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As Canadians, we have a tendency to wait until the blaze of summer to transform our backyards, finishing just in time to pack it all up come winter. That makes about as much sense as renovating your home right before you sell. What if this year, we made a plan to start in spring so we could enjoy our hard work for the entire warm season? Here are 10 outdoor projects to start now to keep summer stress-free.
Brian McCourt is a contractor, design expert and co-host of HGTV Canada’s Backyard Builds.
Outdoors
10 Outdoor Reno Projects to Start Now for a Stress-Free Summer
May 23, 2018
As Canadians, we have a tendency to wait until the blaze of summer to transform our backyards, finishing just in time to pack it all up come winter. That makes about as much sense as renovating your home right before you sell. What if this year, we made a plan to start in spring so we could enjoy our hard work for the entire warm season? Here are 10 outdoor projects to start now to keep summer stress-free. Brian McCourt is a contractor, design expert and co-host of HGTV Canada’s Backyard Builds.
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Stop Delaying the Deck
1/10Stop Delaying the Deck
1/10Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
Building a deck is the fastest and most cost-effective way to create a level space to entertain. If you’re going to DIY, then plan it out before the heat of summer. Start by measuring out the size you want, then calculate the amount of material needed. Now is the time to start digging your footings – or booking a contractor. Looking for inspiration? Here’s the <a href="https://www.hometowin.ca/home-tour/deck/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><em>Home to Win</em> deck transformation</a> pictured above.Outdoors10 Outdoor Reno Projects to Start Now for a Stress-Free SummerStop Delaying the Deck
PHOTO 1 of 10READ LESS -Building a deck is the fastest and most cost-effective way to create a level space to entertain. If you’re going to DIY, then plan it out before the heat of summer. Start by measuring out the size you want, then calculate the amount of material needed. Now is the time to start digging your footings – or booking a contractor. Looking for inspiration? Here’s the <a href="https://www.hometowin.ca/home-tour/deck/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><em>Home to Win</em> deck transformation</a> pictured above.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Replace Old Patio Doors
2/10Replace Old Patio Doors
2/10Photo Credit: Getty Images
When patio doors are too old to clean up and repair, it’s time to swap them for an energy-efficient product that doesn’t squeal or jam when you access your backyard. Your stress-free outdoor space starts with easy-to-use patio doors. While planning, check out these <a href="http://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/7-super-valuable-backyard-reno-ideas-most-people-overlook-1900270/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">valuable backyard reno ideas most people overlook</a>.Outdoors10 Outdoor Reno Projects to Start Now for a Stress-Free SummerReplace Old Patio Doors
PHOTO 2 of 10READ LESS -When patio doors are too old to clean up and repair, it’s time to swap them for an energy-efficient product that doesn’t squeal or jam when you access your backyard. Your stress-free outdoor space starts with easy-to-use patio doors. While planning, check out these <a href="http://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/7-super-valuable-backyard-reno-ideas-most-people-overlook-1900270/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">valuable backyard reno ideas most people overlook</a>.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Add a Pergola
3/10Add a Pergola
3/10Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
People all over the world hold the misconception that Canada is always cold. Well, we have news for them: it can be insanely hot in July and August, and a bit of shade should be incorporated into every backyard. If you build a pergola, weave outdoor fabric through to create a refuge for those super hot days. Here are <a href="http://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/top-12-most-stunning-pergola-designs-1049595" rel="noopener" target="_blank">12 more stylish pergola designs</a>.Outdoors10 Outdoor Reno Projects to Start Now for a Stress-Free SummerAdd a Pergola
PHOTO 3 of 10READ LESS -People all over the world hold the misconception that Canada is always cold. Well, we have news for them: it can be insanely hot in July and August, and a bit of shade should be incorporated into every backyard. If you build a pergola, weave outdoor fabric through to create a refuge for those super hot days. Here are <a href="http://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/top-12-most-stunning-pergola-designs-1049595" rel="noopener" target="_blank">12 more stylish pergola designs</a>.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Design a Fire Pit
4/10Design a Fire Pit
4/10Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
Building a wood-burning fire pit can be an easy and inexpensive backyard upgrade. One of the biggest advantages of having an outdoor fire pit is that you can enjoy your backyard during cooler evenings, and even well into autumn. As a bonus, you’ll smoke out some of the mosquitoes. Check out the above <a href="http://www.hgtv.ca/shows/backyard-builds/photos/couple-turns-their-backyard-in-the-city-into-a-cottage-retreat-1898828" rel="noopener" target="_blank">cottage-meets-city retreat</a> Sarah Keenleyside and I designed on <a href="http://www.hgtv.ca/shows/backyard-builds/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><em>Backyard Builds</em></a>.Outdoors10 Outdoor Reno Projects to Start Now for a Stress-Free SummerDesign a Fire Pit
