Planning Your Backyard Overhaul

Spring has finally arrived and we’re nearing the season of outdoor dinners, backyard games, and relaxing time spent outside. As it’s warming up, this is a great time to tackle any backyard projects on your list. If you’re tackling a larger project, you’ll need the lead time to make a plan, put together a budget, gather quotes, and schedule and complete the work. Today we’re showing you how you can use your Budget layout to help assist you in planning your backyard landscaping project. 

Gather Inspiration & Materials 

Begin with your inspiration. Which styles do you gravitate toward? More traditional? Modern? Check out gardening magazines, websites, Pinterest, and anywhere else you like to draw inspiration. Print your favorite images and collect them in your notebook or planner. 

Visit local landscape stores to check out pavers, bricks, and materials. Take plenty of photos, collect prices, and take some samples home if possible. 

Collect Estimates & Gather Documents 

Meet with local landscape companies and begin gathering quotes for your project. It’s a good idea to send photos of your current space or set up in-person appointments to ensure you get the most accurate quotes possible. Share your inspiration pictures and materials to articulate your vision and request that your estimate includes an itemized list of projected costs. Be clear on your needs, timeline, and expectations so you ensure you receive what you hope for. 

Next, review your estimates and select the company that feels like the best fit for you. Once you’ve chosen your landscape company, you may need to provide a property plat, or map of your neighborhood that details your property lines. This will give your landscape company the most accurate measurements for the project. 

Review Budget & Plan for Incidentals 

So many of our Golden Coil layouts are great for planning projects. The budget page works wonderfully for gathering your estimates and actual costs in one place. Layouts Storyboard 1 and Storyboard 2 are also great for collecting inspiration images and taking notes. Use the layouts you find most useful for your project. As you work on the project, make sure you plan for extras. When purchasing materials such as pavers and bricks, you may find your landscape company suggests purchasing 10-15% extra, in case you have broken pieces. Keep some room in your budget for extras that might arise. If you find your project is out of your planned budget, explore your options to complete the project in phases and break it up into a manageable one!

We wish you good luck with your projects this spring! Enjoy the warming weather and dreaming of your new outdoor space! We’d love to hear how you utilize the budget layout and Storyboard pages in your project planning. Tell us in the comments below!