If you’ve lived in your home for some time, chances are you’re ready to give it a facelift. Maybe the paint is starting to peel or your yard looks drab and uninviting.
If that’s the case, we have some good news: renovating your landscape can be easy and affordable! Just follow our step-by-step guide below and you’ll be redecorating in no time.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| – Landscape renovation can be a worthwhile and rewarding project for any homeowner looking to improve their outdoor space. |
| – Planning, design, and execution are all important factors to consider when renovating your landscape. |
| – Expert tips and advice can make a big difference in the success of your renovation project. |
| – Affordable and creative options are available for homeowners looking to transform their landscape on a budget. |
| – Renovating your landscape can not only increase your home’s value but also enhance your quality of life by creating a beautiful, functional outdoor space. |
Before You Begin
From the moment you start planning your landscape renovation, you’ll want to ensure that the project is as successful and enjoyable as possible. To do so, there are a few things to consider before getting started.
- Do Your Research
Before beginning any project, it’s important to gather all of the information that will help guide your decisions and keep them on track.
This can be accomplished by doing research into what has worked for others in similar situations or by hiring professionals who have years of experience in this field.
Renovating your landscape can be a daunting task, but with the right tips, it can be easier than you think. From creating a focal point to utilizing outdoor lighting, our guide on 10 Surprising Landscape Renovation Tips will help you transform your outdoor space.
Evaluate Your Landscape
Before you start redecorating, it’s important to evaluate your landscape. The following questions will help you nail down the details of your project:
- What do you want to accomplish? Do you want more privacy or a more open look? Do you want to turn an unattractive view into something beautiful?
- What is your budget? How much can you afford to spend, and what do those funds need to cover (i.e., materials and labor costs)?
- What is your timeline? Is there pressure from family members or friends who need their yards done before summer starts? Are there other projects taking precedence over landscaping in general but especially this one—and if so, how long will it take them first?
- What is your space like now that we’ve gotten past all of that landscape renovation research! You should know what kind of area needs improvement before starting any redesign plans.
| Consideration | Description |
|---|---|
| Soil and Topography | Consider the type of soil present in your landscape, as well as the topography and level of sun exposure, to help inform plant choices and placement. |
| Existing Features | Evaluate any existing features in your landscape, such as trees, pathways, retaining walls, and water features, and determine whether they can remain as-is or need to be updated or removed. |
| Functionality | Assess how the landscape is being used and consider whether any changes are needed to improve its functionality. |
| Design Style | Consider the overall design style of your home and choose a landscape design that complements it. |
| Existing Issues | Identify any existing landscape issues, such as drainage problems or erosion, and address them before beginning any renovation work. |
Note: Additional considerations may be relevant based on the specifics of your landscape.
Practical Considerations
The practical considerations of your project are the most important aspect to consider, since they can affect your budget and timeline. You’ll want to make sure that you have enough space for what you want to do, and that there aren’t any underground utilities or other issues in the way.
You should also check with local regulations and permits before starting a project; some areas will require you to get approval from committees before beginning construction, which can take months.
If this is not necessary in your area, make sure that all contractors have licenses and insurance and double-check their credentials! Make sure they actually have experience with landscaping work as well.
Want to ensure your landscape renovation project is a success? It all starts with expert tips and advice. Our guide on Expert Tips for a Successful Landscape Renovation Project offers valuable insight from industry professionals to help you plan, design, and implement your dream outdoor space.
Contractor vs. DIY
Landscape renovation can be a very simple process. If you have the right tools, know how to use them, and practice patience and diligence, any homeowner can complete a DIY project. However, there are many advantages to hiring professionals for your landscape renovation projects.
You’ll have access to expertise and experience that is hard to find in your average homeowner. When it comes down to cost, it’s important you find the balance between what you want out of your new yard space versus what’s within your budget that means finding someone who can give you quality work at a price point that works for both parties involved!
Creating Your Vision
Once you’ve decided to renovate your landscape, it’s important to create a vision for what you want your outdoor space to look like. Your vision will help guide the renovation process and prevent any unwanted surprises.
Here are some questions that can help you get started:
- What is my budget?
- How much time do I have?
- What are my lifestyle needs?
- How big is my property?
- What do I want to achieve with this project? (e.g., make more room in the yard, add more functionality, make more colorful)
- How does the existing landscape look right now—and what would I like it to look like once this project is done?
