Backyard improvement projects

When we think about backyard activities, sports are usually the first thing that comes to mind.   While sports are a great way to spend time outside, they aren’t the only thing to do.   Indeed, while you may not realize it, backyard activities include home improvement project through to completion as well.

Backyards are often crammed with not so attractive sheds, carports and garages, for those people wanting to update or replace their backyard structures; summer is an excellent time to do so.

If you enjoy do-it-yourself projects, building a deck or a pergola is probably on your list. Whatever project you have in mind, making a plan is the first step in creating, replacing, or upgrading a backyard project. If you know what you want to do and how to do it, you’re well on your way to a good outcome.

If you feel like your backyard is missing something but you’re not sure what you want to build do some research on the various ways to improve your backyard, you’ll find plenty of great ideas.

Once you’ve got a good idea but have got no idea on how to do it, be sure to have a look at the instructables website, they’ve got a lot of ‘how to do it’ procedures.   Alternatively, you could go to your local library or bookstore and pick up a book on the subject. Many home improvement stores, such as bunnings and mitre10 in Australia and Lowes in the United States, provide a large number of instructional articles and typically provide you with all of the materials required from their store, so it can be as simple as printing them off and handing them over at the trade counter.

Some plans sourced off the internet will be better than others; a good plan should include a list of all materials required and even what tools/equipment you would need, which makes it easy for you to order everything needed.

If you don’t have a large number of tools and equipment that would be useful for a backyard project and the plan you’ve found doesn’t list them, don’t be too quick to rush out and spend a small fortune on things you might need.   Keep looking online and you’ll more than likely find one that has every detail you require; just be patient.

Summer is ideal season for a backyard construction project but even if the weather looks promising, it’s still a good idea to check the weather forecast in your location. If you’re working on a job that requires perfect weather, like roofing, concreting, welding or painting, you should plan your work around the forecast.

If your project will take more than one day to complete, you should wait until the weather forecast indicates that it will be stable dry weather for a couple of days. This will save you the trouble of having to halt and restart your project. Sure, weather forecasts aren’t always even 50% accurate, but it’s still worth checking and planning your activities around the weather forecast just in case they do get it right.

Backyard construction and renovation projects involving wood are enjoyable outdoor activities, but they are not for everyone. You may find it difficult or impossible to do the work on your own if you have no prior construction experience.

If this is the case, don’t be embarrassed, it’s far better to get some expert assistance than to go to far and get it all wrong and possibly hurt yourself in the process.   You can save money by doing your own home projects, but only if you’re confident in your abilities.   If you go down the DIY path and get it wrong with poor construction or restoration work, it could end up costing you far more to get it all fixed by an expert than it ever would have to simply get them to do it in the first place..

It’s best not to take any unnecessary risks by embarking on a large backyard project such as building a wood frame garage or shed; there’s too much that can go wrong, and there are a few trades involved such as electrical and plumbing, which a good builder will use on a regular basis. The builder also understands how to construct a structure in such a way that other trades work can be accommodated during the construction process, as well as which trades must be involved at what stages.

A fully qualified and quality builder will comply with all safety regulations and building codes, they will be fully insured in case something goes wrong, and they will provide warranty on their work for any defects over the liability period, which is around 13 weeks from the final date of construction but just ask your builder, it could be vastly different depending on where you live in the world.   Take on a smaller backyard project and enjoy the satisfaction and bragging rights that come with a job well done, but leave the big ticket items alone for your own safety and financial benefit. It’s far better to watch your new backyard structure being built from the comfort of an outdoor lounge chair with a cold drink in hand.