Planning an outdoor makeover? This backyard renovation cost breakdown covers contractor work, do-it-yourself projects, pool upgrades, and smaller improvements completed over several years. The figures can offer a useful starting point, but actual prices vary with location, material availability, project size, and labor rates.
A few finishing tasks remain, but the main exterior and backyard projects are complete. The costs below show what was spent on each improvement and which work was hired out or done independently. Use the figures as a ballpark reference, then get current estimates for your own property.
Outdoor renovation prices can be difficult to estimate because materials and contractor rates change over time. For a more reliable plan, compare several local quotes, confirm what each estimate includes, and set aside room in your budget for unexpected work.
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The projects ranged from major structural and landscaping work to low-cost DIY updates. Here is an overview of the improvements included in the renovation.
Backyard Renovation Cost: Projects Included
- Exterior brick limewashing and trim, shutter, and gutter painting
- Swimming pool liner replacement
- Tree and shrub removal and backyard grading
- Backyard fence replacement
- Pergola cabana construction
- Fire pit and bocce ball court
- Outdoor kitchen
- Shed exterior refresh
- Painted concrete pool deck and back porch updates
Contractor Projects and Costs
Some jobs involved working at height, specialized equipment, or parts that would be costly to damage. Hiring qualified contractors for these projects can help manage safety risks and avoid expensive repairs. Ask for a written scope of work and check what materials, cleanup, and disposal are included in each quote.
Brick Limewashing and Exterior Painting
The brick was limewashed and the trim, shutters, and gutters were painted. Because the home is two stories tall, this work was hired out rather than attempted as a DIY project. The limewash finish was applied with the home’s eaves and exposure to rain in mind.
Limewashing labor and materials: $11,325
Trim, shutter, and gutter painting labor and materials: $2,900
Swimming Pool Liner Update
The existing liner was due for replacement, so the work was assigned to a pool professional. A new liner is a substantial investment, and professional installation can help reduce the risk of damaging it during the process.
Swimming pool liner labor and materials: $6,800
Tree and Shrub Removal and Backyard Grading
Dying trees, overgrown shrubs, and drainage concerns made landscaping work necessary. Tree removal and grading were handled by contractors. If your yard has drainage problems, identify where water flows before adding new landscaping or hardscape features.
Tree and shrub removal: $5,800
Backyard grading: $2,100
Backyard Fence Replacement
The old fence was removed and replaced with a vinyl fence. Taking down and hauling away the previous fence required equipment, so the work was hired out. The chosen fence came with a lifetime warranty; compare warranty terms and maintenance needs when weighing vinyl against wood.
Backyard fence replacement labor and materials: $18,860
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DIY Backyard Projects and Costs
DIY work can reduce labor costs, although materials, tools, delivery, and time still need to be included in the budget. Before starting, check whether the project requires permits or specialized skills, and make sure the site is safe for the intended use.
Pergola Cabana
The pergola cabana was built as a DIY project. Lumber prices had risen sharply around the time materials were purchased, so this cost may not reflect what similar materials would cost at another time. For a large structure, plan the design and material list in advance and follow the manufacturer’s installation guidance for the hardware.
Pergola lumber and paint: $1,200
Pergola hardware and canopies: $2,116
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Backyard Fire Pit
The fire pit was completed as a DIY project over a couple of days. Choosing and calculating materials before purchasing can help limit leftovers and extra trips. Check local fire regulations and keep a safe distance from structures and plants.
Fire pit materials: $1,150
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Bocce Ball Court
The bocce ball court was built in a couple of days and used as a recreational area near the fire pit. Reusing suitable leftover materials from other yard projects can help keep a small DIY build affordable.
Bocce ball court materials: $283
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Beer Garden
A tucked-away seating area was created using leftover gravel and secondhand tables that were refinished. Reusing materials is one way to add a functional gathering spot without starting with a full new-materials budget.
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Outdoor Kitchen
A modular outdoor kitchen was assembled in a day. This was one of the more expensive additions. Building a frame and sourcing components separately might reduce costs, but compare the full material list, appliance quality, and installation requirements before deciding.
Modular outdoor kitchen cost: $14,795
Gym Shed Exterior
The shed exterior was refreshed with paint formulated for vinyl siding, new shutters, and window boxes made from scrap wood. Preparing the surface and checking that the paint is suitable for the siding are important steps for a durable finish.
Gym shed exterior cost: $266
Painted Concrete Pool Deck
Painting the concrete pool deck improved its appearance, and the finish had held up for a year at the time of the original account. Concrete needs suitable preparation and paint, and hot weather can make outdoor work physically demanding. A local contractor also extended the deck with new concrete to create space for the kitchen and pergola.
Painted pool deck cost: $902
Concrete deck extension: $500
Back Porch
The porch ceiling was painted blue, and new fans were installed. The quoted cost below excludes furnishings, which can be a significant separate expense when planning an outdoor living area.
Back porch makeover cost, excluding furnishings: $608
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Total Exterior, Backyard, Pool, Porch, and Shed Renovation Cost
Reported total: $69,106
Exterior updates, pool work, and landscaping can add up quickly, especially when contractor labor and large material purchases are involved. The reported total does not include recurring pool maintenance, replacement parts, or furnishings. For your own estimate, separate one-time construction costs from ongoing expenses and furniture purchases.
The improvements were completed gradually, creating a more usable place for relaxing and gathering outdoors. Breaking a large renovation into phases can make planning more manageable, but it is still important to review how each project affects later work—for example, grading, concrete, and utility access can influence where structures are placed.
Step-by-step progress made it possible to complete the outdoor renovation over time. Keeping receipts and recording final project costs can also make it easier to compare estimates and plan future maintenance.
Renovations can be demanding, and unknown material or labor expenses may make budgeting more challenging. Use these figures as historical examples rather than current quotes, verify prices with local professionals, and allow for a contingency before work begins.