Outdoor furniture can add comfort, style, and functionality to your landscape, but it’s important to know when to invest. Before making any purchases, be sure to check out our guide on When to Invest in Outdoor Furniture: A Guide for Homeowners for helpful tips and insights.
Plan Your Renovation
When you’re planning your landscape renovation, it’s important to take the time to consider all of the details.
This will increase the chances of your project going smoothly and looking good once it’s done.
Take a walk around your property and note areas that might need improvement or repair. Are there any dead trees or shrubs? Is there an area where the grass isn’t doing so well?
Do you have bushes growing into the fence that need trimming back? Just taking some time to look around at what needs improving will help you figure out where your focus should be when planning out your project.
Make a list of things that could use improvement in each area of your yard and create a budget for each item based on its size and complexity (e.g., small tree removal costs less than large tree removal). You’ll also want to include any general landscaping expenses that might come up during construction (e.g., mulch).
| Consideration | Description |
|---|---|
| Budget | Determine your budget early on to help guide decisions and investments throughout the renovation process. |
| Goals | Identify your goals for the renovation (e.g., adding versatility, improving curb appeal, incorporating specific themes or features) to help guide design choices. |
| Timeline | Establish a realistic timeline for the renovation based on factors like weather, availability of contractors, and the extent of work being undertaken. |
| Design | Consider key design elements like hardscaping, softscaping, outdoor lighting, and water features to ensure they complement each other and achieve the desired look and feel. |
| Permits and Regulations | Research and obtain any necessary permits and adhere to local regulations surrounding renovation work, such as zoning and building codes. |
Outdoor Kitchens and Grills
Here are a few tips for how to design and build an outdoor kitchen:
Ask yourself if you really need one. They’re great for entertaining, but they can be quite expensive. You might want to consider other ways of cooking outside (like grilling on the balcony) before committing to an entirely new space.
Think about the size of your grill and where it should go. If you have a large backyard, or if your family gets together often in their backyard, then an enormous grill might be necessary but if not, there’s no need to spend money on something so large that will go unused most of the time!
Also look at what kind of grills are available; if there aren’t many options where you live then building one might not be worth it either!
Decide what types of accessories would work best with your new kitchen setup! Do they already have barbeque tools?
Maybe this means investing in some kindle lighter fluid rather than buying new utensils altogether–or maybe even incorporating both these things into one product like this set which has its own built-in lighter fluid dispenser so that everything is contained within itself while also saving space inside cabinets when not being used.”
Timing is everything when it comes to landscape renovation, and knowing when to start your project can make a big difference. Our guide on The Best Time for Landscape Renovation: When to Start Your Project offers valuable information on factors like weather, soil conditions, and local regulations to help you plan the perfect timeline for your renovation.
Patio and Walkway Pavers
Patio pavers are a great way to add color and pattern to your patio. They’re easy to install and can be used in a variety of patterns, so you can create exactly what you want.
You can choose from different sizes and shapes of paver, as well as different colors. Patio pavers are durable, long lasting and will last for years without breaking down or losing their color!
Planting Your Garden
After you’ve done your research and chosen the right plants for your garden, it’s time to get planting.
Here are some tips on how to choose the right plants:
Make sure they’re the right size for your space. You don’t want something too big or too small and out of scale with everything else in your yard; if it looks like a mistake, it will be one!
Don’t be afraid of color! Some people think that all flowers should be neutral colors like white or gray—but why? Flowers come in so many beautiful shades and hues that it’s impossible not to find something that suits you best (and makes your garden look great).
Just make sure you pick a few seasons’ worth at once so that when one starts dying off another will start blooming.
To plant them, dig holes deep enough where each rootball can sit below ground level without being disturbed by rainwater runoff during storms later on down the road (you’ll want six inches minimum).
Fill those holes with composted soil mixed with some extra fertilizer before gently placing each plant into place then watering well.
Renovating your landscape doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, there are plenty of affordable ways to transform your outdoor space. Our guide on 15 Affordable Landscape Renovation Ideas for Your Home offers creative and budget-friendly suggestions for updating your landscape without sacrificing style or functionality.
Constructing a Deck or Patio Cover
When constructing a deck or patio cover, you will need the following materials:
2 x 4s to frame up the walls. These should be 10 feet long and cut into eight pieces at a 45-degree angle. You can purchase these at your local hardware store.
