A detailed budget breakdown of our exterior remodel and backyard renovation costs, why we hired certain contractors, and which outdoor projects you can tackle yourself to save money.
Our backyard renovation still has one or two small items left before we call it completely finished, but after everything we’ve done to the exterior over the years, now feels like the right time to share the full budget breakdown and the reasoning behind hiring professionals for some tasks.
One of the most common questions we get after finishing any exterior update is, “How much did that cost?” With material prices fluctuating and contractor rates varying widely, it can be hard to estimate what a similar project might cost for your home. Below is an itemized look at what we spent and why we chose contractors for some jobs while doing others ourselves.
If you’re planning an exterior renovation or backyard overhaul, this breakdown should give you a realistic ballpark and help you prioritize where to spend and where to DIY.
Our Exterior / Backyard Projects:
- Limewashed Brick Exterior Makeover Reveal
- FAQs About Our Limewashed Brick
- Haint Blue Porch Ceiling Makeover
- Back Porch Refresh
- Swimming Pool Liner Makeover Reveal
- How to Paint Vinyl Siding & Pool Shed Makeover
- Backyard Landscaping Progress
- DIY Painted Concrete Pool Deck and Patio
- Backyard DIY Fire Pit Done in a Weekend
- DIY Bocce Ball Court
- DIY Pergola Cabana Reveal
- Modular Outdoor Kitchen Built in a Day
- What to Know When Building a Vinyl Fence
Exterior Brick Limewashing and Trim/Shutter/Gutter Painting
We hired professionals to limewash our brick and repaint trim because the work involved two-story heights and safety was a top concern. The artisan we hired studied the home’s eaves and existing wear patterns to apply the limewash where it would age naturally, creating a balanced, authentic finish. For trim, shutters, and gutters, a contractor ensured clean lines and durable paint coverage.
Limewashing Labor and Materials – $11,325
Trim, Shutter, Gutter Painting Labor and Materials – $2,900
Swimming Pool Liner Update
Replacing a pool liner is a job we left to trusted professionals—protecting the new liner and avoiding costly mistakes made that choice worth it. The pool liner was overdue for replacement when we bought the house, and hiring experienced pool technicians gave us peace of mind.
Swimming Pool Liner Labor and Materials Cost – $6,800
Tree and Shrubbery Removal and Backyard Grading
We had several dying trees, overgrown shrubs, and drainage issues to correct. Because these tasks involved heavy equipment, safety considerations, and expertise about which trees to remove or keep, we hired specialists for removal and grading.
Tree and Shrubbery Removal – $5,800
Backyard Grading – $2,100
Backyard Fence Replacement
Replacing the fence required special equipment to remove and haul away the old fence, so hiring a contractor made sense. We chose a higher-end vinyl fence with a lifetime warranty to avoid future replacements, which increased the upfront cost but reduced long-term maintenance concerns.
Backyard Fence Replacement Labor and Materials – $18,860
Pergola Cabana
We built our pergola cabana ourselves, but timber prices spiked right after we ordered hardware, which increased the project cost. If you build at a more stable time, this project can be significantly cheaper. It was a big family effort—my dad and brother helped, and it was a physically demanding build.
Pergola Lumber and Paint – $1,200
Pergola Hardware and Canopies – $2,116
Backyard Fire Pit
Our DIY fire pit surprised us with how quickly it came together—built in a weekend and far easier than we expected. We sourced materials from a local landscaping supplier to support a small business and kept the build simple and budget-friendly.
Fire Pit Materials Cost – $1,150
Bocce Ball Court
We built the bocce ball court ourselves in a couple of days. It was an affordable, fun addition that encourages people to linger outdoors and adds a social element to the backyard.
Bocce Ball Court Materials – $283
Beer Garden
The tucked-away beer garden behind our pool was created almost for free using leftover gravel and secondhand tables Robert refinished. It’s a great example of making a cozy corner with reused materials and a little elbow grease.
Outdoor Kitchen
We assembled a modular outdoor kitchen kit in a single day. It’s one of the more expensive features but offers high-quality appliances and convenience. Building a custom framed kitchen from scratch could be cheaper, but the prefab kit saved time and gave a polished result.
Modular Outdoor Kitchen Cost – $14,795
Gym Shed
On a tight budget, we refreshed the shed exterior using vinyl-safe siding paint, new shutters, and DIY window boxes made from scrap wood. Small changes like paint and trim made a dramatic difference for very little money.
Gym Shed Exterior Cost – $266
Painted Concrete Pool Deck
We painted the pool deck during a heatwave, and while it was grueling work, the result replaced yellowed, cracked concrete with a fresh, cohesive surface. We also had a contractor pour an extension of the deck to fit the outdoor kitchen and pergola.
Pool deck extension by contractor – $500
Painted Pool Deck Cost – $902
Back Porch
We painted the porch ceiling in “haint blue” and installed new fans ourselves. Those simple updates transformed the space and improved comfort without a large expense.
Back Porch Makeover Cost (without furnishings) – $608
Total Exterior / Backyard / Pool / Porch / Shed Renovation Cost
Total: $69,106
In short, exterior work, swimming pools, and landscaping add up quickly. This total doesn’t include ongoing pool maintenance, smaller replacement parts, or outdoor furnishings. Still, the investment has given us a backyard that feels like an extension of our home—perfect for family gatherings and everyday relaxation.
Renovating can be mentally and physically draining, and unpredictable material and labor costs make budgeting feel daunting. We hope sharing our numbers and the choices we made—what we hired out and what we did ourselves—helps you plan and prioritize for your own exterior projects.
It’s been a long journey, but step by step we brought our vision to life.
