Creating the perfect backyard for entertaining and relaxation is a dream many homeowners have. To turn it into a reality, though, you’ll need to save a considerable sum of money. Here are the basic steps you should take to budget for your dream backyard design.

Start By Figuring Out What You Want

The first step in budgeting for the changes you want to make to your backyard is deciding exactly what those changes are. From building a gazebo to constructing a large, open patio, each backyard project you plan will have a price tag. Layout your plans, and you can get a better idea of what you’ll have to spend. If you’re not entirely sure what you want, consider hiring a professional landscape designer to help you create a plan for your space.

Take Account of the Big Purchases

In addition to physically transforming the space, you’ll also likely have some large single-item purchases involved in creating your ideal backyard. For example, a hot tub from Marquis Spas, can be a great addition to your backyard if you want to enjoy some relaxing with friends and family. However, you need to take these bigger items into account. Other larger purchases may include a grill, outdoor kitchen, or premium patio furniture set. These purchases can be made after your new landscaping is done, but it’s a good idea to plan for them now in order to get a better idea of the full price of the project.

Get Estimates for the Work

Unless you plan to do the landscaping yourself, you’ll need to get estimates for the work you plan to have done. Even if you aren’t ready to get started, getting estimates is a good way to figure out how much money you’ll need to save up. It’s also a good chance for you to talk with various contractors and decide who you want to do the work when the time comes.

Create a Monthly Savings Plan

Once you know about what you’ll have to spend, set a specific amount aside each month to save up for the project. This amount should come out of your disposable income, rather than being diverted from savings, investments or retirement contributions. Stick to your monthly savings plan, and before you know it you’ll be starting work on your new and improved backyard space.

Financing your perfect backyard will take time and effort, but you’ll be surprised at how easy it can be when you follow these four simple steps. Remember that you don’t have to tackle the entire project at once. If you break it up into several smaller projects to complete over the course of several years, you’ll be able to start enjoying elements of your new backyard that much sooner.

Guest Post By:

Anica Oaks
Freelance writer and web enthusiast