4 x 4 posts to hold up your deck or patio cover. These should be set in concrete at least 18 inches deep and placed on 16-inch centers (the distance between each post). You can find these at any lumberyard or home improvement store that sells building materials in bulk.
Treated lumber for joists and decking boards, which range in price depending on quality and size but usually cost around $6 per square foot of material used (for example, if you have 100 square feet of decking area, it should cost about $600).
Fireplace or Fire Pit Installation
Fireplaces and fire pits are a great way to create an intimate space for you and your family. The fireplace or fire pit can be built into the landscape, or it may be more appropriate to build it above ground.
If you have an existing fireplace or are interested in adding one, this section will help you understand how they work, what materials they should be made of (and why), and what regulations apply if you live in certain areas of the country.
If you’re looking at adding a new feature that resembles a traditional fireplace but is actually its own unique piece of decor instead, check out our guide on gas patio heaters.
| Installation Options | Description |
|---|---|
| Prefabricated Gas Fireplaces | Ready-made gas fireplaces that can be installed quickly and easily. |
| Wood-Burning Fireplaces | Traditional fireplaces that burn wood for a classic look and feel. |
| Gas Fire Pits | Outdoor fire pit options fueled by propane or natural gas for a no-mess, no-fuss option. |
| Wood-Burning Fire Pits | Fire pit options fueled by real wood for a rustic and traditional ambiance. |
| Modular Masonry Fireplaces | Customizable fireplaces made from modular masonry materials for a personalized touch and ease of installation. |
Water Features
Water features are a great way to add interest and beauty to your landscape. There are many different types of water features, such as ponds, fountains, or waterfalls.
If you want to create a calming oasis in your yard but don’t know where to start, here’s what you need to know about selecting the right type of feature for your space.
If you want it: You can select from one of three basic categories: still waters (ponds), running waters (fountains), or moving waters (waterfalls). It’s best not to mix these styles because they have very different needs when it comes time for maintenance and repair work.”
Conclusion
We hope that this guide has helped you begin to understand the broad range of options available to you when it comes time to renovate your landscape.
Renovating is a big decision, and it’s important to do the research and make sure that whatever you choose will work well with your plans for the home.
Always ask yourself: How much money do I want to spend? How much time do I have? What kind of materials will last?
These questions should help guide your decision-making process as we move toward creating something beautiful together!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources that may be helpful for your landscape renovation project:
Everything You Need to Know About Renovating Your Landscape: This comprehensive guide covers everything from planning and design to installation and maintenance, making it a valuable resource for any homeowner.
Growing Knowledge: The Essential Guide to Landscape Design Course with Courtney Olander: This article offers an in-depth review of a popular landscape design course, providing insight into the skills and techniques that can take your outdoor space to the next level.
Ten Planning Tips for Designing Your Landscape: This informative guide offers practical tips and advice for anyone starting a landscape renovation project, from selecting plants to creating focal points and more.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about landscape renovation:
What is landscape renovation?
Landscape renovation refers to the process of updating, redesigning, or improving an outdoor space, often with the goal of increasing functionality, enhancing aesthetics, or improving sustainability.
How do I know if my landscape needs renovation?
There are several signs that your landscape may need renovation, including overgrown or unhealthy plants, outdated or inefficient features, or a lack of cohesion or visual appeal. Additionally, if you’re looking to sell your home, renovating your landscape can be a worthwhile investment.
How long does a landscape renovation project take?
The timeline for a landscape renovation project can vary depending on factors like the size of the project, the scope of work, and weather conditions. In general, however, a landscape renovation can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks or months.
Do I need a professional to renovate my landscape?
Whether or not you need a professional for your landscape renovation project depends on your individual needs, goals, and skill level. While some homeowners may be able to handle certain aspects of the renovation themselves, others may benefit from the expertise and experience of a professional landscaper or designer.
How much does a landscape renovation cost?
The cost of a landscape renovation can vary widely based on factors like the size of the project, the materials and equipment needed, and the level of expertise required. However, on average, homeowners can expect to spend between $5,000 and $15,000 on a landscape renovation project.
Hi! My name is Hellen James, and I’m a landscape designer in Los Angeles. I’ve been working with homeowners and businesses to help them improve the look of their properties for over 10 years.
