Worth it to redo the backyard

[Shant]

Spectacular!

[White.Beard.Doc]

We can vouch for the fact that the deer definitely don’t eat daffodils. We also know from experience that they love tulips and lilies.

[NumberWhizMD]

Hot tubs outdoors in the snow are awesome. Only one we ever owned was inside- got plenty of use- but uncertain how expensive it is to heat one outside in winter when I'd want to use it most.

We had an outdoor hot tub once. Mountain view. It was amazing. And with a good cover, not much to heat during the winter time. We really didn't see any major increases in our bills despite having this. Wish we could go back!

[Random1]

If it makes you happier , just do it , you can afford it. Though my kids and our adult friends are just as happy sitting by a primitive fire pit on lawn chairs. Kids roasting marsh mellows on a stick , and for the adults , hanging out drinking. Fancy grills and patios are nice , but I dont think it will make you any happier.

[Lordosis]

Plant some stuff! Have the kids help! Seeds are magic!

Funny. We actually did that yesterday. 8 new bushes. Boy are they expensive! My wife is going to do the flowers next week and turns out she was already planning on putting in bulbs this fall.

[CalMD]

We paved the driveway and 2/3 of backyard a few years ago. For pavers, we chose tumbled material so it ages well. We already have trees and bamboo in the back to provide shade. We also have a small vegetable and herb garden for the back yard to table experience.

Lawns are not ecological anyways in most of California; it uses approximately 30% of water and it is another drought year here. I'd rather save the water for shower or food. So we got rid of the front lawn also and replaced it with a garden. Recently I saw another neighbor who creatively changed the front lawn to grape vines.

Most grill parts are interchangeable so other than the initial purchase cost, should not be too much of concern, as you know from your experience with Weber. We barbecue, smoke (food, of course), and grill quite frequently, so the setup has grown from gas grill to ceramic cooker and vertical smoker. There are pre-fabricated outdoor kitchen kits which are substantially less than custom built. In fact, most custom builds use pre-fabricated frame. You do have to decide if you need to run water, power, or gas line first. If that were the case, then the quote you mentioned may not be outrageous.

Be sure the paving and concrete work to slope the water away from the house. Install drains at the same time since there would be digging anyways. One advantage of pavers is when the tree roots eventually make the pavers uneven, they can be repaired more easily.

Although small, friends also gather in our place frequently; for us it was worth the effort.

[Tangler]

I didn't know that. It seems they eat everything.

We didn't plant anything. This is what just showed up. We have taken a lazy approach to the garden the past few years. But it is something we both enjoy so when we have more time we will make it nice.

Plant some stuff! Have the kids help! Seeds are magic!

[Lordosis]

They don't eat daffodils I am told. Did you plant those?

I didn't know that. It seems they eat everything.

We didn't plant anything. This is what just showed up. We have taken a lazy approach to the garden the past few years. But it is something we both enjoy so when we have more time we will make it nice.

[Jenn]

Hot tubs outdoors in the snow are awesome. Only one we ever owned was inside- got plenty of use- but uncertain how expensive it is to heat one outside in winter when I'd want to use it most. Yard is maintenance issue for those who hate greenery, but think of someone someday refusing to buy your home because there's no grassy spot for a dog or a baby. Happily mowing an acre and within reason and fire safety letting woods and vines take over the other 5.

[Jenn]

I spent $175 on 400 bulbs of tulips, some crocuses, allium, muscari and wild flower bulbs mix. It has put on such a show of gorgeous flowers from March until May that all my neighbors, friends and even the postman commented on the beautiful riot of color. It made me so happy that such a small amount money can bring such joy to people. Now the irises are in bloom and the gladiolas are starting to peep out. A nice garden will add more value to a property than a pool will, at a fraction of its cost.

Money well spent. I have a $500 fall bulb order I am editing down to be certain I don't regret the money AND actually get them all planted. Right now (South ALabama- we can't really do tulips here) have a huge and a smaller gardenia perfuming the porch next to two huge crinum lilies. Just planted two more smaller gardenias around the pool. In the past (Germany) have decorated a small patch of lawn with bulbs and then and here have taken in bouquets for the staff in season.

[Jenn]

The deer ate all our spring flowers except 1 tulip. However it does look nice in it's own way standing alone

They don't eat daffodils I am told. Did you plant those?

[FIREshrink]

Obviously depends on age of kids. In our case we have 2 acres so... Plenty of lawn still! Too much for me!

[afan]

Our kids would have much preferred a lawn where they could play. Run around on the grass, pick up soccer, have adventures, wrestle and whatever was going through their minds as the played.

A hardscaped surface would not be conducive to any of that. Perhaps a place for boring old people to simply sit still and do nothing. No appeal to a kid. Why would they care about an outdoor kitchen?

Setting a side the cost and payback, if any, I would not view it as an upgrade in appeal to kids

Maybe once they are fully grown and out of the house, then their preferences as children would no longer matter.

[NumberWhizMD]

My dad has a fabulous outdoor kitchen/patio area as well as an upstairs outdoor balcony. He put it in when he built the house and uses it often (lives in the South where weather is warm most of the year). Only you know how much you will use it, but we use it every time where visit him.

We are definitely considering something similar +/- pool. Probably not until next year, and we know it's going to cost us a pretty penny, but we love being outdoors and live in an area where the pool would definitely add value to us (also tends to help with resale, although not necessarily the price). I vote, go for it!

[uksho]

The deer ate all our spring flowers except 1 tulip. However it does look nice in it's own way standing alone

At least you get to see Deer in your backyard . That is priceless too .