Thinking About a Spring Outdoor Living Renovation? 5 Things to Do Now.
As it gets chillier and you reflect on the spring and summer, are you wishing you spent more time enjoying your outdoor living space? If so, you’re not alone. Many people tell us that they don’t spend nearly as much time in their outdoor space as they’d like, and it’s usually because the space just doesn’t meet their wants and needs.
If that sounds like you, and you’re considering an outdoor living renovation this spring, don’t wait to get started! In-demand local landscape designers’ schedules book quickly, so it’s ideal to start the process now – well before most people think they should! Here are 5 tips to get you started on the right foot with your Spring 2025 outdoor living renovation.
Related: Planning a Landscaping Redesign This Spring? Consider a New Fine Garden in Hinsdale, IL
1. Make a List of Your Wants and Needs
One of the first questions we ask a new client is what their goals are for their outdoor living spaces. Write down your must-haves and would-be-nice elements. Now’s not the time to think about how these elements will be installed or whether or not your particular lot will present challenges – that is for your landscape designer to figure out. This is the time to dream big and think about what your perfect outdoor living space would look like. Also think about how you plan to use it. If you have young kids and love to entertain, your space needs to function differently than an empty-nester who prefers relaxation and quiet. Neither is better than the other – it’s truly just what you’re looking for!
Related: 6 Practical Landscape Design Tips for a Functional Outdoor Living Space
2. Make Another List of What You Love and Don’t Love About Your Current Space
If there are elements of your current space you love and want to incorporate in the new design, jot that down. The current style and features will be a big part of the design process to ensure continuity and cohesion. Now add the things you aren’t fond of. To be honest, the don’t love part will probably inform the design more than the things you love! If you abhor pulling weeds but think you want a lush, robust garden, it’s important to make a note for further discussion. Don’t remove it from your list of wants and needs, though – there are creative ways that green elements can be incorporated with little maintenance, and a landscape designer who is knowledgeable in plantings will be able to guide you.
3. Determine Your Budget
When you meet with landscape and outdoor living specialists, they will ask what your budget is. Make sure you know what your maximum budget is, as well as if you have a number where you’re more comfortable. A reputable company will not push you above the budget you set, and they will be honest about which elements fit within the number you give them. That said, they will also likely share with you the cost of additional elements you mentioned so you can make an informed decision regarding the overall design.
Many companies offer financing options, as well. Considering an outdoor living renovation is something most homeowners only do once or twice in the time the own the home, some people prefer to spend their max budget to get exactly what they want. It’s helpful to have financing options directly through your landscape designer so you don’t have to take out an alternate loan or tap into your home’s equity.
4. Decide Which Companies You Will Interview
Just like with all major expenses, it is a good idea to meet with at least 2-3 companies before choosing which is the right one for you. Our recommendation is to do research before you set appointments and limit your in-person meetings to no more than 3. If you meet with more, not only is it a drain on your time, it also can end up confusing the process.
As you do your initial research, consider what is important to you in the company you ultimately choose. Would you rather work with a company that is local and family-owned or one that is a nationwide name or franchise? If longevity is important to you, make sure to check how long the company has been in business. Take a close look at the companies’ websites and social media – both outlets are a great way to get a feel for how the company does business, as well as giving you insight into their projects and breadth of experience.
If you are looking to have custom elements like pools, water features, or landscape lighting, decide whether you want a company that is a one stop shop like Montano’s or if you want to hire several companies. For most of our clients, they prefer the ease of having us handle the process from start to finish rather than having to manage separate vendors themselves.
Related: Putting in a Pool in the Western Suburbs Doesn’t Have to be a Hassle
5. Let the Planning Process Begin!
Once you’ve decided who to entrust with your project, it’s never too early to start planning. Remember that list of needs and wants? Now’s the time that your selected landscape design partner will help you make your vision a reality. It’s our job to bring our creativity and expertise to help you figure out exactly how to achieve your perfect outdoor living space. Starting the planning process now also gives us the benefit of time. We can select the products that will bring your dream to life, order them, and have them waiting for installation to begin as soon as the winter weather breaks. What that means for you is that you have even longer to enjoy your new incredible outdoor living space.
Related: Transform Your Outdoor Space With Unique Plantings in Wheaton and Burr Ridge, IL
If you are ready to talk about your project for spring 2025, we’d love to chat. With more than 30 years’ experience creating exceptional outdoor living spaces all over Chicago’s western suburbs, we look forward to helping you create a space where you can make outdoor memories for years to come.