9 outdoor renovation project ideas

Citizens Staff

A well-designed backyard or outdoor living space provides an idyllic spot to enjoy time as a family or entertain friends. If your yard could use some sprucing up, now may be the time to invest in an outdoor renovation project. Making changes to the exterior of your home can boost your mood while also increasing curb appeal. Not sure where to start? Here are some popular backyard projects to consider, from small shifts in design to larger, more complete exterior makeovers.

Enhance your landscaping

A few strategically placed trees can transform your yard and extend its usability by adding shade from the hot sun. If you're looking for something low-maintenance, opt for evergreens to avoid raking a mountain of leaves in the fall. To avoid replanting each season, choose hardy, perennials over annuals and incorporate native plants that will thrive in your climate.

Once you've established the landscaping basics, consider expanding your garden. Think about adding flower beds, stone pathways or a water fountain to create a more tranquil backyard escape.

Heat up your backyard style with a fire pit

Imagine a cozy gathering around a warm fire in the autumn as you breathe the crisp air. A fire pit is a relatively easy and inexpensive outdoor accessory that can enhance the year-round livability of your yard. From simple wood-burning configurations that you can build yourself to high-tech gas or propane models, you can design a fire pit to fit in virtually any backyard. Add extra utility with comfortable seating, a grill top or break out the skewers to roast s'mores.

Plug in with smart technology

Not only will an outdoor renovation beautify your yard, but upgrading your technology can also make life easier and safer. Some examples of smart tech for backyard entertaining include outdoor speakers and multicolored lighting. Aside from social purposes, you can use smart technology when making eco-friendly renovations. Install a new charging station for your EV or add an irrigation system to keep your lawn and plants properly hydrated. If you're looking for added home security, smart cameras and motion-sensor lighting allow you to check your surroundings and protect your home from unwanted visitors. They can also alert you to package deliveries to make sure you don't miss anything important.

Maximizing space with storage solutions

Even a small outdoor space will benefit from benches with built-in storage to hide toys, landscaping tools or other outdoor equipment. If you love greenery but don't have enough acreage to dig up your yard and plant waves of flowers or vegetables, a vertical garden can add natural beauty while also giving you a privacy screen. In larger yards, organize and declutter with storage solutions such as a shed or other detached structure. The enclosed space is a great option for storing lawn mowers, snow shovels and other items that you don't want to move inside the house during the winter months.

Build the perfect patio

Beautify your backyard and extend your living space with a patio. This quick outdoor renovation project can be constructed using a variety of materials, from budget-friendly concrete, to pavers or flagstone. Once the patio is ready to go, you decide what comes next — furnishings, a grill, outdoor accent lighting or an awning to add shade overhead.

Add a deck for entertaining

As an alternative to patios, multi-level decks serve as a transition space between the home and yard. Both wood and composite materials are popular choices for outdoor decks. Wood decks tend to be less expensive, but require more ongoing maintenance. Composite materials reach a higher price point, but last longer, are more durable and are easier to maintain.

Install an outdoor kitchen

If you love to cook and have the budget, space and desire to tackle a larger-scale renovation, an outdoor kitchen can be a great investment. Moving food prep outside in the hot weather keeps the inside of your home cooler, which saves energy costs. Once you've ensured the basic systems are available, such as plumbing for the sink and gas or electric power for the appliances, you can begin to design the space. Don't forget to account for the weather — outdoor kitchens require a higher level of durability for all-season cooking. Choose appliances and countertop materials built to withstand temperature changes. Consider a built-in grill or even a pizza oven to help you prepare the foods you love.

Upgrade your outdoor dining area with a pergola

What goes best with an outdoor kitchen? A beautiful spot for dining and relaxing. As with any outdoor living space, you'll want to add durable, weather-resistant furniture that easily cleans up after a rainy or windy day. Dress up the space with festive string lights and other casual, fun decor. Add a pergola for shade and ambiance on a warm summer afternoon. When the weather changes, heat lamps give you added temperature control for outdoor dining well into the shoulder season.

Install a swimming pool or hot tub

Pools and hot tubs add an instant dose of relaxation to your backyard oasis. If you're thinking about adding a pool, you'll need to choose between in-ground or above-ground construction. Typically, above-ground pools are less expensive and easier to maintain. However, in-ground pools last longer and, depending on the future home buyer's preferences, may add significant value to a home. Before moving forward with swimming pool installation, it's wise to consult your local zoning regulations to determine permitted sizes and any safety requirements.

Hot tubs are another option to add a spa-like feel to your outdoor space. The warm, inviting water in a hot tub soothes your muscles, providing you with a wonderful spot to unwind at the end of a long day. Although smaller than pools, hot tubs do have their own set of cleaning and maintenance concerns due to the higher temperature of the water. For both pools and hot tubs, safety features such as fencing, covers and alarms are essential, and these items should be included in your renovation budget.

Consider a HELOC to pay for your outdoor renovation

Investing in an outdoor renovation project not only adds to the personal enjoyment of your home, but also has the potential to increase your property's value. If you want to achieve your dream backyard, balance smaller DIY projects like freshening up landscaping with a larger deck installation to stay within your household budget. For larger projects, a home equity line of credit (HELOC) is a popular option to spread out the costs of renovations. HELOCs offer quick access to the funds you need at lower interest rates compared to credit cards.

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If you are taking on a renovation project, consolidating high-interest debt or you just want a worry-free getaway, a Citizens HELOC can help you right now. Click below to learn more about the Citizens FastLine® experience that gives you a personalized offer in minutes and funding in as little as 2 weeks.

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