Dreaming of an upgraded backyard your whole family will actually enjoy spending time in?
Upgrading your outdoor living space is one of the best investments a homeowner can make these days. Actually… that’s backed by data.
According to Fixr’s expert survey, 56% of pros predict that homeowners will prioritize outdoor living spaces/backyard renovations in 2025 more than any other year.
YEP. That’s huge.
But there’s a problem. When homeowners approach their outdoor space, most jump straight into buying furniture or planting trees without thinking of a bigger picture.
Why does that matter?
Pretty simple. No plan = wasted money. Wasted time. And an outdoor living space that still doesn’t function how you need it to.
Here’s the solution. Take a step back and PLAN. Plan your priorities. Plan your spending. And most importantly… Plan your outdoor entertaining area so that you LOVE spending time outdoors.
Below, you’ll discover exactly how to plan your backyard renovation from start to finish.
What you’ll learn:
- Where To Start With a Backyard Renovation
- Why Exterior Shade Solutions Should Be Your Top Priority
- The Top Features To Prioritize In Your Outdoor Space
- How To Plan a Backyard Renovation Budget That Actually Works
Where To Start When Planning Your Backyard Upgrade
Here’s the single most important piece of advice for any backyard renovation…
Before spending any money or making any plans… assess the space.
Walk out to your backyard and write down everything you hate about it. Too hot out there? No privacy? No seating areas to relax?
Just sitting and writing down all the things that don’t work about your outdoor space will help build a clearer renovation plan.
Next, consider how you WANT to use the space. Will you be entertaining guests? Having family dinners? Relaxing after work?
Your backyard serves a different purpose for every homeowner. And your renovation should focus on enhancing that purpose.
The design of your backyard renovation should WORK FOR you. Your lifestyle should not adjust to fit the design.
Once you have a solid vision written down… it’s time to prioritize the pieces that will have the biggest impact. Like shade.
Yeah, you heard that right. Exterior shade solutions should be your number one priority. Here’s why…
Exterior Shade Solutions Should Be Your First Priority
Quick story…
Backyards without shade are dead between the hours of 12-4 pm. Without some sort of shade solution outdoors… you’re cutting your usable backyard space in half every day.
Doesn’t seem like a big deal when the weather is mild. But when July rolls around? You’ll hate every square inch of your backyard because it’s too hot to do anything outside.
And guess what. Your fancy new furniture won’t do a single thing to help with that problem.
If you’re designing your backyard around outdoor entertaining and spending time with family. You need to start with shade.
Shade comes in many forms. Retractable awnings, sail shades, patio covers and pergolas are just a few of the solutions homeowners in sun-heavy climates like Phoenix choose to block the sun. But for a gorgeous, low maintenance option that improves your home’s curb appeal AND gives you shade… it’s worth taking a hard look at adding an alumawood pergola to your backyard in Phoenix.
Alumawood is a material that mimics real wood. But it’s actually aluminum. It doesn’t rot, warp or need repainting. So no headaches down the road.
Oh, and it looks amazing too.
Curious about how much value a pergola can add to your backyard?
According to This Old House, 98% of real estate agents agree that an upgraded outdoor space can significantly impact the value of a home.
That’s a powerful stat.
But here’s the deal. Your shade structure needs to be installed first so that EVERYTHING ELSE you add to your backyard falls underneath it.
Yes, including seating areas. Lighting. Outdoor kitchens.
Everything.
Installing your shade structure first means YOU get to decide where the shaded areas are. Not the other way around.
What Backyard Features Should You Prioritize Next?
Assuming your house doesn’t get 100% shade from nearby trees… you’ll also need to think about these backyard upgrades.
Seating Areas and Outdoor Dining
One of the first features you should install after your shade structure is an outdoor seating area.
This could be as simple as a patio table and chairs. Or a fully built outdoor lounge. Whatever makes sense for your space and budget.
Just make sure it’s under the shade structure.
Outdoor seating is where all the entertaining fun happens. So make it comfortable and make it stylish.
Lighting
Lighting is HUGE. Not only does it extend the amount of time you can use your backyard. But it also sets the mood and ambiance.
There are tons of different outdoor lighting options. String lights, path lights, spotlights. All serve different purposes and create different vibes.
Try layering in several different types. Some overhead lighting for general night time use. Some path lights to illuminate walking areas.
Maybe some accent lights to highlight landscaping or your outdoor kitchen?
Outdoor lighting can instantly transform your backyard from bland to BAM.
Just make sure all your lighting fits your style and enhances the entertaining areas you’ve already setup.
Landscaping and Privacy
Don’t forget to update the landscaping in your backyard either. Fresh flowers, trimmed bushes and a pristine lawn go a long way.
Hey, your backyard might be functional now. But you want it to look good too, right?
Privacy is another thing to consider when landscaping.
Would your backyard feel more relaxing if there was a privacy fence or screen between you and the neighbors?
Something as simple as planting large shrubs or palm trees can give you more privacy when spending time outdoors.
Cooking Stations and Outdoor Entertainment
Okay okay. Before wrapping this up… let’s talk outdoor kitchens.
Summer is the ULTIMATE season for outdoor entertaining. And cooking outdoors is a HUGE trend these days.
You don’t need to go all out either.
If your budget is limited, start small.
Add a built-in grill with some counter space. Boom. Instant outdoor kitchen.
Oh and while you’re upgrading your outdoor entertaining area. Think about adding an outdoor firepit or fire table.
Cool vibes outdoors are VERY popular right now.
Creating A Backyard Renovation Budget That Works
Ah yes, the money.
Budgeting for your backyard renovation is easy if you have a simple formula to follow.
And here’s one that works every time.
50/30/20. Here’s how it breaks down.
50% of your budget should be spent on the bigger items. Things like pergolas, patio covers, decks/hardscaping.
30% should be spent on furniture, lighting, landscaping and things like outdoor kitchens.
20% of your budget can be spent on decor. Pillows, cute outdoor rugs, planters and other accessories.
The reason for starting with the bigger items first is because they tend to be more expensive. Plus. You don’t want to splurge on that adorable ottoman just to find out you can’t fit it in your backyard.
But wait… there’s one more thing.
Always pad your budget with an additional 10-15% for unexpected expenses.
Things happen. So don’t forget to leave room for those surprises.
See also: Operational Strategies That Help Cinemas Stay Profitable
Wrapping It All Up
There you have it. Everything you need to know to plan your backyard renovation.
Let’s do a quick recap:
- Write down what you dislike about your current backyard. And how YOU want to use your renovated space
- Install some shade solutions FIRST. Because it’ll make every other feature you add more enjoyable
- Don’t forget about seating areas, lighting and landscaping
- Plan your spending using the 50/30/20 rule AND leave room for unexpected expenses
The backyard is easily one of the most overlooked rooms of your home.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. Take control of your outdoor space by planning your backyard renovation first.
