Want to truly level up your backyard without weeks of maintenance?
You’re not alone. Every homeowner wants an outdoor space that looks good, feels good and doesn’t take every weekend devouring you in upkeep.
The issue is…
Most homeowners have no idea which backyard upgrades actually matter most.
They waste time and money on random projects that don’t position their backyard for success. The upgrades that impress guests, get you outdoors more and increase home value.
Thankfully, there are several backyard upgrades that truly make the biggest difference for homeowners. Not just aesthetically, but lifestyle-wise and financially too.
And many of them…
Don’t have to cost thousands of dollars.
What you’ll learn:
- Why Outdoor Living Upgrades Are Worth It
- Backyard Upgrades With The Most Impact
- The 4 Types Of Patio Covers To Know
- How To Pick The Best Patio Cover For You
- Putting It All Together
Let’s dive in!
Why Outdoor Living Upgrades Are Worth It
There’s a reason decks, patios and outdoor living spaces have been number one on home trends lists for years.
Outdoor living is the number one thing homebuyers are looking for these days.
How big of a deal? Recent surveys show that 75% of homebuyers say they’d choose a home with outdoor living spaces over one without. That’s 3 out of 4 homeowners.
And if you’re worried about maintenance…
Spending some time and money on outdoor living upgrades now actually saves you maintenance time in the long run. Low maintenance patio covers allow you to preserve your outdoor furniture, avoid sun damage and make outdoor living comfortable year-round. If you live somewhere hot like Arizona, a professional patio cover installation in Phoenix can take an outdoor space that never gets used and turn it into the room your entire family hangs out in.
Stop and let that sink in for a second.
You can take an area of your home that never gets used and turn it into the space everyone gathers. All by choosing the right backyard upgrades.
Backyard Upgrades With The Most Impact
Let’s get one thing straight. Backyard upgrades aren’t created equal.
Some look nice but don’t add functionality. Others add function but aren’t aesthetically pleasing.
The upgrades listed below do both.
They add to your homes curb appeal, increase property value and make your life better at home.
Here are the backyard upgrades every homeowner should consider…
Backyard Patio Covers
Of everything on this list, patio covers have the biggest impact. They create shady areas during sunny months, provide relief from rain during inclement weather and help define your outdoor living space.
Here’s why they’re so important.
Unless you’re sitting under your TV watching the game, most people don’t hang out in their backyard during daylight hours. That means you could have the nicest patio in the neighborhood and not fully enjoy it. Adding a patio cover not only instantly makes your patio usable during those hours but it also protects your outdoor furniture from rain and sun damage. Which means you won’t be replacing your furniture every few years.
Pick patio covers that are made from fading, warping and weather resistant materials. Depending on your style, you can choose from aluminum, insulated or engineered wood patio covers that don’t require constant maintenance to stay beautiful.
Outdoor Lighting
This one may surprise you…
Outdoor lighting is a game changer. Well-placed lights not only look incredible at night but allow you to use your backyard for more hours of the day. Pathway lights, string lights, fixtures and recessed lighting around your patio cover can make your backyard look like a brand new space after the sun goes down.
Plus, proper lighting = safer walkways. Path lights on steps, dark corners and along pathways can reduce the risk of tripping and falling.
Low Maintenance Landscaping
Nobody wants to spend hours upon hours grooming their lawn and landscaping every weekend.
Low maintenance landscaping is a game changer for homeowners that want to beautify their backyard without spending their lives doing it. This can include low maintenance ground cover, native plants that don’t require extra watering, rock borders and artificial grass for high traffic areas.
Instead of fighting your climate with landscaping you can’t maintain, embrace it. Choose landscaping upgrades that keep your lawn looking sharp with minimal work.
Outdoor Kitchens & Entertaining Spaces
Okay, this one isn’t for everybody. But for those who want to go all out…
Outdoor kitchens and patio entertainment areas are the best way to make any backyard feel like a livable space. That doesn’t mean you need to install a full sized grill, countertop and seating area. Start small with some extra counter space, comfortable seating and a built-in grill.
Build around your patio cover. Once you have your shaded area to keep food and guests cool you can really make your backyard stand out.
Full kitchens on decks and patios are increasingly popular. Don’t be afraid to try it if it feels like the right fit.
The 4 Types Of Patio Covers To Know
If you’re going to invest in a patio cover, make sure you do your homework first. Don’t just pick the first cover you find. Buying a patio cover that looks cheap, falls apart or requires constant maintenance is a quick way to waste money.
Ask yourself these questions before making your purchase:
- How much maintenance does the patio cover require?
- Will it stand up to my climate? (rain, wind, sun)
- How long will it last?
- Do I need to paint it more than once every few years?
- Does the style match my home?
These are just a few questions to get you started.
When it comes down to it, there are 4 main types of patio covers to choose from. And they each have their own advantages.
Solid Roof Patio Covers
Solid roof patio covers are made from solid materials that do not allow any light to pass through them. This is good if you’re looking to block out sunlight completely but it also means no natural light will enter the space either.
Popular solid patio cover options include:
- Aluminum
- Engineered Wood
- Insulated Panels
Mesh Patio Covers
Mesh screens allow you to reduce sunlight without losing natural lighting.
They also provide more ventilation than solid options which can be helpful during hotter seasons. Mesh patio covers typically have over 90% UV protection so they can also keep most of the sun out too.
Adjustable Patio Covers
Want total control over how much sun comes into your outdoor living space?
Adjustable patio covers can change angles to allow more or less sunlight in at the touch of a button. They’re great for homeowners who want all season usability out of their patio cover.
Fixed Patio Covers
Fixed covers are installed and installed only. You cannot change the angle or positioning of them.
They require more long-term planning than some of the other options. Consider things like where the sun sits during different seasons before choosing a fixed patio cover.
Putting It All Together
Think about the last time you spent a day at home hanging out in your backyard. Now think about how often you use it versus your indoor living spaces.
For most homeowners, outdoor living spaces are the most underutilized and underrated spaces of their homes. That doesn’t have to be true for you.
And the data backs this up. According to a Fixr.com survey, 98% of industry professionals agree that an updated outdoor living space has a significant impact on home value.
By starting with a solid patio cover and building around it, you can create an outdoor living space that wows guests and keeps your family spending time outside.
Again, don’t try and do it all at once. Pick one backyard upgrade to start with and get that installed before moving on to the next. Not only will it be less of a headache, but you’ll actually be able to enjoy improvements as you make them.
It’s worth the wait.
