The Cost Of An Outdoor Living Space in Texas (From Experts)

Creating your dream outdoor living space is a lot more than just adding value to your home; it’s about making the best of your existing space. Outdoor barbecues, warm coffees outside in the morning, and a fireplace that stays warm while everyone huddles around it.

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In our experience as an outdoor living space company, the average cost we see of an outdoor living space is around $7600, but it can range from $3000 to as high as $40,000 (and even higher on some projects), depending on what features you want. 

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Investing in the right features like an outdoor kitchen, a beautiful covered patio, or a great big wooden deck can help transform your backyard into a go-to spot for gatherings. These additions not only provide a great entertaining space but also boost your property’s value.

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We’ll go through everything you need to know about outdoor living costs.

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Upgrade Your Backyard With An Outdoor Living Space

You’ve probably seen it before, sitting on a neighbors or friends backyard patio that is absolutely stunning. It’s a carefully crafted space where you can spend time with others and it looks great along with the home.

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That’s what outdoor living does, it helps transform your backyard into a relaxing haven. Whether it's a patio, deck, or a cozy firepit, an inviting area enhances both enjoyment and value.

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Let’s talk about real numbers for a second. In our experience, these projects generally start between $5,000 and $10,000 and go up from there . More elaborate setups may start at $20,000. The reason why is because your biggest cost will be materials, but you don’t want to go cheap on those. That’s why even though you can do an outdoor living space for less - you probably don’t want to unless you have a very small backyard or space in mind.

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While the upfront costs can be a bit steep, homeowners often recover a significant portion of their investment. For instance, a new deck can recuperate about 65% of its cost. Not to mention the value add for the rest of the outdoor living space does for your home. It helps lift the property value by a substantial amount, especially if kept in pristine shape.

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Adding a pool can also be a game-changer for an outdoor space. Pools offer a refreshing retreat and can boost a home's appeal. Costs for installing a pool can vary widely, typically ranging from $20,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on size and features.

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In our work, we see how small touches make a big difference. Simple upgrades like lighting, pavers, or even easy-to-care-for plants can make your living space inviting without breaking the bank. These are great additions to the space to make it feel more inviting and bigger than it is, without driving the budget up a lot.

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Either way you’ll need to know what you want in your outdoor living space before buying. Designers can help you a lot and that’s how we help our clients. Expert designers can design a 3D model of your backyard and all the elements you might want to get your dream backyard put into place.

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Then you won’t have to dream about your aunts or neighbors backyard, your dream one will be right outside for you and your family to enjoy any time you want.

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What Does An Outdoor Living Space Cost in Texas

At The Complete Backyard, we work with clients in North Texas and are driven to get our clients the best results possible. We’ve already worked with thousands of north texan homeowners and know the ins and outs of outdoor living costs in Texas.

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Like we mentioned, costs will go anywhere from $5,000 to $40,000 in Texas. Those are generally what to expect for basic outdoor living projects and most customers end up in that range.

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We work with high-end customers as well that want even more customizations to their outdoor kitchen, lighting, adding heaters, screens, speakers, pools and more which can raise costs above $100,000 which is no problem if that’s your budget.

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Here are the biggest factors that will affect the cost for your Texas outdoor living cost:

• Materials (patios, decks, pools, and more will require high quality materials and options)
• Size of your yard (bigger yards will cost more but small spaces can fit small budgets)
• Customizations (lots of clients want their outdoor space customized to their liking which is ideal, certain customizations aren’t much extra of an add but some are)
• Add-ons & extras (some add-ons like lighting are not much extra to add in most cases but for extra heating or other options, they might require more budget)

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Outdoor Living Space Financing in Texas

In Texas, outdoor living spaces can be a fantastic addition to your home. We know that outdoor living options aren’t cheap but the good news is - it’s possible to finance them in order to make it much more do-able on a budget.

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In our experience, many homeowners opt for home improvement loans to finance these projects. These loans often come with favorable terms, making it easier to manage costs.

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We also partner with financers and have many great options to choose from. Visit our financing page to browse any options. Some of our partners will even approve same-day for certain projects if you’re looking to get a head start. 

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Another option is a home equity line of credit (HELOC). This allows you to borrow against the equity in your home. If your property value has gone up, this can be a smart move. Payments are often flexible, which can be a big plus.

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For those looking to make smaller upgrades, personal loans might be the way to go. They are faster to obtain and don't require using your home as collateral.

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We've found that some customers prefer credit cards for minor expenses. This can be manageable if you pay off the balance quickly to avoid high-interest rates.

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If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to us today. It’s our job to help our clients get financed with no issue and we can help you too.

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The Cost Breakdown

We’ve mentioned the overall costs but here’s an overview to understand what is the cost behind the outdoor living spaces. We'll dive into the specific costs covering materials, labor, land preparation, permits, and custom features. Understanding these elements will help homeowners budget effectively and make informed decisions.

