Creating the perfect backyard is tougher than it seems. There are remodeling services, backyard products, and backyard masters that can all seemingly be the answer. Do you have a backyard BBQ? What if you have a party in the backyard?
There are a million questions – like what happens if you get caught remodeling without a permit – that you may want to be answered. Aside from adding one of the best gas grills out there, you have to approach backyard design differently than you would interior design. Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid.
Do Not Underestimate Future Expenses
There will always be extra expenses – even periodic expenses – that come into play when doing a backyard remodel. Don’t ever assume that there is such a thing as all expenses paid. There will be a certain amount made after expenses to account for.
Take your budgeted expenses and add somewhere between 10 and 20% to that total. This way, you can account for any of the unexpected costs that come with any remodeling expedition. The best rule is to expect the unexpected.
Failing to Clean Your Yard Before Remodeling
A clean backyard is something to strive for anyway. Cleaning the backyard before a remodeling effort may seem like a waste of time but it is really quite beneficial. Even when using backyard remodeling companies, you want to put in the effort to clean up.
Grab your metal garbage cans or a large rubbish bin and clean up any loose debris. It will make the job that much more effective.
Hiring the Wrong Contractor
Bringing in a home contractor can take the hassle out of the job. But you may be faced with what to do when a contractor doesn’t finish the job. Can an independent contractor be fired?
Questions like these should be at the forefront when dealing with a contractor campus. You can choose to do the job yourself and go through a professional contractor supply but account for the time that such labor encompasses.
Failing to Obtain the Necessary Permits
Another reason to go with backyard remodeling companies is that there are permits required to do so. You require permission from the local municipality. This express permission is not automatic, either. You can face the experience of having permission denied as well.
So instead of wondering what happens if you get caught remodeling without a permit, cover all your bases beforehand. It can save you a world of trouble and a lot of time wasted.
Do the Research About the Plants
If you plan to implement plants in your backyard remodel, there are more than a few considerations to make. Do you want plants that repel spiders? Angel plants? Flea repelling plants? Will you transport via plants? What about fake succulent plants?
Have the answers before making the changes. You don’t want those changes to potentially harm or destroy plants that already exist within the area.
Not Having a Clear Vision
There is nothing quite as bad as starting a project with a positive outcome and no end result. When starting a backyard remodel, you should always have a plan. “I have a plan” may seem like a simple step but it is one that can make all the difference.
A positive outcome starts with the thought of “don’t worry I have a plan.” Plans take a lot of variables into account and leave you in the best possible position to succeed going forward. Without that plan, you may find yourself with questions that you do not have the answers to. Plan ahead and give yourself a distinct advantage from the start.
Scalping Your Grass
The grass, given that it is the most visible aspect of the backyard, requires proper upkeep as well. Whether you have orchard grass, blue oat grass, or got an artificial grass installation from Home Depot, you need to have proper upkeep.
What is the best time to cut grass? Am I better off getting Home Depot artificial grass These are the pertinent questions to ask when it comes to the care of your lawn. When the grass is healthy and strong, it sets a strong base for the rest of your backyard.
Giving a Contractor a Large Sum Up Front
There are a lot of prepayment terms that you need to consider: prepayment privilege, prepayment invoice, prepayment contract, prepayment audit, and prepayment refund. The simple fact of the matter is that prepayment comes with advantages but also a large list of issues.
If the contractor demands a large sum upfront, make sure that you look into the fine print that accompanies it. Make sure you know what is expected of the contractor and by what dates. There is nothing worse than paying upfront only to have the contractor disappoint.
High Expectations Over Resale Value
If you plan to sell your home in the near future, ask yourself: how much does a busy street affect resale value? Questions like these are essential for determining the average value of a home.
Whether you have lowered expectations or high ones, make sure that the contractor meets expectations. You see the expectations vs reality meme floating around on the internet regularly. Don’t be in the disappointing category.
Arranging Trees Symmetrically
Having a tree (or trees) can add to a backyard space. Whether it be yellow shrubs, a grapefruit tree, a hibiscus tree, or something else, an asymmetrical placement can be a much wiser choice than going with something symmetrical.
Make sure that the tree branch of the tree or trees don’t interfere with the important areas of the home. That can make a huge difference.
Conclusion
When it comes to creating the best outdoor renovations, there are more than a few things you want to avoid. In the end, it will help to create the best possible look that fits into your budget. It will also help you to avoid the frustrations that can typically accompany something like a major backyard renovation.