Backyard Renovation Excuses: Another year?
Previously, I wrote about a rather common dilemma for homeowners: Should you do the backyard renovation this year or put it off another year? There’s quite a bit to consider when making that kind of investment in your property. We know it is important to get it right. The main purpose for creating that wonderful outdoor living space is to be able to enjoy it with family and friends.
It’s About Time
I’ve been recently reminded that life is short. Two months ago I was laughing and enjoying the company of a much-loved family member. Last week, I attended their funeral. I don’t ask for condolences. Instead, I ask that you put your own priorities into perspective and understand that we can always make more money. Time, though, is finite. We have a very limited amount of that and no one is making any more of it.
With that said, what are you missing out on by waiting another year?
Not This Year – Again.
Let's look at some of the possibilities:
Special occasions in a far more comfortable space
Friends gathering for wine and stories
Full spreads of food during a warm summer afternoon
The kids or grandkids having a safe place to play and explore
Close family gathering together in a space designed just for them
And not being embarrassed for anyone to see your old, tired space
It’s another year of staring at the tired backyard. You’ve likely been dreaming about what you’d do with your space. We get it. It's a big decision and can take some time. It's often easier to do nothing. However, I'd like to submit that making the first phone call is the most difficult part of the backyard renovation for you. From there, you've joined a team of experts who are there to answer your questions, discuss costs, know how to get around challenges, and guide you through the entire process. With that in mind, taking that first step doesn’t seem too daunting anymore.
Choices
Consider what you’re not deciding on.
Outdoor Spaces
Arguably, the biggest part of the backyard renovation is going to be that spacious patio you've been looking forward to. It's your space where you can entertain, share stories, and enjoy delicious meals together. You’ve likely been researching new patio furniture and know exactly where you’d like it to go. Is it worth waiting another year?
A Fire Pit
What about that fire pit? It's a very versatile spot that can be used throughout most of the year, even in the winter. I see this as a perfect place for hot drinks after getting back from skiing. Natural stone or a more modern fire pit that can be moved around the yard are ideas to consider. Add a few Adirondack chairs or go all-natural and use large tree logs as seating. Is this going to be another year of not making s’mores or roasting hot dogs? You can always buy the ingredients, but you can't buy the enjoyment that everyone would get from it.
The Sound of Nature
Probably my favorite part of any backyard renovation is a water feature. You may not realize how relaxing the sound of cascading water can be. It’s even great at masking other sounds. And when you provide a natural area for wildlife, you now have built-in entertainment that benefits you and them. But if you’re not enjoying your new backyard, neither are they.
A Finished Look
The icing on the cake is the shrubbery and rockery. With an incredibly wide palate to choose from, your backyard is a nearly unlimited canvas. Even if you have to content with deer, there’s a huge variety of plants they’ll turn up their noses to. And being in northern New Jersey means that large rocks and boulders will fit right at home in any backyard. Use them to turn steep slopes into new spaces that were formerly unusable. Accent areas with stunning rock walls that can be decorative or used as functional seating. Will that beauty and functionality have to wait another year?
It’s Time
Personally, I find that my backyard is going to get a lot of use this year. My recent renovation makes it a great space to invite family and friends over and enjoy the time we have together. Remember, no one is making more time. Use it wisely.
When you’re ready to make that first call and not wait other year, Sierra Landscape Management is here to help you turn your backyard into a place where you, your family, and your friends make more life-long memories. Our website is full on inspiration and our Buyer’s Guide is just the start when it comes to the information you’ll find useful when planning your backyard. Reach out to us today.