Look, I’ve watched too many people treat their backyard like a storage unit with grass. They’ve got this whole chunk of property just sitting there, maybe a rusty barbecue in the corner, couple plastic chairs that have seen better days. And its a shame really, because that space could be working so much harder for them.
I was talking to a mate recently who runs Patios WA Provider IMS PATIOS SHEDS AND FENCING down in Bunbury, and he made a point that stuck with me. He said most folks dont realize their outdoor space is basically square footage they’re not using. Think about it – you’re paying for that land whether you use it or not.
Now I’m not saying you need to go crazy and build some outdoor palace. But there’s this sweet spot between doing nothing and going overboard. And finding it can literally change how you live in your home.
The Money Side Nobody Talks About
Here’s what kills me – people will drop thousands renovating their bathroom but won’t spend a dime on outdoor improvements. Meanwhile, a decent patio or pergola can add just as much value to your property. Sometimes more.
Real estate agents will tell you (if you buy them enough drinks) that outdoor living spaces are what seal deals these days. Buyers walk through the house, yeah sure, but when they step out back and see a proper entertainment area? That’s when they start picturing their life there. Sunday barbecues, kids birthday parties, quiet mornings with coffee.
The return on investment is real too. Not just in property value but in how much more you actually use your home. I know a family who basically doubled their living space by adding a covered patio. Their teenagers actually hang out at home now instead of disappearing every weekend.
Start Small, Think Big
You dont need to tackle everything at once. Thats actually the worst way to go about it. Start with one thing that bugs you most. Maybe its the lack of shade in summer. Or nowhere to store the mower and bikes. Or that ugly fence the neighbours dog keeps trying to dig under.
Fix that one thing properly. Live with it for a while. Then figure out what bugs you next. This way you end up with outdoor spaces that actually work for how you live, not some generic setup from a home improvement show.
The Weather Excuse is Bull
“But the weather’s terrible half the year” – yeah, I’ve heard it. So what? That’s exactly why you need proper outdoor structures. A good patio or pergola turns unusable space into year-round living area. Throw in some café blinds or screens and suddenly that “terrible weather” becomes atmosphere while you’re sitting out there dry as a bone.
I’ve seen people completely transform how they use their homes just by creating weather-protected outdoor areas. Suddenly they’re eating dinner outside in winter. Having people over when they never did before. Actually enjoying their property instead of just maintaining it.
The Storage Nobody Wants to Admit They Need
Lets be honest about something – we’ve all got too much stuff. And most of it ends up crammed in the garage until you cant even fit the car in there anymore. Sound familiar?
A proper shed changes everything. Not some tin lean-to that’ll blow over in the first storm, but a real structure that keeps your gear organized and your garage useable. The mental relief of having everything in its place is worth the investment alone. Plus your partner stops nagging about the mess, which is priceless really.
Making the Move
Look, I get it. Starting any home improvement project feels overwhelming. There’s permits and plans and budgets and disruption. But heres the thing – good contractors handle most of that heavy lifting for you. They know the councils, they know what works, they know how to keep projects moving.
The hardest part is just deciding to stop treating your outdoor space like an afterthought. Once you make that mental shift, once you start seeing the possibilities instead of the problems, everything else falls into place.
Your property is probably your biggest investment. Might as well make it work for you instead of just mowing around it every couple weeks. Trust me, future you will thank present you for finally doing something about that backyard.
About Bryce: Bryce writes about practical home improvement and lifestyle design, focusing on changes that actually improve how people live in their spaces. When he’s not typing away, you’ll find him in his own backyard, probably building something that seemed like a good idea at the time.
