Backyard Budget Breakdown

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We overhauled our backyard it’s my new favorite “room” at our house. Here’s what it cost to completely transform the space.

First, some context:

  • the yard is shy of 1,000 square feet

  • this project included work along either side of the 50’ long driveway, too

  • we worked with an online designer and hired a landscape contractor to manage the project from start to finish

  • this renovation took place in 2022 when lumber costs were pretty steep amidst supply chain shortages

  • we’re located in San Diego, CA

Budget Breakdown:

note each category includes materials AND labor

Prep and demolition: $21,425

  • Design: $1,000

  • Deck demo: $500 (I saved $1k by having folks on Craigslist demo and haul off materials)

  • Demo of jacuzzi, shed, vegetation, stumps, concrete, old irrigation, etc.: $4,700

  • Electrical to return power to garage and install a few outlets: $675

  • Concrete landing and steps: $5,600

  • Reinforce retaining wall: $1,400

  • New fence behind veggie beds: $5,400

  • Fence change order when I changed my mind: $600

  • Waterproofing the wall where the shed was: $450

  • Faux fence over shed wall: $1,000

  • Power wash back fence: $100

Rebuilding the yard: $29,700

  • New top soil in garden beds and grass area: $2,000

  • Decomposed granite under dining table, seating area, and along driveway: $3,000

  • Plants from Monrovia (material only): $1,600

  • Grass, trees, and more plants: $4,000

  • Mulch in garden beds and along driveway: $1,000

  • Irrigation: $3,500

  • Custom veggie boxes: $1,000

  • Lighting: $4,800

  • Custom arbor/gate/fence by driveway: $3,800

  • Furniture, swing, accessories (existing): $5,000

Grand Total: $51,125

A large portion of the budget was spent on demolishing the existing yard and rebuilding fences. If you have a similar-sized yard not in need of these repairs, costs could be kept down. DIYing, starting plants from seed, sourcing used furnishings, taking advantage of turf-removal rebates, using solar-powered lighting, getting free mulch from the dump, etc. could save money, too. We’re really happy with the choices we made, though!

We got quotes for a few things that we didn’t include, so in case you’re curious:

  • Flagstone under the dining and seating area: $6,000

  • Custom playhouse: $6,000

  • Pergola about 12’x20’: $10,000

The photos included here were taken a few months after we remodeled. I’ll be sharing a full update on a year of growth soon!