Garden and Outdoor Sector

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, more people than ever have turned to DIY and home renovations. Garden renovations have also seen a sharp uptake and been embraced more than ever. Spending so much time inside has made us value our outdoor space and made it a very popular place - for those lucky enough to have a garden, a renovation makes perfect sense to improve the quality of the outdoor space.

Aside from the aesthetically pleasing aspect of renovating a garden or outdoor space, there are other reasons to carry out a rehash….

Garden renovations can provide a fantastic return on investment – if done to a tasteful style, it can add value onto the property. Many people also see a calming garden as an extra room – it can be a place to go and relax or spend time with family or friends (UK weather permitting!).

Four popular reasons for renovating a garden are:

·      Create an area to entertain in

·      Add raised beds

·      Incorporate hard landscape features

·      Attract Wildlife

Considerations when planning a renovation are:

·      The size and shape of the outdoor space

·      The budget with continency

·      Functionality/safety/accessibility for those using the space

Popular features often incorporated into a garden refurb are:

·      New patios

·      Decking areas

·      Orangery

·      Summer house

·      Garden room

·      Water features

·      Seating areas

·      Solid gazebo structures

·      Miniature dry stone walls & rockeries

·      Outdoor bar

·      Hot tubs

·      Outdoor kitchen areas

·      Stone built BBQ’s

·      Ponds

‍

The top furniture/accessories chosen to incorporate into garden renovations are:

·      Hanging egg chairs/swinging chairs

·      Pizza ovens

·      Patio heaters

·      Rattan furniture sets

·      Dining sets

Pros and Cons of garden renovation

There are advantages and disadvantages to completing a garden renovation. The advantages are:

·      Improved quality of outdoor space

·      Added value to the property

·      Visually pleasing

·      Chance to express your own style and creativity

·      Can make the area easier to maintain

·      Increased wildlife

·      Improved access if required

·      Can be completed on a budget if needed

Disadvantages are:

·      Going over budget

·      Incorrect measuring/plans

·      Interfering with the natural drainage of the garden

·      Can be hard to maintain

·      May need planning for certain structures

·      Decreased wildlife depending on the structures

·      May need to hire a professional to complete certain tasks

·      Depending on the type of renovation, the cost can run into £1000’s

‍

Approximate Garden Makeover Costs

www.checkatrade.com have some statistics and figures with regards to renovation costs linked to garden makeovers. They claim on a garden measuring 100m² it would take between £5,000 - 10,000 for a full garden transformation.

Elements such as lawns, planting, and laying turf can add a considerable amount onto the renovation cost. Flower beds may add a fair amount if you require a tradesperson to complete it, but the plants themselves should not cost too much money. Decking and walls are a considered feature as they do not usually come cheaply unless the homeowner can complete the job themselves. If this is the case, then it is only the cost of the materials that needs to be considered.