skip to Main Content
5 Backyard Remodeling Projects To Tackle This Summer

5 Backyard Remodeling Projects to Tackle This Summer

Renovate Your Outdoor Living Space into a Midwest Oasis!

 

As spring advances and the weather continues to improve, the itch to start some home remodeling projects is likely to take hold of many homeowners in the coming weeks. With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to linger even as vaccinations roll out, most Americans will be looking at another restricted summer in terms of getting out and mingling. This may leave the backyard as the focal point of entertainment for Summer 2021.

 

If you are struggling to find a place to get started, get to work on any of the following backyard remodeling projects before summer rolls around.

1. Give the Pool Area a Facelift

Backyard swimming pools are sure to be a hit this summer as homeowners remain leery of jumping into crowded public pools amid the ongoing pandemic. Therefore, if your pool is showing signs of neglect from winter, now is a great time to get the pool ready for warmer weather. New stone skirting, fresh patio furniture, and an improved pool deck drain are great ways to improve the area prior to summer.

Kansas City, Pool, Outdoor Living, backyard, remodel
Project by KC NARI Member, Renovations by Starr Homes.

2. Add a Fire Pit

Nothing says summer quite like sitting around a flame and swapping stories into the wee hours of the night. Whether it be something simple and conventional like a brick or cinder flagstone fire ring or something more bold and daring like a hanging steel cauldron, a fire pit can quickly become the focal point of your backyard this summer during the continued safer at-home recommendations.

Courtesy of KC NARI Member, Fireplace & Bar-B-Q Center.

3. Build a Deck

Adding functional space to a home is a great way to increase the resale value of your property. To this effect, a deck is one of the best remodeling projects a homeowner can undertake, as a quality installation can seamlessly transition between the interior and exterior of the home to increase usable square footage. In its annual Cost vs. Value report for 2021, Remodeling Magazine found that a wood deck addition would recoup $11,038 of a $16,766 average project cost, making it an outstanding project for both financial and entertainment purposes.

To help maximize enjoyment and resale upside for the new deck, explore pergola design ideas to give the space a creative covering and provide shade from the sun and inclement weather. You may also want to explore pass-through window options so that you can easily connect to your home’s interior without having to open and close the sliding back door.

Project by KC NARI Member, CHC Design-Build.

4. Create an Outdoor Kitchen

Even before the pandemic, outdoor kitchens were rising in popularity as homeowners looked for creative ways to break up the monotony of cooking at home. Stone ovens, stainless steel appliances, and durable quartz countertops are all high-quality materials that play well when creating a sleek, but rugged, appearance for your backyard cook area.

Project by KC NARI Member, Schloegel Design Remodel

5. Explore Siding and Trim Options

While curb appeal is generally thought of in terms of street-side views, it is important to have the posterior of your home looking good to maximize the enjoyment of your backyard this summer. Look into the benefits of window shutters, fiber cement siding, and vinyl door and window trim to help maximize your home’s appearance from the backyard looking in. While these exterior products provide a stunning aesthetic effect, they can also help improve the home’s insulation and provide protection during times of inclement weather.

Photo courtesy of KC NARI Member, Johnson County Siding & Window Co.

KC NARI — Your Trusted  Source for Backyard Remodeling

As summer nears, many homeowners are anxious to get to work on some home improvement projects. With safer at home recommendations likely to remain in effect for the coming months, the backyard may once again get heavy use during Summer 2021, making it the ideal choice for renovations. Therefore, consider any of the aforementioned backyard remodeling projects before summer arrives. To find a trusted KC NARI Member to help with your outdoor remodel, visit our member directory. To get started on your remodel, use KC NARI’s FREE resources and tools. 

 

Jordan Swift is a contributor to the Innovative Building Materials blog. He is a content writer for the construction and home improvement industries with an interest in landscaping, outdoor remodeling, and interior design. Jordan is focused on educating homeowners, contractors, and architects on innovative materials and methods of construction that increase property value, improve sustainability, and create a warm and welcoming ambiance.