A big home project is exciting, but not to be taken lightly. It’s a large undertaking, and it’s not so easy to roll back if you have regrets. Renovation mistakes can be annoying at best and dangerous at worst, and the solutions guarantee to be costly and time-consuming. That’s why it’s important to get it right the first time. Before embarking on a backyard renovation, heed this advice from two Southern experts. Here’s what not to do when renovating your backyard.
Meet The Experts
- Garrett Mattes is a landscape architect for Ink + Moss in Charleston, South Carolina with over 15 years of experience.
- Josh Myers is a landscape architect and owner of Myers + Co in Louisville, Kentucky with over 20 years in the business.
Rushing Into It
“Try not to put the cart before the horse when it comes to a project,” says Mattes. “Take the time to think about what you really want and come up with a plan or find a professional that is highly recommended by a friend or neighbor to get you started on the right foot.”
Myers agrees that having a plan in place is a must. “It’s important to have a plan in place so your contractors can properly budget the project and then ultimately build the project in a timely manner and on budget,” he says.
Discounting Needs
Even if you’ve done your homework by figuring out what style and design you like for backyards, remember that every home and family is different. No matter how much pretty inspiration you gather, a typical layout or check list may not suit yours and your family’s practical backyard dreams. So, don’t just come up with a plan, but find the right plan that works for you. To do so, Myers and Mattes recommend considering your specific needs. What do you need and want from your backyard?
“There are numerous things you must consider when renovating your backyard but it’s always good to start with the basics: what elements do I want in my backyard? Am I looking for a space to use actively or passively or both? Am I wanting it to be really functional and easy to maintain or am I willing to spend time with upkeep? What am I trying to accomplish as an end result,” questions Mattes. “There are plenty of details you’ll need to consider as you get started, but if you can begin with a big picture to clearly define what you want, it’ll make it easier as you move through the process to answer the other questions.”…