Los Angeles Backyard Makeover - WWYD?
Hello All! We are new to houzz and very excited to post our project, looking forward to any help and guidance.
So here's the dilemma...we don't know where to begin or have any ideas on how the space should be designed. We understand that doesn't help at all just yet, but wanted to get this project posted to help get the momentum started and going! We'll start digging around to gather ideas to help guide what we are looking for. But first, let us start by briefly describing a little bit about us and what we hope to accomplish with this project.
We are happy family of four that entertains and hosts many family events like bdays, Super Bowl bbqs, simple get togethers with friends to hang out for a drink or two, or a slumber party sleepover for the kiddos’ cousins and friends. We have been blessed to have this home and we do our best share it with family and friends so that we can have all of these activities to bring us together for good company, fun times, and timeless memories. Over the years, our home has become the go to destination for all of the family events and we have done our best to make do with the space that we have. However, our backyard has been underutilized and should be used better. As our families grow and events get bigger, we would like to entertain more people using this outside backyard area versus the space inside our home. We are lucky to be in Los Angeles, so good weather is usually in our favor.
The big dream would be a complete demo with an entire makeover from scratch. But in reality, due to a limited budget…we are looking for some ways to just make the space cleaner, useful, flexible, and more private.
Here are a few bullet points to help describe the space along with some problem areas we hope to improve:
- The backyard sits at higher grade than our neighbors so we need a way to block views of those homes and create privacy from neighbors looking down and into our backyard from their windows. Not sure if this should be resolved using some type of structure and/or plants & trees, but hoping suggested plants/trees are some very low maintenance items that do not drop a lot of leaves. Yes, call us a little lazy…we just want to avoid sweeping and a lot of clean up.
- The large dirt area is about 21 ft x 30 ft of wasted space. The grass died off a few years ago because we could not maintain it. For our many events, we simply just entertain around it because no wants to stand in the dirt. We were going to simply drop some DG or pea gravel stones and call it a day, but we are looking to gather more creative ideas to break up the space to something that looks nicer, is very easy to maintain, and still is flexible to be used for various types of event set ups.
- The terra cotta Spanish tile was installed by the previous homeowner that is now failing, breaking apart, and crumbling. The random mosaic patterns you see were from the prior homeowner’s attempt to be decorative and creative when patching the broken and crumbling tiles. We understand it would be best to remove all of this tile…but we likely have to live with it for now as we focus our resources on other areas of the backyard. Is there any way to do something better with it?
- The storage containers hold our tables, chairs, BBQ grill, tents, umbrellas, misc tools, etc. We know they are an eye sore, but we found it was easier to store everything away rather than keep it out to get dirty, damaged, and ruined by the elements. Is there a better way to store stuff or hide these containers differently?
- I have nearly 100 concrete paver tiles size = 24” x 24” x 2”. Note, most of these pavers are of similar color but there are a very good handful that are of a different shade. We do not have to use these pavers, but they are available...
Below are a few pics of the current space.
…so, if this was your backyard, what would you do (WWYD)?
Many, many, thx in advance!
Comments (23)
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Comments (25)Looks like a fun project! None of what you're contemplating is too difficult. If you have the time and patience to be your own GC, you can tackle this easily. I'm going to outline how I'd proceed, but others may have better suggestions. My first step, after looking at your space would be the FP wall. Once you cover up the bricks and lighten the floors, your home will no longer feel dark, with or without windows. I can't tell what the grids are in the eating area, but would you want to replace them with art and maybe a mirror to brighten up that space? If you decide to add windows, this could be done as part of this project or much later. Whether you have stucco, brick or wood, adding the windows won't be hard, but the installer just needs to know what he/she is doing to properly frame and flash to prevent future water infiltration. So, to get started you'll need to come up with a realistic budget that you feel comfortable spending. Knowing that the economy will remain very fragile for several years and you won't necessarily get a return if you need to sell, decide what you're willing to invest. A good handyman can get you through much of this if you coordinate this yourself. The only thing you'll likely need a permit for are the windows and that might be able to be done without, depending on your location. If you have a home owners' association, take their restrictions into account as well. You'll need to know what kind of code compliance you'd be subject to, and can find out by calling the local building dept. If you're in a more rural area you'll likely have far fewer restrictions than in a highly populated city, but codes vary throughout the country as does the difficulty in working with the permit issuing department. The first project I'd take on is figuring out what I wanted for the FP as that will make a dramatic change, even more so than the kitchen. Then I'd do the floors. I may forego until a later date adding the windows. I'd then update the kitchen. (I see you stamping your feet!) If money is no object, you can gut and start fresh, but I could be happy with the existing footprint since sinking a lot of money into a declining investment is something I'd have to carefully weigh. I love having a nice home, but if funding a full reno meant that I'd have to worry about covering other expenses in the future, whether travel, cultural events or medical emergencies, then having the most gorgeous home becomes a burden