Expensive Backyard Upgrades That You’ll Probably Regret

With gardening comes the need to revamp your outdoor space, but some renovations are mere frivolities that become outdated within a few years. In the beginning, some home-improvement projects seem great but turn into a regrettable pile of headaches later on. Some upgrades are mildly lackluster – sterile, like a museum interior – while others depreciate faster than beauty, including that sad expanse of decking that nobody uses. 

Here are a few expensive backyard upgrades you might come to regret later on. 

 

1. Kids’ Play Equipment 

Perhaps the biggest waste of money is kid’s playsets. Oftentimes, they use them once or twice and then they’re done. Kids’ tastes are notoriously fickle, and in many cases, they would probably be satisfied with a simple, modular structure worth a fraction of the price. Besides, you can always take them to the park for free. 

Play features should be kept simple and cheap so that they can be swapped out later when kids outgrow their tastes. After all, what’s worse than playground equipment nobody uses? Letting kids help out in the garden encourages creativity and teaches responsibility. Raised garden beds are recommended, as they display flowers and greenery in a tactile, immersive way. 

2. Decking  

Decking is a big culprit when it comes to wasting an awful amount of cash. Decks are one of those features that seem derelict and end up being an eyesore, especially when compounded with the cold desolation of Midwestern climates. Many times, like a roommate you can’t get rid of, they come with the house, leaving the homeowner with little choice.

Rarely are they done in a tasteful and elegant manner, and it usually requires a warmer climate or a prohibitive amount of cash. In addition, decks need annual upkeep, cleaning, and repainting and many simply give up on those tasks. Another less straightforward reason that decks are regrettable is that they encroach upon your personal backyard space, replacing areas where greenery could have been with dull hardwood or cement. 

Greenhouses, focusing on sleek designs, neutral palettes, natural materials, are a trendy substitute for decking. The Victorian line, favored for its homage to the crystalline greenhouses of Victorian times, has now been upgraded into a modern, multi-purpose structure: shed, relaxation spot, and garden retreat. 

3. Pools and Hot Tubs  

Landscaping projects such as pools and hot tubs, which can only be used seasonally, have limited appeal. Installation costs are high, maintenance is constant, and repairs can be expensive. Especially in cooler climates, pools are more of a hassle than a luxury, and unlikely to raise home value. Many would concur that the pool’s cost, totaling from 50k to 100k would have been better spent on multiple vacations. 

4. Extensive Landscaping

Don’t be that person that goes “I do what I want,” only to regret it later. Extensive landscaping can entail mass plantings of hydrangeas or several overgrown trees, only to find that they are only temporarily green. Usually, the style is eccentric or highly personal. A few well-placed specimens in your yard will have a much better effect than a swath of plants ill-suited to their climates. Instead of a shed, opt for a potting bench. Before you begin spending large amounts of money, analyze the area, including long-term plans and whether the plants are suited to your soil requirements. 

5. Backyard Kitchens

For some people, building a backyard kitchen is like building a home for the emperor. But it soon becomes the emperor’s clothes when it is rarely used, which happens regularly. Oversized outdoor kitchens, complete with an outdoor fire pit, are not economical. 

A much more practical concept is using raised rolling beds that can be placed onto your patio – living patches of green that can supply ingredients for your dishes. Not only can you roll them whenever you like, but they also enhance the space, elevating a dull patio to a modern, lively area. A bistro set is a more cost-effective way to test whether you’d want a more permanent fixture. 

6. All-Concrete Yard and Gravel 

A combination of concrete and gravel may seem like an easy solution for a no-lawn backyard, but it often feels sterile. Don’t be fooled by the pictures that soften the harshness of concrete, often with the use of strategic curves or oasis plants. Those high-end concrete lawns – featuring checkboard patterns with plant pavers – veer towards the corporate side and are designed more for organizations than the average homeowner. Concrete and gravel designs are hard to execute and often detract from the home’s property value. 

 

7. Expensive Water Features 

Fountains, koi ponds, and backyard waterfalls can transform your yard into a serene paradise, but they often come with hidden costs. Installation requires careful planning and professional labor, while pumps and filters require constant upkeep. Neglect even for a short time, and these features can quickly become algae-filled eyesores or attract unwanted pests. While they look stunning in photos, in reality, expensive water features can end up being more hassle than luxury.