We all want to have a nice backyard where we can entertain guests or just kick back after a hard day of work and enjoy our surroundings. Creating a nice backyard environment is something we should aspire to. It creates a sense of pride in our accomplishment for a job well done, and after all who doesn’t like to receive compliments for our handiwork?
However, when it comes to our DIY backyard projects we have to consider what it is we want to get out of it. Merely going around the yard and adding adornments is not the answer. I had tried that blind approach before only to find myself abandoning what I started. For your backyard DIY projects, I have the following four tips for you to consider.
Planning
Before starting any DIY backyard project, you have to have a plan. Not the one you envision in your head and try to memorize, but rather the one you put to paper. Write the plan out and create a list of materials required. Consider whether or not you have the means or experience for handling such a project. The main thing here is to not get in over your head. If you do, it will only create confusion and frustration.
The other planning step is to draw up diagrams of your backyard ideas. Will what you want fit within your plan or budget? Will it be too big or too small? Consider whether or not the idea will be aesthetically pleasing. Once you have your initial plans down on paper, you should be able to move forward on your projects.
Budgeting
This is the second step in this process. I have made DIY plans for my backyard only to find that what I wanted amounted to having a champagne appetite on a beer budget. Creating a budget will give you a realistic view on whether or not you should go forward with certain parts of your project. Perhaps you may have to substitute certain types of materials that fit within your means, but still creates the effect you want.
Sometimes you will find that the tools you will need are restrictively expensive, especially if you will only need to use them once or twice. I know for that digging a trench by hand for a sprinkler system is backbreaking and time consuming. Consider renting a trenching machine for a day.
Upkeep and Maintenance
Do not overlook how much time you may have to spend on maintaining your backyard after completing your project. It may look fantastic when completed but may cost you more in time than you had anticipated or are willing to put into it. Include this in your planning. If it is something you do not think you can keep up with, then consider eliminating the idea from your plans. I know I love to use stones for decoration, but I hate it when weeds pop through because you did not keep up with a weed killer. Nothing worse for me than having to bend over and pull weeds, I just plain hate it.
Time for Enjoyment
This last piece of advice is important. Always leave yourself time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Make sure that you are not spending every waking moment of your days off just working to maintain your backyard. If you do, you have probably over planned it. I know that I would like to have the time to have friends and family over to enjoy a nice day outside and show off my backyard.