rather than source of joy. Only you can assess your situation. After the FP, floors, on to the kitchen. I'd probably just do new appliances, doors with soft close Blum hardwares and new drawer fronts. If you have to replace the glides, then I'd opt for the soft close glides as well. Whenever it is appropriate to deal with the windows, if code would allow and budget permits, I'd go with operable transoms to provide light, ventilation and privacy. If not, clerestory with storage below if you'd make use of it. Operable double-hung would be great, if you're not on a zero lot line. If there's room to plant crape myrtles or some other small specimen tree outside of each window that could be lovely, offer some protection from summer sun and provide a bit of privacy though you'd still need WTs. Call some flooring installers for quotes so you can get an idea of what you can afford to do. You can get an estimate from a window company also to work up your budget. If you have a friend who is a realtor, perhaps you can get reasonable referrals as most realtors know who to turn to when their clients have to complete inspection repairs in short order and on budget. Look on line at Sherr's and call a local custom company for the kitchen quote. Once you have an idea of what you're up against, you can prioritize and proceed. Yes, I'd consider using the same stone for the FP and counters, but not necessarily. If you wanted, for example, a dramatic volga blue granite on your countertops you could easily do a lighter, neutral cream marble on the FP. But if you don't want anything too dark or dramatic in the kitchen, then doing them both in the same stone might be nice. I could see both in the RFG if that still appealed. A less expensive approach for the FP is to use floor tiles instead of slab, though you might find slab remnants that could work. HTH! ....See More
Alfred
3 years agoAll (@Stacey Collins, @Yardvaark, @freedomplace1),
Thank you very much for your quick feedback and please excuse our very, very, very delayed reply. We were very distracted lately and this project was pushed to the bottom of the list. Not sure where the time went and we cannot believe it has already been 4+ months since we first posted for some help on houzz! We are going to give this another try, hopefully we can put together some realistic goals to give direction for a timeline and milestones.You each brought up some great points that has helped us with a few decisions, please see below:
- Tile – as much as we would love to demo and replace, our budget will not allow it. We may have exaggerated its poor and tripping hazard condition. You’re right, we will work to get those areas cleaned up and repaired. Also, totally agree that the patchwork looks cluttered and junky. Maybe instead of painting the tile, could we strategically cover up some areas with furniture and outdoor rugs?
- Scale Drawing (see attached).
- Storage Sheds – we can relocate these to the side of the house and maybe even scale down to fewer number of units.
- Gazebo – great idea! Curious, where should we place it?
- Fence – painting them to all match is a great idea! We like the dark color suggestion, but we are in an HOA and are worried we may not be able to do that. What do you think about painting the wood fence a light color to match the block wall?
- Pavers – we initially thought of using the pavers designed with some artificial turf at the dirt area, we are okay to get rid of them.
- Must have features:
- Privacy hedges along the right side against the block wall to help prevent the neighbor from looking into our yard but more importantly mask our views of their homes.
- Trees along back wall to soften up those views and maybe provide some shade.
- Prefer low maintenance hedges and trees…meaning we don’t might cutting and trimming once a month or two, but we want to avoid a lot of dropped leaves and weekly sweeping and cleaning.
- What do you think about the below or something similar?
- Podocarpus (Podocarpus gracilior)
- Museum Palo Verde (Cercidium-parkinsonia hybrid)
- Sweet Bay (Laurus nobilis)
Thx again and looking forward to your thoughts.
Alfred
3 years agoAlfred
3 years ago
freedomplace1
3 years agoHi Alfred,
You’re welcome! :)
So you are looking to bring in pavers.
You could create a paver floor.
And maybe do some edge plantings.
And put the gazebo there.
Is there another spot where you think gazebo might work better? It might be good to have a consult with a landscape designer.Alfred thanked freedomplace1freedomplace1
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoI just read your reply again, Alfred. I have a better picture now, I think. So you think gazebo would be best either on back wall or right side of yard. Between the two, I think here, as it has more space.
But it is hard for me to clearly judge the available space by some of pics.
Alfred thanked freedomplace1Alfred
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoAlfred
3 years agoAlfred
3 years agoGood Morning @jslazart - thank you again for help and feedback. I got two quick estimates to demo and concrete the whole backyard and they were far out of our price range and budged that it discouraged us. I think that’s why it took me so long to get back on this board and why I’m torn on whether to just wait a little longer (or actually a lot longer) to save up for the dream project or just reduce the scope, the budget, and DIY to something very simple.
As for the condition of the slab under the tile, I’m not certain. It doesn’t look like the tile would come off easily without damaging the slab underneath. Also, it looks like the slab is not a smooth and even pour. Check out the close up pics...what do you think?
Alfred
3 years agoAlfred
3 years agoGood Afternoon @freedomplace1 - thank you again for the ideas and guidance. I did a quick yelp search on some tile cleaning and repairs and found some amazing before and after pictures that makes this option a very possible solution! I put out a few calls, I'm hoping this could make an easy and cost effective improvement.
As for the gazebo, I quickly marked up some locations...what option do you all like the best?
...and thx for mocking up the outdoor rug...I'm totally into that!Alfred
3 years agoAlso, just wanted to share some before pics of where we originally started and came from. Maybe it would help give some other views and a spacing/size perspective.
chispa
3 years ago
PROAltair
3 years ago
Yardvaark