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Is Your Empty Backyard Costing You Money?

Posted On Thursday, 11 September 2025 12:33
Is Your Empty Backyard Costing You Money? Photo by Giorgio Trovato on Unsplash

Do you have a backyard? 

If you do, you're lucky because not everyone gets to have a little piece of the outside all to themselves. So… What do you use it for? You mow it, water it, keep it nice and green, but is that it? If that's the case, then it's costing you money and not really benefiting you in any way. 

Okay, you have a nice view from your kitchen window, but sooner or later, you'll stop noticing it. 

Your backyard has immense potential, but if all you have in it is grass and maybe a grill, you're wasting it. It's an entire chunk of your property that's just sitting there. And not only is it sitting there, it's bringing the value of your home down in the process. 

So it's about time you stop wondering about the cost of maintenance and start asking what your empty yard is costing you. 

Smart Upgrades That Actually Pay You Back

Now that you're aware of the fact that your backyard is a drain, what's next? 

You don't need to turn it into a resort, just be smart with where you spend your money and focus on upgrades that deliver the most bang for your buck. 

Here are a few of them. 

The Foundation

First, you need a floor because your empty lawn is… Well, empty. 

You need a defined surface, like a stone patio or a composite deck, and this is the single most important upgrade you can make. It instantly transforms a random patch of grass into an outdoor room with a purpose. Without a floor, everything you put in your yard will look random and plopped down.

Get in touch with a few pros from your area and collect estimates. It's really important you don't waste your time searching for builders online because prices change according to where you live. 

So, if you're in Kenneth Square, you need an estimate from a deck contractor in Kennett Square residents usually hire, not from someone in, say, Annapolis.

For instance, in Kennett Square, a wooden deck will cost you approximately $16,000 (USD) while a composite one will set you back north of $26,000. In Annapolis, the prices will be higher; expect another 1,000 added to both deck options (source: Journal of Light Construction). 

This is, of course, just an average, and the price can differ greatly depending on a lot of different factors (size, material, area, difficulty, etc.). But always consult a local deck building contractor (or at least in your wider area) to get the best offer.

Features and Fire Pits

This is the fun part. 

If you want a feature that looks luxurious but the price tag isn't a luxury, get a fire pit. It will naturally create a gathering spot, and it will be the focal point of your backyard. With it, the space will feel much more inviting and complete.

The best thing about it is how it extends your season. You don't need to be cooped up inside just because it's fall and it's getting chilly outside. If you have a fire pit, you can cozy up near it and enjoy the fresh air. 

Fire pits are a huge emotional sell for buyers, so that's another thing to keep in mind. 

Lighting That Sells

Don't underestimate the power of good lighting. When the sun goes down, your yard will turn into a black hole without it. 

Lighting should be strategic, so don't settle for one little porch light. Add soft lights along the walkway, string lights overhead for the atmosphere, and get a small spotlight on a tree if you have one. 

Not only will this do wonders for the way your backyard looks, but it will also make it much safer. And if anyone is looking to buy your house, a well-lit yard will possibly look bigger and safer to them. 

This is one of the cheapest upgrades you can make, yet its impact is pretty dramatic. 

Lazy Landscaping

Nobody wants to deal with weeds on weekends, so swap out your grass with drought-resistant plants and decorative gravel. Mulch is also a huge win because it reduces maintenance and has a ton of benefits for the soil. 

Lazy landscaping will save you time and money and, at the same time, keep your backyard looking polished and beautiful. 

Start Your Yard's Payday Without Going Broke

The biggest mistake you can make is trying to do everything at once. 

Your backyard transformation isn't a project you'll do in one weekend, and if you try, you'll get overwhelmed and you'llgo broke. 

Please think of this as a smart financial plan, meaning you start with a vision and build it piece by piece. Before you spend a single cent, grab a notebook and dream a little. 

What do you actually want from this space? How would you like to use it? 

Once you nail that down, create a plan that won't shock your bank account. You can save up this year and pour a simple gravel patio. Next year, you add a pergola—the year after that, a fire pit. 

Break the process down, and it will feel much more affordable and manageable. 

Conclusion

A bottomless budget? 

Sure, that'd be nice, but you absolutely don't need it to make this backyard project happen. That empty backyard you never even go into should not be empty, and with a plan in place, you can make it your favorite place to be. 

And if you ever decide to sell your house, you'll have one extra selling point up your sleeve.

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