Orange County’s fantastic weather allows people to spend so much quality time outdoors. In addition to active outdoor activities such as hiking, riding, and beachgoing, residents desire the ability to unwind in their own backyards. It should come as no surprise that backyard living is important for Orange County residents. This could necessitate a complete backyard makeover or a modest backyard renovation. Regardless, this can be a big undertaking that demands research and planning. So, let’s examine the primary components that could go into Orange County backyard remodeling.
Here at GreatBuildz, we speak with clients every day who are looking for quality backyard contractors for outdoor construction projects in Los Angeles, Orange County, Ventura & San Diego.
GreatBuildz is a free service that connects homeowners with reliable, pre-screened landscape and pool contractors, then provides ongoing project support to ensure a stress-free experience. Give us a call at 818.317.3567 or visit our website at www.GreatBuildz.com to learn more and discuss your project.
Depending on your budget and desired results, a backyard remodel can range from easy and quick to complicated and time-consuming. If you are considering a complete renovation of your backyard, you may want to hire a landscape architect who can provide you with creative ideas and a vision of what is feasible. If you want to save money, you can always design what you want and find a few qualified landscape contractors for prices and suggestions.
What constitutes a backyard renovation?
When you’re planning a backyard renovation, you’ll want to compile a list of the most essential elements, starting with the largest ones. For instance, if you’re planning a pool, it must be your main priority, and everything else will revolve around it. In general, you should consider the following categories when remodeling your backyard:
- Pool, spa pond, or other water features as a water element.
- Patio, deck, pergola, or other patio covers with seating.
- Lawn, trees, shrubs, ground cover, and other plants comprise the landscaping.
- Outdoor barbecue/kitchen, fireplace, pizza oven, heaters, television, etc.
- Fencing, walls, gates, etc., provide privacy.
Pools & Spas
The installation of a pool is often a major motivation for many individuals to redesign their backyards. In a climate as warm as Orange County and Southern California, a pool can be enjoyed for more than half the year and provides excellent relief from the summer heat. It is also a wonderful amenity for children, extended family, and guests.
Nevertheless, building a pool is a significant project that requires a huge budget, a lengthy construction time, and the services of a reputable pool contractor. And if your property has slopes or hillsides, the cost, and regulations to install a pool would make it more challenging.
Some homeowners are unwilling to dedicate the space in their yard or invest the necessary costs for a large pool. Also available are lap pools and spas.
A lap pool requires less space and is less expensive to construct. A spa can serve as a “kid’s pool” while the weather is warm and as an adult hot tub when the temperature drops. A spa will cost significantly less than a pool, particularly if you select a ‘portable’ aboveground spa. Consider that you will still need a professional to connect the spa to water, electricity, or gas.
Lounging Spaces
The entertaining zone, where you can add seating and lounging places, is an essential element of backyard renovation. You should consider designing your backyard to accommodate outdoor tables, pool loungers, outdoor couches, umbrellas, and other outdoor furniture. This area can consist of a plain concrete or alternative material patio, such as pavers or limestone.
A deck constructed from pressure-treated wood or an aging-resistant composite material such as ‘Trex’ is yet another choice. Although none of these solutions are inexpensive (not even concrete), be certain to build a space large enough to accommodate your outdoor furniture and allow you to move around it. Consult with a qualified landscaper about the prices and possibilities for a patio or deck.
Under the scorching Orange County sun, it is advisable to cover any patio or seating area. This could be anything as basic as an umbrella or a shade tree. Alternatively, your backyard remodeling project could involve the addition of a patio cover or pergola structure to shield you from the sun and elements. Investigate your options, such as a canvas, flexible awning, a partial covering such as a trellis, or a wood or aluminum patio cover structure.
Backyard Landscaping
Using an abundance of trees, bushes, plants, and other natural components, some homeowners wish to create a lush, soothing environment. Others like an expansive lawn for sports and recreation. In contrast, some individuals choose a drought-resistant backyard with artificial grass, rocks, and low-water plants such as cacti.
Because there are so many alternatives, you should discuss your vision with a reputable landscape contractor. They will be able to recommend suitable trees, bushes, plants, grass, etc. for your backyard redesign. Keep in mind that most landscaping requires water (sprinklers or drip watering) and that landscape, not indoor water usage, accounts for the majority of household water expenses.
Backyard Attributes
Once you have an idea of the fundamentals you want to include in your backyard remodeling project, you need also to budget for the features and “extras” that make spending time outdoors appealing. Built-in barbecues and outdoor kitchens are both popular elements to include for backyard remodeling projects.
A built-in barbecue island must feature not just the grill, but also sufficient counter space for food preparation and, ideally, a bar where guests may eat or simply converse with the chef. A kitchen outside may also have a sink, a mini-fridge, a microwave, and storage space. Some outdoor kitchens could even feature a pizza oven. Consult with your outdoor contractor regarding the optimal building materials for an outdoor kitchen.
Here are some other common additions to a backyard makeover that provide a cozy and inviting space for entertainment: Incorporating a fire pit, heater, or outdoor fireplace into your primary seating area can encourage you to spend more time outdoors, even when the temperature drops. Don’t forget to add lighting or even a television hung on the wall to your backyard renovation so that you and your visitors can enjoy all the luxuries of the indoors.
Privacy & Security
As the majority of people live in areas with numerous neighbors, we want to create a quiet area where we can enjoy our backyard with our family in peace. The majority of backyards are separated by walls or fences. If these are old, breaking apart, or leaning to one side, you should replace them as part of your backyard renovation.
Some individuals like the strength of block walls, while others prefer the appearance of a fence, which is less expensive to erect. Wood, vinyl, or wrought iron can be used to construct weather-resistant fences.
In addition to walls and fences, large trees can create a considerably taller privacy screen between adjoining backyards. However, you should review your options with your backyard remodeling contractor to ensure that the tree species you select will provide the appropriate level of seclusion without becoming too large to maintain.
How do I locate reputable Pool & Landscaping Contractors near me?
The best method to discover a competent pool and landscaping contractor for your backyard renovation is to ask friends, neighbors, or coworkers for referrals. Additionally, you can typically locate a list of recommended contractors on social media sites such as Facebook and Nextdoor. Caution: if you ask for recommendations on these networks, you should only trust your “real-life” friends’ advice. Other folks on these platforms may be biased (they may promote their contractor cousin, for example).
If you are unable to obtain trustworthy referrals from people you know, you should seek out firms that conduct the most thorough contractor screening and offer individualized introductions to quality contractors (like GreatBuildz).
The worst alternative is to simply browse a lengthy list of backyard contractors on the major review websites. Since there are so many contractors and the majority of them appear to have a 4- or 5-star rating on these sites, it is impossible to distinguish between excellent and bad contractors based on reviews and images alone.
Related: How to Find a List of General Contractors Near Me
GreatBuildz is a free service that connects homeowners with reliable, thoroughly screened backyard remodeling contractors in Los Angeles, Orange County, Ventura & San Diego and provides project support from start to finish.
Call now (818.317.3567) to chat with a real person about your next renovation project or visit our website for more information: www.greatbuildz.com
