West + Main Agent Tait DeBaca
“When my client Deanna and her family moved into their new home, they were immediately struck by the potential of their backyard”
"The existing patio had low ceilings, a sloped deck with no stair access, and overgrown landscaping made up of old building materials and weeds. Deanna and her family had previously created a wonderful outdoor space at their old house and knew the value it could bring to their family. Inspired by the desire for more livable space, they embarked on a project to transform their backyard into a functional and inviting oasis."
Deanna ranked the difficulty of their project as "DIY if you dare," as some aspects required professional expertise while others were done by themselves. The deck portion, for example, required a weather-tight system and was completed by a qualified contractor team from Freedom Construction, recommended by friends. The layout and ideas for the project were provided by Deanna, and she and her family also hired out some of the landscaping work. However, they took on other tasks themselves, such as the earth prep, sodding, and installing the brick garden border.
"They wanted to maintain a cohesive, contemporary look throughout their home, so they decided to paint the brick white to match the upper portion of the house," said Tait. "They carried the black, white, and natural wood tones from the interior to the exterior, creating a theme of casual modern comfort. Collaboration with their contractors from Freedom Construction led to some changes in the original design, such as extending the deck further and adapting the stair design for better functionality and visual interest."
The total budget for the project was $95,000. The deck, including demolition, plans/engineering, and construction, accounted for $65,000. The landscaping work cost $15,000, which included work on the front yard as well. The hot tub, including the concrete slab, was $11,000, and the patio furniture, purchased from Article and Ballard Designs, totaled $4,000.
Some items, such as the deck railing, were sourced from the internet to save on costs. They also found some items, such as the Adirondack chairs and old chest table, through Craigslist and added DIY casters for a personalized touch. The large flower pots were another Craigslist find with the help of a friend, and the aspen stump side table was a free find from a family member's tree removal in Telluride. Arnold, the French bulldog, was a rescue find that added even more joy to the completed project!
Deanna's favorite part of the finished project? Everything. The additional living space allows them to host gatherings, watch movies and sports on the outdoor TV, enjoy relaxation with a cigar and bourbon in the Adirondack chairs, roast marshmallows on the fire pit, or simply lounge in the sun on the deck.
Deanna's advice for others considering a similar project is not to rush into it. Living in the space for a while before starting the project allowed them to truly understand the potential of the area and develop a list of must-haves based on their needs and lifestyle!
Related Links
As Featured in West + Main Home Magazine: Paving the Way for Outdoor Bliss
As Featured in West + Main Home Magazine: From Dream to Reality
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