How to Upgrade Your Yard (Without Breaking the Bank)

Amber RandhawaHomeowner and Homebuyer Tips

With the right design, your yard can be your own private oasis. We all need a space where we can relax, unwind, and connect with nature. However, many of us are unsure how to make our landscaping dreams come true – or, more importantly, how to make them come true on a budget. Fortunately, there are a ton of ways to save money while making your outdoor space fantastic. Not only will it improve your experience in your home, but it will also up your property value. This will come in handy down the line, when the Brown Daniel Group can connect you with a buyer who adores your yard. Here’s a look at some of the best features a yard can have, and how to bring those to life without spending a ton. 


Great Furniture 

The ideal outdoor space facilitates life’s most memorable moments. Often, these moments happen around a meal, over drinks, or after a hard day’s work. The crux of these vignettes: A relaxing, comfortable place to sit and unwind. That means great patio furniture. 

There are a few pitfalls when it comes to finding budget-friendly patio furniture. Anything you buy needs to be able to survive the elements, and ideally it should last a fairly long time. Some lower-budget options aren’t really the quality you should be looking for. Instead of settling, search for discounts on higher-quality goods. For example, sites like Overstock give you great prices on top-tier items. Add coupons and sales to the mix, and you can wind up saving a fortune.

Mood Lighting 

Another simple and affordable way to upgrade your outdoor space is to set up lighting. This will make it nicer to be outside at night, and can also help accent your yard’s best features. A great way to get outdoor lighting at a lower price – buy in the off season. January is the perfect time to buy outdoor lighting. String lights are on sale from the holiday season, and most people aren’t working on their yards during winter. As a result, you should be able to find a great deal. 

Another way to save money while lighting your yard is to get solar lights. Although these can cost a little more upfront, they’ll save you money in the long run. Since they don’t run on electricity, they won’t contribute to your power bill. The difference may seem negligible month to month, but that money adds up over time to serious savings. 

Privacy 

The days of the long connected backyard are long gone. Today, most people want their own private outdoor space. To achieve this, you can have fencing installed, or plant high hedges. Both options have pros and cons, and ultimately it comes down to which aesthetic you prefer. No matter what you go with, search for good deals on installation to keep costs low. 

Before you get hedges or a fence installed, have your property surveyed. This can feel like an unnecessary cost, but it’s actually incredibly important. If you inadvertently build your fence on your neighbor’s property, you can wind up in expensive legal trouble. On the low-cost end of things, you’ll have to pay to have the fence removed and reinstalled, as well as cover any repairs to your neighbor’s lawn. It’s much more affordable to just have the survey done and be confident you’re respecting property lines. 

Little Touches 

Finally, look for details that will make your outdoor space come to life. This might be potted plants, a lattice garden, or cute outdoor statues. You don’t have to spend a ton to create an outdoor space you can be proud of. The great thing about this part is that it can easily fit into any budget. You can search for these items at flea markets or thrift shops; you can look at estate sales or online listings; or you can even check out some online DIYs and make them yourself!  With time, hard work, and an eye for a good deal, you can turn your yard into your own personal getaway.