Is it time to give your backyard a makeover? Backyard renovations are a great way to add long term value to your home, while also providing real benefits for you straight away. They also have the potential to blow your budget very quickly, so it pays to go in with a set plan and budget, for the best chance of achieving your vision, without breaking the bank.
With Perth's fantastic year-round climate, it makes perfect sense to invest in outdoor renovations to fully maxicheckllistmise your backyard’s potential.. We have put together a checklist of things to decide on, before you get started on your backyard renovation.
Budget
Before you start any home renovation, you need to set yourself a budget. Whether your budget is large or small, planning your outdoor renovations in stages can help you manage the backyard renovation cost effectively. For example, put the new patio in one summer, and then think about the pool in two years’ time. Or do the landscaping now, with a view to new furniture down the track. Whatever you do, make sure you have a clear budget in mind before you begin.
Space
Whether you have a small or larger area, your backyard renovation should aim to maximise the space you have. Consider your entire outdoor area, including any side yards or small areas. It can pay to have a professional landscaper put together a plan for you, to make sure you have the space to achieve your requirements.
Passive Design
Passive design uses the environment to maximise sustainability. So, consider how your backyard renovation can improve your home both aesthetically, and long term sustainably.
There are many landscaping and garden design options to improve your homes’ sustainability, such as:
- native plants to reduce water use
- large trees and shrubs to improve shade and create natural privacy screens
- water capture systems to water the garden
- planting herb gardens and fruit trees for food production
- creating a compost bin
Taking passive design into consideration in your backyard renovation, can help you reduce your energy costs, so it’s worth incorporating into your design.
Colour Scheme
Its important to consider your homes’ existing colour palate, as your backyard entertaining will flow more naturally through to your indoor space, with a similar colour theme. Any new additions can be adapted to blend in to the existing home, such as this recent patio renovation in Spearwood, which took into account the existing home’s colour palette to match with the new patio design.
Patio
Patio renovations are essential for enjoying your backyard all year round, offering numerous design options depending on the size and shape of your space. Depending on the size and shape of your backyard, there are many design options, to get the best use of your space. Sunroof Patios are a great way to adapt your patio to the weather, by allowing you to open the louvres when the weather is fine or close them when you want to keep out wind and rain. We recommend having a chat to one of our Patio Design Experts, about the best way to utilise your backyard space.
Flooring
Flooring plays such a big part in the overall look and feel of your outdoor area. It also varies a lot, in terms of durability, maintenance and price. Some of the main outdoor flooring options to consider, include:
- Concrete flooring - great option for durability and low maintenance.
- Decking – composite or wood decking looks great but consider the ongoing maintenance when budgeting for decking.
- Paving – brick paving gives you huge variety in terms of colour and style options.
- Tiles – whether you go with stone, ceramic or porcelain tiles, there is a huge variety in terms of styles and costs.
Visit a flooring showroom to get a good understanding of your flooring options to choose the best for your space and budget.
Garden
When choosing the plants to include in your new garden, consider where you live in Perth, and what plants work best in your area. If you live by the beach, you may want to look at plants that can sustain a lot of wind. Many areas of Perth have black sand, which suits native Australian plants. These are also a good option, to save on watering and ongoing fertilising. Check out our blog on the best plants to keep under your patio, for more tips on plant options.
Lighting
Proper lighting is a crucial element that can significantly enhance the usability and aesthetics of your outdoor space. When planning your backyard renovation, consider both functional and ambient lighting.
Functional lighting, such as pathway lights, ensures safety and ease of movement at night, while ambient lighting, like fairy lights or lanterns, can create a warm and inviting atmosphere for evening gatherings. Solar-powered lights are a great sustainable option that can also reduce your energy costs. Don’t forget to plan your lighting layout early to ensure wiring and power sources are in place before the renovation work begins.
Storage Solutions
Outdoor storage is often overlooked during backyard renovations, but it’s a key component to maintaining a tidy and functional space. Whether it’s a small shed for gardening tools, built-in benches with hidden storage, or stylish outdoor cabinets, having a place to store your outdoor essentials will help keep your backyard clutter-free.
Additionally, consider adding storage for seasonal items like cushions, pool accessories, or outdoor toys to extend their lifespan and keep your backyard looking pristine all year round.
Privacy and Screening
Creating a sense of privacy in your backyard can transform it into a personal oasis. Incorporating privacy screens, fencing, or strategically placed plants can help block out unwanted views and reduce noise from neighbouring properties. For a more natural approach, consider using tall hedges or climbing plants on trellises to create a green, living wall.
Privacy screens can also add a decorative element to your space, available in various materials such as timber, metal, or composite. Integrating these elements into your patio renovation ideas will help you enjoy your outdoor area with added seclusion and comfort.
Entertaining Area
If you love hosting gatherings, designing a dedicated entertaining area should be a priority in your backyard renovation. Consider including features such as an outdoor kitchen, BBQ area, or a bar setup. A well-designed entertaining space can be the centrepiece of your backyard, making it the go-to spot for family and friends.
When planning, think about the flow of the space—how guests will move between the patio, garden, and dining areas—and make sure there’s plenty of seating for everyone. Adding a sound system or outdoor speakers can further enhance the ambiance, turning your backyard into the ultimate entertaining venue.