Summer’s on its way, and the weather is already starting to beckon us outdoors. Whether you live in the city or the country, have more space than you know what to do with or a tiny patch of grass to call your own, you’re likely thinking of how to get your backyard in shape for grilling season. But before you make your first trip to the garden store, it may benefit you to have a plan in place. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.
Envision what you want for your space
First and foremost, you’ll benefit from envisioning what you want for your space, and the type of renovation plan that will best fit your backyard. Is it your dream to grow the perfect, plush lawn, or will a new brick patio make more sense in the long run? Do your kids and pets need space to run around, or do you foresee a pristine flower garden in your future? Will you grow vegetables for your family, or provide them with a pool to play in? Feel free to brainstorm at this stage of the process, taking into consideration both function and form. You can focus in on your ideas from here.
Finalize what you want
Now it’s time to make some serious decisions. Finalize your plan for your backyard by making a list of must-haves. You might even sketch out a blueprint of the renovation plan, taking into consideration the dimensions of your space. Separate the big items from the small ones and determine what’s most important to tackle first and what you might be able to handle further down the road. The more detail-oriented you can be at this stage, the better.
Hire a contractor or DIY?
Will your project require you to outsource the work, or are you prepared to tackle it on your own? Hiring a contractor vs. doing it yourself can make a big difference in terms of cost, but it sometimes makes sense to leave the big jobs to the professionals. Be realistic about what you can manage. It may be that your backyard renovation requires a combined approach of contractor work and good old-fashioned DIY. For example, maybe you want a pool installed professionally but you’ll clear and plant your own tomato garden.
Get quotes and figure out costs
Get ready to crunch the numbers. Obtaining quotes, figuring out costs, and sticking to a budget for your backyard renovation can help you go into the process with minimal stress. If you’re in need of a specific service, ask friends and relatives for recommendations, and don’t be afraid to shop around until you find the contractor who can accommodate your vision without breaking the bank.
Financing options
Your backyard renovation is a gift that will keep on giving for years to come, and that might mean spending a little money. It can be beneficial to take a close look at all the financing options available, including paying out of pocket, using credit cards, taking out a home equity loan, or borrowing against the cash value of a permanent life insurance policy like whole life insurance or universal life insurance.
The primary purpose of permanent life insurance is to provide a death benefit. Using permanent life insurance accumulated value will reduce the death benefit and may affect other aspects of the policy.
Source: iQuanti