When purchasing a new home, one of the areas that usually need to tick the boxes is the outdoor entertaining area. There’s nothing better than enjoying a summer barbeque with family and friends or sitting by the fire pit in winter.
Landscaping and outdoor renovations can get costly quickly, but it’s not impossible to create the ultimate outdoor area on a budget. Below we list a range of budget backyard ideas to consider for your home.
Take the time to plan
Take the time to think about how you would like your area to look and what needs to be removed/replaced or what can be refreshed. The more that you can reuse will reduce the cost. Remove any items that you won’t be keeping so you can see the space properly and are able to measure out the areas you plan to use.
Search online for the type of look you’re hoping to achieve, do your research and sketch your area out so you know exactly what you will be doing once you start your renovation.
What’s important in an entertaining area?
Shade. You want to ensure that you have some shade to ensure that you can use your entertaining area in all climates. You may already have an existing patio with roof coverings, but if you don’t, there are options that are cost-effective.
You can purchase aluminium gazebo’s which can be fixed to the ground to ensure their sturdiness. Many are rust-resistant so they will fare well in the weather. This is a much cheaper option than having to install a Colorbond patio roof.
If this is not within budget, you may consider using shade sails, whilst this will restrict you from using the area when it’s raining, it will still give you protection from the hot sun and summer heat.
Work with what you have
Planning your outdoor area will be a lot cheaper if you work with what you already have. Take the time to decide what you currently love about your outdoor space and what you want to feature. You may want to focus on a pool area, so that is the talking point of your outdoor entertaining, or you may have a large patio area that will be used most, focus on your main feature, and expand out from there.
Simple things like removing rotting trees, patching areas of grass, and fixing anything that you feel detracts from the space can make a huge difference to your DIY garden.
Furniture can be expensive and it’s not too hard to bring back to life existing furniture. Timber furniture can be sanded back and re-stained, or you may decide to paint it instead.
Budget Backyard Shopping!
Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, eBay, and good old fashioned garage sales all provide the opportunity to find some amazing bargains for your budget backyard. Upcycle! It doesn’t need to be daunting, there are some great tutorials online to help you get a little crafty.
Simple Additions
- If your patio area is built against an exterior wall of your home, a mirror on the wall to reflect light will create the illusion of a window into another room and is a real talking point.
- Growing vines over a railing or pergola will add extra colour and can provide additional shade.
- Water features: Everyone loves them, but to build or install a pond or large fountain is an expensive exercise. A portable fountain is an inexpensive way to add peaceful energy to your outdoor space.
- Festoon lighting is popular, cost-effective and looks great. They give off subtle light and are easy to move from location to location.
- Fairy lights are another popular choice; they can really make a huge difference to an area.
Outdoor entertaining areas need to be thought out properly. They are usually one of the most used areas of a home. You want to ensure that your area can be used as much as possible in all weather conditions and elements. Start with practicality and then move into the feel that you’re wanting, and you will be will on your way to having the perfect outdoor area.
For more information on Houspect, or to book a building inspection Sydney service, call us on 1300 258 789, email us at info.nsw@houspect.com.au or complete our online enquiry form.