Trying to do Backyard Renovations on a Budget? Put in an Herb Garden!

While you may love the idea of updating your patio to embrace your outdoor living space, it’s clear that the backyard needs a bit more work than outdoor furniture can fix.

Spending on home improvement has increased by as much as 17% in the last year, according to the 2019 HomeAdvisor State of Home Spending report. Costs are generally rising for both labor and materials, but if your budget doesn’t allow for spending even more on home improvement, you may want to look at which do-it-yourself projects fit with your skill set and schedule.

“In terms of the overall cost of anything, the labor is still overwhelmingly the most expensive part,” says Mischa Fisher, chief economist for ANGI Homeservices, a digital marketplace for homeowners to connect with home service professionals, of which HomeAdvisor is a subsidiary.

An outdoor DIY project may seem easier than trying to remodel a room inside, but don’t forget that you should always use materials that won’t deteriorate when they’re exposed to the elements. While a DIY project may save you from having to pay for professional labor, renovating your backyard is not the time to scrimp on the right wood, hardware or plastics.

“Don’t look at DIY as something that’s going to be a minimal project with minimal materials cost,” says Chip Wade, a master carpenter best known for his roles on HGTV shows like “Ellen’s Design Challenge” and “Curb Appeal: The Block,” and a consultant for Liberty Mutual Insurance.

Even when cutting out labor costs, completing home improvement projects is becoming more expensive. Especially if you’re hoping to renovate your backyard in a way that will increase its appeal to future buyers, expect to spend more than you may have planned.

Here is one DIY project that can revamp your backyard – Create an Herb Garden.

An herb garden adds visual appeal to your backyard, not to mention the herbs, fruits and vegetables it can potentially yield to save you money and help you eat healthier.

Building raised garden beds may require more woodworking than you’re used to, but ultimately it’s a fairly simple project that consists of proper measuring and leveling, cutting wood and nailing or screwing boards.

How much will it cost? Some garden experts express concerns about pressure-treated wood for a garden bed because chemicals may be able to leach into the soil. Cedar wood is more expensive, but it has natural oils to prevent rot and ensure it will last years. A 2-inch by 6-inch by 8-foot Western Red Cedar board costs $17.72 at Home Depot, as of late June.

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Photo Credit: William Berry / Shutterstock.com