PHOTO 4 of 10READ LESS -Building a wood-burning fire pit can be an easy and inexpensive backyard upgrade. One of the biggest advantages of having an outdoor fire pit is that you can enjoy your backyard during cooler evenings, and even well into autumn. As a bonus, you’ll smoke out some of the mosquitoes. Check out the above <a href="http://www.hgtv.ca/shows/backyard-builds/photos/couple-turns-their-backyard-in-the-city-into-a-cottage-retreat-1898828" rel="noopener" target="_blank">cottage-meets-city retreat</a> Sarah Keenleyside and I designed on <a href="http://www.hgtv.ca/shows/backyard-builds/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><em>Backyard Builds</em></a>.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Build a Shed to Store Tools
5/10Build a Shed to Store Tools
5/10Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
Storage is one of the most sought-after amenities in residential real estate, and the backyard is no exception. Storing your lawn mower half under the deck and half exposed is not the most practical solution. That’s why a shed is a must. It’s one of my top recommended DIY projects because it’s relatively simple to build.Outdoors10 Outdoor Reno Projects to Start Now for a Stress-Free SummerBuild a Shed to Store Tools
PHOTO 5 of 10READ LESS -Storage is one of the most sought-after amenities in residential real estate, and the backyard is no exception. Storing your lawn mower half under the deck and half exposed is not the most practical solution. That’s why a shed is a must. It’s one of my top recommended DIY projects because it’s relatively simple to build.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Prune Bushes and Trees
6/10Prune Bushes and Trees
6/10Photo Credit: unsplash.com
Now is the time to clean up overgrown hedges, bushes and trees. It’s only going to grow from here! When planting new greenery, make sure there’s enough space between so they have ample room to grow. It’s a common rookie mistake to plant things too close together.Outdoors10 Outdoor Reno Projects to Start Now for a Stress-Free SummerPrune Bushes and Trees
PHOTO 6 of 10READ LESS -Now is the time to clean up overgrown hedges, bushes and trees. It’s only going to grow from here! When planting new greenery, make sure there’s enough space between so they have ample room to grow. It’s a common rookie mistake to plant things too close together.Photo Credit: unsplash.com
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Outdoor Shower
7/10Outdoor Shower
7/10Photo Credit: Getty Images
A relatively affordable project, an outdoor shower is the perfect way to start your day come summer. Make sure it's far enough from your home, or that it drains away from the foundation so you don’t run into water issues.Outdoors10 Outdoor Reno Projects to Start Now for a Stress-Free SummerOutdoor Shower
PHOTO 7 of 10READ LESS -A relatively affordable project, an outdoor shower is the perfect way to start your day come summer. Make sure it's far enough from your home, or that it drains away from the foundation so you don’t run into water issues.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Greenhouse Goals
8/10Greenhouse Goals
8/10Photo Credit: Getty Images
If you have a green thumb, and the idea of growing your own vegetables puts your mind at ease, then a greenhouse could have you planting earlier and eating homegrown veggies later in the season. You can save a lot of money on produce and not have to stress about the quality of your vegetables.Outdoors10 Outdoor Reno Projects to Start Now for a Stress-Free SummerGreenhouse Goals
PHOTO 8 of 10READ LESS -If you have a green thumb, and the idea of growing your own vegetables puts your mind at ease, then a greenhouse could have you planting earlier and eating homegrown veggies later in the season. You can save a lot of money on produce and not have to stress about the quality of your vegetables.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Build a Dining Nook
9/10Build a Dining Nook
9/10Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
Likely the most popular addition to any backyard is a dining space, because who doesn’t enjoy dining al fresco? In smaller spaces, opt for built-in seating to maximize the square footage. Dining on the ground with mats and pillows is popular in Asian cultures, and it translates well in small outdoor spaces.Outdoors10 Outdoor Reno Projects to Start Now for a Stress-Free SummerBuild a Dining Nook
PHOTO 9 of 10READ LESS -Likely the most popular addition to any backyard is a dining space, because who doesn’t enjoy dining al fresco? In smaller spaces, opt for built-in seating to maximize the square footage. Dining on the ground with mats and pillows is popular in Asian cultures, and it translates well in small outdoor spaces.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Create an Outdoor Movie Theatre
10/10Create an Outdoor Movie Theatre
10/10Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
This outdoor project is so darn simple. Projector (check), white blackout fabric (check), a bungee cord (check). Popcorn, chocolate and outdoor movie nights – yes, please! This is such an easy addition to a backyard, and is so fun to enjoy with friends and family. Tour this <a href="http://www.hgtv.ca/shows/backyard-builds/photos/canadian-couple-builds-an-epic-amphitheatre-in-their-own-backyard-1898845">cozy outdoor theatre design</a> from <a href="http://www.hgtv.ca/shows/backyard-builds/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><em>Backyard Builds</em></a>.Outdoors10 Outdoor Reno Projects to Start Now for a Stress-Free SummerCreate an Outdoor Movie Theatre
PHOTO 10 of 10READ LESS -This outdoor project is so darn simple. Projector (check), white blackout fabric (check), a bungee cord (check). Popcorn, chocolate and outdoor movie nights – yes, please! This is such an easy addition to a backyard, and is so fun to enjoy with friends and family. Tour this <a href="http://www.hgtv.ca/shows/backyard-builds/photos/canadian-couple-builds-an-epic-amphitheatre-in-their-own-backyard-1898845">cozy outdoor theatre design</a> from <a href="http://www.hgtv.ca/shows/backyard-builds/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><em>Backyard Builds</em></a>.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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