What Every Homeowner Should Know Before Starting an Outdoor Project

There has been an increased interest in functional outdoor space in recent years.

Originally a hot trend as a way to “pandemic proof” a home amid the COVID-19 outbreak, functional outdoor space has not waned in the post-pandemic real estate market. It is an essential component of the home to accommodate remote professionals, online students, digital creators, and anyone else who wants to escape the confines of their four walls without leaving the property.

To help guarantee an exterior project that exceeds expectations, keep reading as we explore some key factors to account for when attempting outdoor home improvement. 

Know Your Limits As a DIYer

We live in a world where we can DIY anything. From how to sew a dress to how to bake sourdough bread, the answer is just an internet search away.

For better or for worse, this applies to home improvement as well. 

And when it comes to DIY home improvement projects, people tend to be a bit more cavalier outdoors. Whether it’s a perception that minor errors will be less noticeable or the belief that tearing it down and starting over is more palatable than with botched interior projects, ambitious DIYers are not shy about donning the hard hat and safety goggles and getting to work on that new deck.

There is nothing wrong with DIY work. It can be extremely rewarding to complete a project. It may even save a few bucks over hiring a contractor if you have enough free time to do the project well.

However, it is crucial to have clear boundaries on what you can and cannot do as a DIYer.  

Many types of outdoor projects require permits and must comply with local codes. If you are not licensed to do such work, it can result in fines. If you don’t know how to use the best circular saw blade for making cuts in stone or hardwood, it could be difficult to complete intricate landscaping tasks. And if it is likely that you may make a mistake that will result in a do-over, it may be more affordable just to hire a contractor in the first place. 

Set a Realistic Budget

As with any type of renovation, exterior projects tend to run over budget. It often takes far more cubic yards of crushed stone to fill a rock garden--and more labor hours to accomplish it--than most homeowners bargain for. 

It is also quite easy to fall victim to projection bias when performing outdoor projects. This refers to the psychological phenomenon in which we believe that our future selves will feel the same way about something as our current selves. 

“I’ll spend all day, every day on this new deck, so I should buy the most expensive deck furniture.”

“I’m going to primp my new lawn every morning, so I’ll buy the best riding lawn mower and edger.”

These expenses, sadly, have a way of ending up underutilized.

To avoid falling victim to projection bias and balance the lines between economy and doing a first-class job, it is a good idea to have 20% more than projected budget on-hand. This will allow you to “splurge” when it makes sense without having to stop mid-project due to a lack of funds. 

It is also worthwhile to know which tools to buy and which to rent. Some tools, like a power drill, will play a key role in most household tasks, so it could be considered a good investment to purchase it. Others, like a specialized knife for cutting insulation, may only be needed during the course of the project, so it may be worthwhile to explore options for rentals to save on project costs.

Material Selection Matters

Materials are at the heart of any home improvement project. They will play a key role in determining project costs, performance, and aesthetics. With that said, material selection really comes under the microscope outdoors. Not only will high-quality materials, such as ipe decking and stainless steel cable railing, limit the maintenance and upkeep of exterior hangouts, but they will come under the scrutiny of everyone who passes by the property. As a key driver of curb appeal, sourcing the right exterior materials could be the difference in a potential buyer taking a closer look at your home when it goes on the market.

Plan for Diverse Conditions

“Plan for the worst, hope for the best.”

While every homeowner can dream of hosting garden parties and/or drinking in the sun on their renovated deck, it would be remiss to overlook the various pressures placed on outdoor hangouts. 

Concentrated foot traffic. Precipitation. Extended UV exposure. Strong winds.

The list goes on.

As a result, it is crucial to build outdoor areas to withstand diverse conditions. Cover all hangouts with a retractable awning or louvered pergola. Not only will this provide shading and weather protection when in use, but it will prevent the sun from breaking down base materials prematurely. Look into innovative composite pavers for the patio flooring. They offer elite drainage and durability against foot traffic, but are much lighter and easier to work with than brick or flagstone. 

Know the Facts Before Starting an Outdoor Project for Optimal Satisfaction

The home’s exterior is arguably more important today than ever before. From setting realistic expectations as a DIYer to taking diverse conditions into account, consider any of the factors listed above before starting work on an outdoor project.

For latest real estate market trends in the Bay Area, explore additional market insights on our Market Update Blog Page.

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