If there’s no family vacation on the horizon for you this summer, take heart: We’re going to help you turn your backyard into the perfect staycation space. For the next 10 summers, you won’t want to go anywhere but out the back door.
Install an In-Ground Pool
An in-ground pool will give your family happy summers for a long time. If you think it’s too expensive, consider a DIY project, which dramatically reduces the price. There are DIY in-ground pool kits at poolproducts.com starting at roughly $5,500.
You will need to rent a backhoe and dump truck to remove the dirt so you can dig the hole. To make the project less time-consuming, you could also hire a trac-hoe and operator to help with the preliminary steps. Don’t forget to obtain a building permit beforehand, to avoid complications.
If you go with a pool company, the project will probably be done quicker, but you’ll pay more. In-ground pools cost roughly $25,000 to $50,000 installed by a contractor, take four to five days, and dry weather is a requirement.
Don’t install your pool if you’re doing it to increase the resale value of your home. The return on investment of the pool is very small; Realtor.com reports it can be as low as 2 percent. And, if a pool doesn’t matter to your potential buyers, then it adds zero value.
Put in a Putting Green
A putting green may seem complicated, but it may be the perfect DIY project for your staycation. You’ll need to excavate the yard and install a layer of stone and the turf.
SkillBuilder.com suggests you dig a trench around the sub-base, or the rocks placed under the turf, so that water drains off the putting green during rainy weather. If you use concrete as the base above the turf, then you will need to place the cups while the concrete is wet. If you choose to use a different base material, such as limestone, then you will need to adjust the base after adding the material so that the cups are placed properly.
The cost of installing a putting green will vary based on the materials you use, the size of the green and whether you choose to work on the project personally. Expect to pay between $15 and $25 per square foot as a general estimate.
Install a Water Feature
Putting in a fountain might not seem complicated, but it will require a moderate amount of work. Depending on the size of the feature and the location, the exact amount of time involved will vary.
According to DIY Network, begin by digging a hole in the outline of your water feature. The hole needs to be large enough to accommodate the fountain pump and the base of the fountain or the pond, depending on the feature you select.
An underlayment and liner is placed in the hole to prevent water drainage. Place the pump after the liner, and position it so it is the appropriate height. Then hold it in place with large rocks. If your feature is a pond, then you fill in the water after the pump. If you have a water fountain that requires further installation, place it appropriately after the pump is installed. The general cost for a water feature is roughly $1,500 to $2,500, if you install it personally.
Stay home this summer and enjoy a resort-style back yard. With a few do-it-yourself projects, your yard can transform into a relaxing getaway.
This is a guest post by Cody Zimmerman. Cody is a stay at home dad who loves to garden. He looks forward to writing about parenting and wellness after his kids have gone to bed.