My wife and I just finalized our design for our new backyard and we're planning to invest over $40,000. The project includes a pavilion, a paved patio, a small bar counter area, a grill station, a seat wall, and a fireplace. I'm really excited about these upgrades, but I'm also starting to have some buyer's remorse. I'm wondering if I'm getting in over my head or if this investment will actually add value to our home and improve our lifestyle.
4 Answers
$40K is a reasonable price for a well-planned backyard project. If you get multiple detailed bids and ensure everything is done right, you’ll have a great upgrade. Just remember, quality materials and execution are key—cheap work can lead to disappointments later on. Good luck!
If you’re going to enjoy the space, then it’s worth every penny! In the end, it’s about pride of ownership and creating a space where you can relax and entertain. I recently did some hardscaping in my front and back yard, and it was definitely worth the investment!
I totally get that—it’s a big commitment!
You should definitely think about how you’ll use the space and what you like. Some backyard features aren’t for everyone—like that fire pit everyone buys but rarely uses. But if it suits your lifestyle and you plan to enjoy it year-round, go for it! Just remember, not every feature will boost resale value, so focus on what brings you joy.
We spent about that much on our backyard and couldn’t be happier! We made a lot of improvements in just 6 weeks, including leveling the yard and adding a patio and walkway. It really transformed the space!
6 weeks sounds like a lot; I've tackled similar jobs in much less time!

As long as it's designed well, you shouldn't worry about ROI too much. Just make sure it fits well with your home.