It’s outdoor living season! Is your backyard ready? Whether you’re simply updating the look of your outdoor space by adding flowers and shrubbery, or doing a major overhaul to include a new deck, patio or outdoor kitchen, there are a few things to consider during the landscape and design process. Our resident landscaping expert, the CEO of Churchville Contracting, shares his expertise.
It’s time to get your backyard ready for summer – well, depending on what part of the country you live in! Is it set up to maximize your outdoor living experience? If it isn’t, you should know how a simple makeover could drastically improve your standard of living. But like any renovation, this is something you only get one shot at. Based on the fact that you’re reading this, I’m assuming you’re ready to get down to business on your outdoor landscaping and design. Here they are: 5 essential guidelines to keep in mind when revamping an outdoor living space.
Hire the Right Contractor
If you’re not going the DIY route, make sure you shop around for the right professional. I always recommend interviewing several landscapers before making a selection. Each contractor will offer a unique design, and his/her own way of getting the job done. So choose the one who understands and exceeds your expectations. And whatever you do – don’t be fooled by unusually low quotes. If it’s discounted, there’s typically a reason.
But how do you you know you’re choosing a good landscaping contractor? There are signs to watch out for! Take a look at our guide on spotting a bad contractor.
Prepare to Share Ideas
The best designs are collaborative efforts. But it’s always best to know what you want before you bring a contractor on board. That way you can make the most of your consultation.
But where do you find ideas? Be sure to check out the eieihome website! For the month of April, the site’s featuring stories on improving outdoor living.
Another useful tool? Pinterest! Check out the eieihome Pinterest page! We have lots of pins for landscaping, gardening and backyards. Be sure to check them out and get inspired about your very own backyard renovation.
To help get the conversation started, here are some fun backyard ideas to consider:
- Installing a pool
- Installing an outdoor kitchen
- Flowerbeds scattered across your property
- Outdoor lighting
- New deck
- Water feature
In the meantime, check out more ways to transform your backyard.
Define Your BBQ Space
An outdoor kitchen can help maximize your time spent with guests while entertaining. Instead of being locked up in your hot kitchen, you can enjoy the heat of the sun while cooking in nothing but a swimsuit, some flip-flops and a “Kiss the Cook” grilling apron. Besides, with the beautiful weather on its way, who wants to cooped up inside cooking?
You don’t have to build an outdoor kitchen like this one pictured below. Simply set up your grill in a designated spot in the backyard, pull up a table and some chairs. Voila! Your barbecue space is ready to be used!
Choose the Right Materials
When you are creating an outdoor space, nothing beats natural building materials. The aroma of Western Red Cedar screams summer, which definitely beats a backyard that simply looks great. Whether you’re purchasing the product or turning it into a DIY, a cedar pergola in your backyard will immediately enhance the space. Dress it up with some lighting to set a relaxing ambiance in the evening.
Your backyard renovation doesn’t have to be a big project. You can achieve that ambiance of serenity by simply adding a beautiful garden. This extra step will give your backyard a nice visual focal point.
If gardening isn’t your thing and you’d rather take away maintenance work than add, why not have some of the backyard paved? Transform the look of your yard with patterned concrete. They come in a variety of colours, so they’ll suit any backyard renovation theme or colour scheme.
Don’t forget to Sit Back, Relax
Once you’ve transformed your backyard, it can be your #1 staycation destination. Lying in a hammock under a cedar pergola may just do the trick, and at a cost that is reasonable. After all, when you only live steps away from your favorite resting spot, you’ll start feel the stress melt away.
Need some inspiration? Check out this video for more landscaping ideas!
Ready to start your backyard renovation? We can put you in touch with the right people. Scroll through our directory of landscape and design contractors. Don’t wait too long! The summer only lasts for so long!
