Backyard Renovation: What to Spend, What to Save, and What to Splurge On
Backyard renovation is a smart home investment if done properly.
You’ll add value to your property, create a useful outdoor living space, and enjoy your home every day more. Sounds perfect… but if you take the wrong approach, it can also be a costly mistake.
Let’s be honest…
Typically homeowners dive into renovating their yard without having a spending plan mapped out. The result? They either overspend in places that don’t need it, or scrimped where they should have spent. Either way, you’re left with a backyard you don’t love.
In this post we’re going to dive into what areas you should spend money on, what you can save money on, and when you should totally splurge!
Let’s dive in!
What’s on the agenda:
- Why Backyard Renovations Are a Smart Investment
- Professional Landscaper Fees Explained
- What To Spend On
- What To Save On
- What To Splurge On
Why Backyard Renovations Are a Smart Investment
Save money.
This will be your biggest payoff in the long run.
According to 56% of industry experts, homeowners are investing in outdoor living spaces and backyard renovations more than any other type of renovation project in 2025. That should tell you something.
Outdoor entertaining areas have become another room of the house. Whether we’re hosting friends or enjoying some quality alone time, the backyard has become integral to how we live. Adding on (or mastering) your backyard will not only increase your day-to-day enjoyment, it also has great resale value.
79% of home buyers prefer landscaped gardens compared to ones without. The right backyard renovation could net you most of your investment back when it’s time to sell. Don’t forget to factor that in.
But…here’s the kicker.
A surprising 39% of homeowners go over budget when they renovate. Not having a plan (and by that we mean a spending plan) is the biggest cause. Avoid becoming another statistic and budget like a pro beforehand.
Professional Landscaper Fees Explained
Budget like a pro.
Before we get into the nitty-gritty details, it helps to know how much professional landscapers will set you back.
Honestly.
This is where most backyard renovations go wrong.
Why? Because professional landscaper fees vary wildly from project to project, location to location, even landscape designer to designer. Having a ballpark fee will ensure you’re controlling your budget – not the other way around.
It’s important to have a solid understanding of garden landscaping costs prior to speaking with anyone. Most landscapers charge around £150-£300 per day for a single worker. Specialist landscape designers will charge significantly more. Large-scale projects including garden design, planting and hard landscaping will cost you many times that.
Factors that affect professional landscaper fees:
- How big the outdoor space is
- Whether the project includes hard landscaping (patio, decking, walls) or soft landscaping (plants, lawn, flower beds)
- If there’s a lot of prep / groundwork to be done
- What the local labour rate is
You can’t blow this part. Get several quotes to understand what the going rate is in your area. Make sure whoever you choose is qualified and insured for the project you want done.
Simple.
What To Spend On
Are there areas of your backyard renovation you should prioritize? Yes!
Certain aspects of renovating your yard should never be skimped on. Why? Because cutting corners now can cause headaches (and expense) later.
Landscaping is the number one priority. If you don’t get the drainage, groundworks and preparation correct the rest of your project will suffer. Waterlogged gardens, cracking decks, dead plants. It’s not pretty. And it’s 100% due to not spending money where it was needed.
Another big area to spend on? Hard landscaping materials. Paving and decking that looks cheap now will look cheap ten years down the line. Spend the money on high-quality natural stone, porcelain tiling and materials that get better with age.
Some key items you should spend on:
- Landscaping (drainage / groundwork)
- Patios and decking (foundations and structural materials)
- Boundary walls and fences (durability is key here)
- Irrigation systems if applicable
You’ll thank yourself later.
What To Save On
OK so you know what you need to spend your money on. But are there areas of your outdoor renovation where you shouldn’t break the bank? Absolutely.
Just because you’re renovating doesn’t mean you need to hire a pro for every single job.
Plants and trees are one of the biggest places you can save money. Mature plants look amazing when they’re delivered but come with a huge price tag. Buy young plants and let them grow for a season or two. You barely notice the difference, and your bank account will love you.
Garden furniture is another big opportunity to save money. There are so many options out there at various price points. Don’t feel like you have to spend big to get good. That being said, don’t scrimp on furniture covers and storage. Keeping your furniture in great condition for years to come is where that money should go.
Here’s a few more things you can save money on:
- Decorative garden lighting (these days there are some awesome battery powered / solar options)
- Building your own raised garden beds
- Buying mulch and bark in bulk instead of bags
Know where you can save, and where you can’t. Saving money on plants and furniture is one thing. Saving money on the structural bits? Never.
See also: Optimizing Workforce Management for Modern Businesses
What To Splurge On
Alright this is usually where the debate comes in.
Should you spend extra on _________?
Truth is, there are certain areas that are worth every penny.
Don’t cheat yourself out of enjoying your outdoor space by skimping where you shouldn’t.
Outdoor kitchens / entertaining spaces are the top pick here. If you’re going to spend money building something, make it something you’re going to use. Well built outdoor kitchens and entertaining areas can become another room in your home. Done poorly, they won’t get used much at all. Spend the extra on materials that will stand the test of time.
Speaking of spending time outside… lighting is another worth splurging on. There’s no doubting how much a professionally designed lighting plan will change your outdoor space. Not only does it make it super functional when the sun goes down, but it also creates a completely different vibe.
Last but not least…
Artificial grass. Yup. If you know you’ll have kids, pets or lots of people using your outdoor space consider artificial grass. It’s more of an upfront cost, but saves you money in the long run. Bonus? You don’t have to mow it.
Let’s Bring It Home
Planning and budgeting for your backyard renovation doesn’t need to be guesswork.
Know what’s important to you before you start. Planning is KEY. Spend your money on the things that matter. Save where you can. And if there’s something that’s going to improve your outdoor living space? Splurge.
Alright let’s recap.
- Don’t go into a renovation without knowing how much professional landscapers will cost
- Spend money on landscaping, hard landscaping materials and things that affect the longevity of your backyard
- Save money on furniture, decor, and plants
- Splurge on your outdoor entertaining area, outdoor lighting and high traffic surface areas
- Get multiple quotes from landscapers in your area
- Plan, plan, plan! And expect the unexpected
Now that’s how to plan a backyard renovation that you’ll love, without breaking your budget.
