A Fresh Start for A New Yard

Buying a new house can feel overwhelming. How do you approach all the projects that make a new house feel like home?

Upwards of 89% of home buyers plan to make major improvements within the first year of their move, with over half of these upgrades made outdoors.  

To most new homeowners, settling into a new home is the perfect time to think about how to personalize outdoor spaces. Studies show that homeowners will likely tackle renovations that shape spaces to suit their style, with 85% or more of home buyers citing customization as a key motivator for projects completed in their first year of ownership. Figuring out what to do with a new property can be a daunting task — let’s get the process rolling.

Here’s what it feels like to be a new homeowner, staring into a new backyard.

Emotion #1:  There’s so much work to be done, how on earth am I going to get it all done?

Knowing how to start is half the battle. Creating a Landscape Concept Plan, which lays out a design for your entire property, is the best way to ensure a holistic plan of action. This planning process helps to reveal clear priorities of which improvements are most important (or motivating!). Whether the installation of these improvements happens all at once or a little at a time, by DIY-ers or those that will hire a contractor, homeowners know that their investments will all connect into a cohesive and functional landscape.

Start by identifying how you’d most like to use their outdoor space. Then, note what existing features are worth keeping or need to go. Draw these as a diagram over a plan or map of your property that can kickstart the renovation process. This thinking up front will likely save you hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars on costly changes — money that could go towards a new patio or pool that elevates your social life next year.

 Emotion #2: I can’t wait to use my yard, but it’s so far from having the things I want.

The best-loved outdoor spaces match the lifestyle of their owners. Active families with young kids may flock to an open lawn for slip-n-slides and birthday parties, where a meditative nature-lover would rather use that same space for a cutting garden with beautiful blooms.

Dialing in on the amenities that best fit each homeowner is an important step towards a great design. Imagine how you’d most like to live outdoors each season. Browse Pinterest for inspiration, then carve out spaces on your Concept Plan for the types of uses you’d love to enjoy.

Emotion #3:  I have decision fatigue. After tackling our interior renovations, I’ve tried to start on the back yard but I’m already about to give up after a few frustrating trips to the home store. 

For many new homeowners, landscape improvements follow close behind improvements to indoor living spaces. After making countless decisions for interior projects — Which size of subway tiles should go in the shower? What color should we stain the hardwood floor? Where do we source the stone for kitchen countertops? — starting anew with landscape projects can seem exhausting.

Renovation projects are often longer and costlier than expected — nearly half of home renovators say they spent more than anticipated on projects during their first year — a challenge made worse when design decisions are made after construction is already underway. Having a solid plan before beginning any installation work makes the whole process much smoother. 

The first step towards a unique, personalized yard is starting with a plan. Spare yourself the stress of starting from scratch, save them money in the process, and look forward to your next gathering outdoors. 

Questions? We’re here to help. Reach out at hello@yardkit.com to let us know how it’s going.