5 Backyard Improvements to Get Your Yard Ready for Entertaining

Ah, summertime. It’s the time of year where we can spend hours outside, soak in the sun, and have lots of fun entertaining friends and family. Except, 2020 was the year of the quarantine and COVID-19 put the kibosh on those plans. Bummer, right? 

Thankfully the COVID-19 vaccine rollout is making its rounds and as more and more people get vaccinated, life could be returning to normal – or at least some of those social distancing guidelines will be lifted to some degree. 

So if you’re looking forward to throwing a barbeque to celebrate and have guests over, you might want to take a look at your yard. Is it ready for entertaining? If not, what kind of backyard improvements will turn your yard from a plot of brown grass into a summer retreat for the avid host?

We have insights from top agents that’ll give you an idea of the most popular projects homeowners are doing to take their yard to the next level. 

Installing a swimming pool

Pools reign supreme when it comes to backyard entertainment. Throughout the years, homeowners have had some kind of pool, be it an inflatable one, above ground, or in-ground (kiddie pools don’t count). So it should be no surprise that homeowners are investing in some kind of pool. It keeps the kids busy while the adults are chatting. It gives the adults a place to relax and unwind after a long day. It also adds value to the home. 

Enhanced lighting schemes

Homeowners aren’t satisfied with the boring outdoor light near the backdoor. They’re elevating their lighting by using things like lanterns, recessed lights, spotlights, and string lights to give the yard that warm glow. 

Upgrading to a built-in grill

It’s time to toss that charcoal grill into the garbage (or you could be creative and turn it into a makeshift flower box!) and do something nice for the master griller of the house. Building a built-in grill is one of the best ways to enhance the look of your backyard while still being functional. You can keep it simple by building a brick surround with a concrete slab for a countertop, or you could go all out and build an outdoor kitchen complete with a sink, storage, and even a mini-fridge!

Creating an outdoor living space

There’s something to be said about lounging on a comfortable couch, sipping on an ice-cold beverage, and reading a good book. Now, throw in “getting fresh air” and “listening to nature” in there and you’ve got an outdoor living space! People are turning a covered patio, deck, or screened-in porch into outdoor living areas and we absolutely love the idea. It’s an extension of your home that gives you the ability to enjoy the best of both worlds!

Ample space for playing games

Part of entertaining during the summer is having space to run around, play games, and have good old-fashioned fun. Homeowners are clearing out space in their yards for play areas for the kids (sandboxes, swing sets, or somewhere they can ride their bikes/rollerskate) and they’re even carving out a little corner where they can play their own games like lawn darts, cornhole, and horseshoes. 

If you’re thinking about selling your home, any trustworthy realtor will tell you what background upgrades you can do to make your home more appealing to potential buyers. You can ask them what upgrades are popular in your region, what will give you the most bang for your buck, and what upgrades to steer clear of. With their help, your backyard will surely be the place people will want to be when they want to have some summer fun!

Brett Sartorial
 

Brett is a business journalist with a focus on corporate strategy and leadership. With over 15 years of experience covering the corporate world, Brett has a reputation for being a knowledgeable, analytical and insightful journalist. He has a deep understanding of the business strategies and leadership principles that drive the world's most successful companies, and is able to explain them in a clear and compelling way. Throughout his career, Brett has interviewed some of the most influential business leaders and has covered major business events such as the World Economic Forum and the Davos. He is also a regular contributor to leading business publications and has won several awards for his work.