Looking to get your new backyard reno done cost-effectively? No problem, we can help you out. Check out these five tips you can employ to get your project done without breaking the bank:
REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE
Reduce, reuse, recycle. We’ve heard it a thousand times, but maybe for good reason. Purchasing brand-new items for your reno is a surefire way of going over budget.
Whether you scour Facebook Marketplace, check out local garage sales or finally make use of the stuff that’s been collecting dust in the garage for ten years, it’s all a great way of saving money on the backyard reno you’ve always dreamt of.
REPAINT INSTEAD OF REDO
Completely redoing your backyard deck is a great way of going over budget. Instead of going to the hardware store and loading up on expensive lumber, consider buying stain instead and spending the weekend getting to work.
A fresh paint or stain on a weathered part of your backyard—even outdoor furniture—looks just as good as a brand-new product and costs much less. If you’re doing a reno on a budget, give it a shot.
Check out Pinterest for pics showing off what a stained deck can do for your space.
BE REALISTIC WITH THE COST
Turning a blind eye to what your new backyard reno will likely cost will only end up in sticker shock when you calculate what the final cost is.
By having a clear understanding of the financial reality up front, you can make informed decisions and prevent costly surprises further down the line.
Setting up a budget—either with Google Sheets or Excel— can help you better and more accurately calculate the total cost of your reno than the I-guess-we’ll-see-how-it-goes attitude you’ve been using up until now.
Track your expected expenses and make sure you have a realistic idea of what your project is going to run you before you begin.
DIY WHAT YOU CAN
While DIY has become a bit of a buzzword over the past few years, that doesn’t mean doing it yourself isn’t a great way of saving some serious money. From building custom furniture to tackling landscaping projects, DIY doesn’t only cut costs but also offers a sense of satisfaction and pride in your handiwork and what you’ve been able to accomplish.
To get inspired for your DIY project, check out Pinterest.
COVER IT UP
Sometimes the most cost-effective solution is simply to cover up existing flaws or defects.
An outdoor rug is a great way of hiding an old weathered deck or patio. That said, if your deck is unsafe due to rotting or structural damage, then redoing it is necessary for safety reasons.
