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3 Backyard Remodeling Ideas for Homeowners on a Budget -

Brian Lee BurkeBrian Lee Burke
Mar 16, 2022 5 min read
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3 Backyard Remodeling Ideas for Homeowners on a Budget -

Spring is here, and it's time to turn your attention to backyard remodeling projects. There are hundreds of backyard remodels for you to choose from, but not all are budget-friendly. Here are three backyard remodeling ideas that will transform your backyard and increase your home's value without breaking the bank.

Backyard Fire Pit

Ad a Fire Pit

In 2020, fire pits were homebuyers' most sought-after backyard feature, and their popularity remains high today. Fire pits can bring together family and friends with the sound of crackling fire and the warm atmosphere even when nights turn cold. There is a wide range of fire pits, which adds to their appeal among homeowners. Bare metal fire pits can be purchased at most stores or online, placed directly in your backyard, and used immediately. More intricate fire pits can cost up to $2,000 and may require professional building assistance. Cast iron fire pits are the easiest to move, while tile and stone fire pits are generally permanent fixtures. While considering your fire pit's finish, you should also view your heat source. You could bring on a real camping vibe with wood, though this will create the most smoke. Propane of natural gas is easy to use but requires a professional to run a buried supply line to the fire pit. Of course, before installing a fire pit, consider safety. Your fire pit should be a minimum of 10 feet from your house and your neighbor's houses. The same applies to overhanging tree branches, shrubbery, fences, garages, sheds, and your property line. 

Ready to find your dream home in Colorado?
Let us help you. Call or Text Kenna Real Estate Group at 303-955-4220 to get personalized assistance from our expert real estate agents. Find out what your home is worth in today's market.

Backyard Kitchen

Upgrade Your Kitchen

No, not your indoor kitchen. Your outdoor kitchen is a great remodeling project for homeowners who want to stick to a budget but want to add functionality and entertainment to their backyard. An outdoor kitchen can be as basic or as lavish as you would like. Of course, the extent to which you add in additional items and opt for higher-end materials, as well as the overall size, will ultimately determine the final cost of your outdoor kitchen. A full-service outdoor kitchen should include:

  • A built-in natural gas grill.
  • A counter for food preparation.
  • An outdoor kitchen sink.
  • A shade element.

Generally, basic outdoor kitchens use porcelain or ceramic tiles for flooring and countertops. With just these elements, an outdoor kitchen would cost around $5,450, depending on labor and material costs in your area. Of course, you can always add to your basic outdoor kitchen with a small refrigerator and a pergola for cover. You could also upgrade your flooring in a basic outdoor kitchen to brick, soapstone for your countertops, and stainless steel for cabinets rather than aluminum. These small additions will increase your cost to approximately $13,000. If you have more money in your budget and would like to add additional elements to your outdoor kitchen, you can always splurge for a pizza oven, dishwasher, wine cooler, beer tape, and granite countertops. All of these amenities will need to be covered by the harsh sun and rain, so you should also add a patio enclosure. Together, most high-end outdoor kitchens range from $30,000 to $65,000.

Ready to find your dream home in Colorado?
Let us help you. Call or Text Kenna Real Estate Group at 303-955-4220 to get personalized assistance from our expert real estate agents. Find out what your home is worth in today's market.

Backyard Lawn

Basic Lawn Care and Gardening

This remodel is less fun than adding in an outdoor kitchen, but it is essential for any homeowner who wants to create a comfortable outdoor space. Primary lawn care is as simple as keeping up with lawn mowing and weed control. You should also apply fertilizer and grass seed to areas of your yard where the grass is thin or missing. If you are not a fan of lawn care or if you need more time to commit to a lawn care schedule, you can contract a company to care for your lawn. Primary lawn care can cost anywhere from $100 to $300, depending on the extent of care that your lawn needs. In addition to basic lawn care service, consider adding landscaped or garden areas in your backyard. These additions are trendy among homebuyers and also increase the beauty of your backyard. While adding a garden may seem overwhelming to those without a green thumb, it doesn't have to be. Perennial flower gardens are elementary to care for. The initial work of adding a landscaped area is going to require some sweat. However, once the area is created, you will only have a little work other than pulling occasional weeds and adding a fresh layer of mulch every spring. Collectively, applying mulch annually, mowing your lawn, pruning shrubs, and planting annuals or perennials can cost up to $3,000. However, these minor backyard upgrades will yield a 100% return on investment when you sell your home.  

Ready to find your dream home in Colorado?
Let us help you. Call or Text Kenna Real Estate Group at 303-955-4220 to get personalized assistance from our expert real estate agents. Find out what your home is worth in today's market.

Backyard Remodel

Backyard remodels do not need to be expensive. There are dozens of remodels that are low in cost and will add enjoyment and entertainment to your backyard all summer long. Regardless of what backyard remodeling project you choose, make sure it fits your lifestyle.

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WRITTEN BY
Brian Lee Burke
Brian Lee Burke
AUTHOR, E-PRO®, REALTOR® BROKER

Brian Lee Burke is the founder and team leader of Kenna Real Estate Group, a real estate team at Keller Williams DTC. A licensed REALTOR® since 2002, Brian helps Colorado buyers and sellers navigate residential real estate, new construction, pricing, and negotiation. He is also the author of The Real Estate Playbook and Mastering Real Estate: Your Guide to Becoming a Top Agent.

View Brian Lee Burke’s full profile.