Backyards are one of the favorite relaxing spots for many homeowners. From a small garden where kids and pets can play to a firepit, pool, deck/patio, or an outdoor kitchen, nothing feels better than an inviting outdoor oasis. So whether it’s for your personal need or looking to boost your home’s value, investing in a total backyard renovation can be worth it.
Are you on the verge of upgrading your backyard but wondering how much should you budget for this project? Read on to find out the average cost of a complete backyard remodel.
Average Costs of Complete Backyard Remodels
Several factors go into the total cost of a backyard makeover. This includes the current condition of your yard, size, quality of materials, whether it’s a DIY project or you’re hiring a professional, and other features.
For simple DIY projects like basic lawn care maintenance or planting flowers, you can spend anywhere between $500 to $2,000. But if you’re looking to do a complete backyard makeover, it can cost you up to $10,000 or more.
How To Estimate the Costs of Your Backyard Remodel
Knowing exactly the budget you need for a backyard remodel is far from simple. However, you can estimate the overall costs by considering these measures:
Lists Down Your Must-have Elements
Depending on the size of your backyard and the scope of work, you will spend as little or as much money. To get a rough idea of the cost, prepare a list of must-have elements in your yard, which can be anything from a lounge area to irrigation systems.
Factor In Material and Shipping Costs
Once you’ve determined what you need in your outdoor space, don’t forget to consider the shipping costs. With various materials now being imported, the cost of shipping is typically transferred to the consumer, and this is something you should incorporate into your budget.
Decide How Much Work You Can Put In
Do you have the time to work on any excellent DIY projects? If so, this will help reduce the total cost of your backyard remodel. This can include smaller projects like clearing bushes, planting trees, or updating walkways to larger projects like hardscaping.
Don’t Forget About Design and Labor Costs
Backyard design may require professional help to achieve the look and feel you need for your outdoor space. Be it a professional landscaper or a pool contractor, remember to factor in the general labor costs.
Factors That Influence the Costs of Your Backyard Remodel
Several factors can affect the final cost of your backyard makeover. Some of these elements include:
Condition Of Your Yard
The most obvious factor that will influence the average cost of your backyard remodel is the existing condition of your outdoor living space. Is your current backyard status in poor condition? If so, you may need to go deep into your pockets to get it in good shape.
Size Of Your Yard
Most backyard project costs are determined based on the square feet. The larger the size of your yard, the more space you’ll need for landscape design and other special features, which ramps up the overall cost.
DIY vs. Hiring Professionals
Are you doing it yourself or considering hiring a professional to do the heavy lifting? If you need professional help, expect to spend more on labor costs than you would for a DIY project.
Quality Of Materials
If you want to invest in quality materials that will last for decades, that means a higher price tag. However, you’ll get a backyard oasis that will serve you and your future generations.
Other Elements and Features
Are you considering adding other special features, such as a fire pit, swimming pool, or water features like a fountain? Whatever extra element you want in your yard, keep in mind that these items can quickly add up to the final cost.
Some Backyard Remodel Ideas and Their Costs
There are several backyard project ideas, with the most popular being:
Landscaping
Creating a beautiful outdoor oasis should at least involve making landscaping visually desirable. So, how much does landscaping cost? Landscape architect prices vary widely based on the size of your yard, landscape design, and the scope of the project.
A successful landscape lies in the professional landscaper who can work on trimming bushes, planting native plants, or laying down a new sod lawn. Unfortunately, backyard landscaping costs anywhere between $3,000 to as high as $100,000, with the national average being $3,415.
Landscape designers also charge hourly rates, typically $50 to $100 per hour. Others charge $4 to $12 per square foot for basic backyard services, and remodeling can go up to $40 per square foot.
Patio/Deck
A patio is a great way to touch up your backyard while creating outdoor entertainment areas. Concrete paver patios are popular, but brick, stone, and slate are other options. However, building a patio or a deck will cost you around $3,000 and could run to over $10,000.
Outdoor Kitchen
If you want complete outdoor entertainment, a kitchen is a must-have. With today’s technological advancement, kitchen appliances have been designed to work outdoors. This eliminates the inconvenience of going in and out of the house during food preparation.
Typical construction costs for an outdoor kitchen vary based on size, unique features, and quality of materials. Generally, it ranges between $5,000 and $22,000.
Swimming Pool/Hot Tub
A backyard pool is not only a cool spot to relax during the hot summer months but also adds a touch of luxury to your home, which ultimately boosts property value. To create a pool with luxury-style glam, consider adding LED lighting, a water fountain, or waterfalls. And if your budget allows, you can’t go wrong with a hot tub or a jacuzzi.
Overall costs may vary depending on the size and the type of pool you want. For example, you can spend anywhere between $35,000 to $100,000 to install an inground concrete pool. If you need a pool on a budget, consider vinyl or fiberglass pools.
Gazebo/Pergola
A gazebo or a pergola is a great backyard project idea to offer shade from the searing summer heat. They typically come as pre-built structures. However, they can be customized according to your needs. Building a gazebo or pergola costs between $2,930 and $9,300.
Garden/Greenhouse
If you need fresh produce right from your backyard year-round, consider a garden or greenhouse. This will give your yard a new look and provide you with fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs. To install a greenhouse, you’ll need to part away with $5,000 to $25,000.
