’ll love.
In this article:
- Why Lifestyle-First Backyard Planning Is Important
- Questions To Ask Yourself Before Planning Your Backyard Space
- Your Space vs Your Routine
- Professional Landscaping Services vs DIY
- Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Backyard
Let’s dive into it!
Why Lifestyle-First Backyard Planning Is Important
Let me tell you what most homeowners get wrong when it comes to backyard renovations…
They don’t think about how they’re going to use the space.
Instead, they search for inspiration and find something they like. Whether that’s an outdoor kitchen, fire pit, or water feature. Then try to force fit it into their lives.
This almost never turns out well.
Successful backyard renovations start with lifestyle. According to Houzz, homeowners want to renovate their outdoor spaces for 2 main reasons. First, they want to improve the aesthetics. But secondly? They want to improve outdoor entertaining spaces and expand living space.
Think about it…
If more people cared about entertaining and living in their backyard spaces, wouldn’t they be using them? Pretty much every backyard should include these areas as priorities. That’s why partnering with a trusted landscape design company in Tacoma can really pay off. No homeowner truly knows what they want until they sit down and plan out every facet of how they will use their outdoor space. Landscape designers help you work through this process.
Questions To Ask Yourself Before Planning Your Backyard Space
So you know lifestyle is key. But what does that look like practically?
Before you start looking at material selections or outdoor kitchen equipment, ask yourself these questions:
- How often will I entertain in this space? Weekly? Monthly?
- Do I have children or pets that will use this space?
- What amount of maintenance do I have time for?
- Will I expand my living space into this area during certain seasons?
Understanding your answers to these questions is important because they dictate what you actually need in your backyard. A homeowner that entertains weekly will need more seating. A homeowner with young children will need to account for safety. And someone who wants low maintenance will need to select different plants.
Oh, and here’s a fun fact.
Most homeowners never think about these questions. They get excited about having a backyard makeover and skip right to researching flowers or patio furniture online. Planning your outdoor space should always come before renovations.
Your Space vs Your Routine
So how do you best match your backyard space to fit your daily routine?
Think about how you live now. Then plan your backyard renovation project around that.
Someone who works remotely may value a backyard office space. While that same couple might focus on steak grills and prep space if they entertain weekly.
Here are some other lifestyle factors to consider:
- Will you grab coffee on the patio in the mornings?
- Are you an indoors person at night or will you spend time outside?
- Do the kids play outside often or are they indoors screens?
- How will you use your backyard in the winter months?
My point is every family’s lifestyle is different. Yet so many homeowners plan backyard renovations around how they want to use their space… not how they actually do.
Change that narrative for your backyard renovation and watch your enjoyment of your outdoor space improve.
Professional Landscaping Services vs DIY
So should you hire professional help or go the DIY route?
Research from This Old House revealed 65% of homeowners used professional landscapers for their 2024 renovations. That’s a pretty significant number if you ask me. Why do you think so many homeowners are turning to professionals?
Obviously, there is something to be said about getting your hands dirty and doing it yourself. But when it comes to landscaping renovation projects, professionals know best.
Professional landscapers can plan your space with purpose, knowing what will and won’t thrive in your yard. Plus, they have the experience to catch you from making costly mistakes.
Bouncing back from a DIY patio that cracks or plants that die because they were in the wrong place is no fun. Not to mention expensive.
If you want things done right the first time, trust the professionals to help renovate your backyard.
That being said, if all you want to DIY is build a planter here or add some string lights, go for it! Most professionals aren’t opposed to homeowners doing small projects themselves. When it comes down to it, know when your skills lie and ask for help when needed.
Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Backyard
Truth is, you can plan all you want but still mess up.
Don’t worry, we’ve all been there.
Let’s talk about a few of the most common backyard renovation mistakes to avoid:
- Underestimating maintenance.Yes, that gorgeous garden will look good on Instagram. But when was the last time you had time to maintain that kind of space? Know your maintenance capacity.
- Forgetting about privacy.No one wants to eat on their patio and feel like they’re on display to the world. Plan for privacy with fencing, shades, and strategic landscaping.
- Not budgeting enough.Trust me when I tell you… backyard projects always cost more than you think. Plan for unexpected expenses by allotting your budget 15-20% more than you think you’ll need.
- Trying to do it all in one project.Okay, so maybe you can swing your dream backyard in one renovation. But for most people, phasing a project like this over time makes more sense. Break it up and get creative.
- Falling into trends too hard.Remember how in-vogue red kitchens were a few years ago? Kitchens came back to neutral pretty quick. Don’t try to get too trendy with your backyard spaces.
Making It All Come Together
Fact: you can plan the most beautiful backyard space full of features you think you’ll love. But if you don’t actually use it, you’ll never see a return on your investment.
True success in backyard renovations comes from homeowners that start with lifestyle and how they will actually use the space. Plan your outdoor rooms before designing them.
Ask yourself the hard questions about maintenance, children, pets, and entertaining. And know when to call in professional help.
By far the #1 mistake homeowners make is not knowing how they will use their backyard. That’s where most backyard renovations go wrong.
Get it right by planning before you start dreaming about features.
Help your backyard come together by utilizing professionals that care about the end result too.
Closing Thoughts
There you have it! Hopefully, now you understand why lifestyle matters when planning your backyard renovation.
You’ll never use your backyard if you don’t start with function first. No matter how aesthetically pleasing you make it.
Think about your lifestyle. What will you actually do in your backyard?
Bonus points if you hire professional landscaping services to help you plan it all out!