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Materials Used

The choice of materials greatly influences the cost. Common options include wood, stone, and composite for decking, each with its own price range. For example, wood can cost between $15 to $30 per square foot. High-end materials like natural stone or high-quality composite materials cost more but offer durability and a premium look.

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In our experience, quality materials not only last longer but also make your outdoor space have that pop of a look. It really stands out and makes a difference. Homeowners often choose materials that match the existing home exterior for a cohesive look, which can also affect cost. The right materials can make or break a project and are most of the time, the most important decision.

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Labor & Work

Labor costs vary based on the complexity of the project. Simple installations may be cheaper, but custom features or high-end finishes require skilled labor, driving up the price. On average, labor costs range from $50 to $100 per hour.

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Hiring experienced professionals ensures the job is done right. In our work, we’ve seen that investing in the right company that includes all of the work done (like us) is the best option. We’ve had some customers in the past that tried to directly hire contractors one by one but we mostly have to come in and finish the job. Proper installation prevents problems down the road and guarantees that the outdoor living space is safe and functional (its not something that should be half done or skipped over).

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Land & Prep

Preparing the land is a vital part of building an outdoor living space. This can include grading, leveling, and ensuring proper drainage. Costs can range from $500 to $3,000, depending on the yard’s condition.

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It’s common to encounter unexpected issues like rocky soil or uneven terrain. In our experience, addressing these challenges early prevents complications later. Proper prep work ensures a stable foundation, which is crucial for the longevity of the project. Trusting professionals to handle this stage can save a lot of headaches.

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Permit & Size

Securing permits is a critical step from the city or county and can vary based on location. Permit costs generally range from $100 to $300 but can be higher in some areas. Larger projects may require more extensive permitting and inspections, adding to the expense.

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Homeowners should research local requirements to avoid delays and additional costs.

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Custom Add Ons & More

Custom features like outdoor kitchens, fire pits, or pools can significantly increase the cost. In our experience, these add-ons create a more enjoyable outdoor space but come at a price. Homeowners often prioritize certain features based on their lifestyle and budget. These customizations make the space uniquely suited to the homeowner’s needs and increase property value.

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Examples of Outdoor Living Space Projects

Here are some examples that can be used as inspiration:

Hiring Professionals vs DIY

When thinking about adding an outdoor living space, you can go the DIY route or hire professionals.

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Professionals and companies like us bring experience and skill. In our work, we see that experience and knowledge often help projects stay on track. There are lots of things that can come up in the middle of a project that might derail a DIY home project. If you're thinking about a pool, remember: professionals know the ins and outs, like proper drainage and safety codes.

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DIY projects can of course be cheaper. Simple things like laying pavers or a brick patio might save you money. Yet, you need to be ready for the hard work and time it takes. Be honest about your skills and motivation.

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Hiring Professionals: Costs can range from $5,000 to over $40,000.

DIY Projects: Costs can be lower, but they depend on materials and your time. For example, building a fire pit might cost you between $300 to $2,000 if you do it yourself; hiring someone could push the price to $10,000. It’s mostly time and guarantee that the job will be done the right way with quality in mind is what you are buying.

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Time and Effort: Professionals can often complete jobs faster. If you're busy, this might be a big plus. DIY takes your free time, and you may face unexpected problems.

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Quality and Warranty: Pros usually offer quality work and warranties. If you make a mistake doing it yourself, it might cost more to fix.

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In our experience, those with large or complex projects, like pools or fancy patios, benefit the most from hiring professionals. If your project is small and you're handy, DIY can be fun and rewarding. Always weigh your options carefully before deciding.

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The Secret ROI From Outdoor Living

Outdoor living spaces can offer surprising returns. Adding features like patios, decks, or pools can boost your home’s value and provide a great return on investment (ROI).

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In our experience, decks and patios are top choices. A new deck can yield up to 80% ROI, while refurbishing an existing deck can bring up to 400% ROI. This is because repairs cost much less than building new.

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However, the money benefit is not the real ROI we want to talk about. We mentioned it before but having a fantastic outdoor space allows you to enjoy it more by spending more time with your family and kids outdoors. It allows you to host more events like barbeques and invite the extended family over for a visit. It helps you throw the best parties in the neighborhood.

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Pools are another big hit for backyards. They’re great for families who love outdoor fun. Homeowners who love entertaining will find outdoor kitchens and fire pits worth the investment. These additions make spaces more functional, providing areas to cook, eat, and relax.

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Some unique features like all-weather setups can protect areas from rain and wind. This makes outdoor spaces usable year-round, adding to their value.

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Spending on outdoor living spaces might seem high at first. Still, the returns are compelling. It’s about creating an inviting atmosphere that people love, which in turn boosts home value.

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