When the good weather arrives after a long, wet winter, it makes sense to spend as much time as possible outdoors. For homeowners who work nine-to-five jobs, getting over to the city park or local rec center is not always possible. The solution? Enhance your backyard’s fun potential by adding things like above-ground pools, decks, barbecue pits, and mini-playgrounds for kids. Of course, the whole upgrade effort begins with a bit of planning and making arrangements to pay for whatever project you decide to take on.
Make a Budget and Apply for Financing
Nothing’s free, especially upgrades to private homes. Be diligent about making a detailed budget for your project, and then apply for a personal loan to cover all the related expenses. If a contractor is involved, get a written estimate and use that figure to calibrate the amount of money you borrow. One advantage of personal loans is that they enable homeowners to pay in advance for improvements, thus being able to get early-pay and seasonal discounts that can knock prices down significantly.
Above Ground Pools
A generation ago, in-ground swimming pools were the preferred backyard add-on. Today, with advances in above-ground pool design, and far lower costs, the in-ground versions are no longer reigning champs of the product niche. Plus, most above-ground units are fully portable, so you can take them with you if you change locations. Prices are reasonable, and most home goods stores will do the installation as part of the package price. Plus getting your pool ready for summer doesn’t take as much time and effort as you might assume.
Decks
The beauty of adding a deck is that you can do some, none, or all of the work yourself, depending on how handy you are with tools and how large the deck is. If you opt for professional installation, an attractive, functional deck can boost the potential resale value of your home and deliver years of outdoor backyard fun.
Mini-Playgrounds
With playgrounds and play equipment, you can do part of the installation work yourself if the components are small. For larger kits and pieces, it’s best to hire a professional to install everything at the time of delivery. Kits come in hundreds of configurations and price points, so be sure to spend time researching the kinds of items that are age-appropriate for your children and that don’t pose any safety hazards. Some playgrounds are portable, which allows owners to take them to a new home when they move.
BBQ Pits
Barbeque pits are one of the most popular yard additions for new homeowners. Not only do the in-ground cooking stations add a touch of class and uniqueness to any backyard, but they also come in a wide variety of designs. If you’re budget conscious and enjoy a good DIY challenge, consider purchasing a kit from a local home store and doing the work yourself. Once the unit is installed, let it sit for a few days, so all the components settle. Then, do a few test runs by cooking up some simple meals. The beauty of BBQ pits is that they have the potential to transform an otherwise plain yard into a social hub for parties, family cookouts, and romantic evenings.
