Get Your Outdoor Oasis Ready for Winter Entertaining With These 4 Tips

Start Planning Your Dream Outdoor Living Space Now:
The summer rush of outdoor living space projects may be over, but now may be the ideal time to start your project. According to the American Society of Landscape Architects, the average backyard renovation costs over $25,000 and takes several months to complete. By getting started now, you will be ready for uncommonly sunny Santa Clarita Saturdays and Calm, Cool Antelope Valley  Sundays. 

In this article, we’ll explore four reasons why starting your outdoor oasis during the off-season is smart. From completing your project faster to saving money on increasing labor and material costs, you stand to benefit by getting a head start. We’ll also touch on how you can still enjoy outdoor living in winter and why fixing up your yard now can get you ready for a gorgeous spring landscape.

By designing the project and choosing your contractor now, you can make the best of the cooler months. Let’s look at the top advantages of using the fall and winter downtime to complete your low-maintenance outdoor project.

Faster Project Completion
Starting your outdoor living space project after the busy season means your contractor will likely have more availability in their schedule to start your project sooner. You may have had to wait weeks or months to get on their calendar during peak months. But in the off-season, contractors are less overwhelmed juggling multiple big projects and have more flexibility to take on new clients right away.

This means you'll experience a lot less lag time between signing contracts, finalizing plans, and actually getting the work started. Larger, in-demand contractors like JNR Home Improvements can focus their attention on your project and get the ball rolling more quickly. There's no need to twiddle your thumbs waiting for an opening in their schedule to begin construction.

The off-season timing also means less wait time for needed materials or supplies. Popular items can be back ordered for weeks when contractors are all trying to secure the same materials for their peak-season projects. Starting now avoids those headaches. Your contractor will have an easier time promptly securing what they need to finish your outdoor oasis faster.

Overall, the less hectic pace translates to a faster start-to-finish timeline. You'll be enjoying your brand new outdoor living space sooner than you think when you get the process started during this off-peak period.

Beat Next Year's Price Increases
One key reason to start your outdoor living space project now is to beat expected price increases in 2024. Both material and labor costs in the home improvement industry are forecast to rise significantly next year.

Building material costs in particular are expected to continue climbing after the sharp inflation experienced over the last few years. Concrete, metals, wiring, and other construction materials could see double-digit percentage increases next year as demand remains high and supply chain issues persist. By starting your project now, you can lock in quotes for materials at 2023 prices before these predictable rises hit.

Labor shortages in the construction and contracting industries are also fueling price hikes. Companies have been raising wages to attract talent with fewer skilled workers available. These extra costs get passed on to customers through higher project pricing. Additionally, many contractors book their schedules months in advance. If you wait until next spring or summer to start your project, limited availability means you'll pay a premium rate.

By getting ahead of the curve and starting your project now, you can avoid sticker shock on project costs next year. Once you settle on a design, sign your contract early. This preemptive planning ensures you'll secure today's much more favorable pricing.

Entertain Despite Winter Weather
Even though Palmdale and Lancaster experience milder winters, the arrival of cold weather often signals the end of backyard barbeques and pool parties. But extending outdoor living into the winter doesn't have to be a pipe dream. With a well-designed outdoor space, you can entertain outdoors long after summer has ended.

Winter days in Santa Clarita and the Antelope Valley often reach 60°F or warmer. A covered patio with an outdoor heater or gas fire table can transform into a comfortable gathering area on all but the coldest winter days.

Adding a patio cover allows you to use your BBQ, dining space, or seating area year-round.  Permanent structures like covered patios can have heating, fans, and lighting added. With these solutions, the party doesn't have to stop when the weather turns cool.

Outdoor heaters and gas-powered, coffee table fire pits generate plenty of heat and ambiance to warm small groups into the night. There are many low-cost options for decorative, easy-to-use coffee table fire pits that are always ready for impromptu entertaining. 

Avoid Drab Winter Grass
Winter is hard on your lawn. As temperatures drop, grass goes dormant and turns brown. Mud, bald spots, and dead patches become unsightly issues you'll have to deal with until spring growth resumes.

Artificial grass provides an appealing alternative. You'll enjoy a lush, verdant lawn year-round with artificial turf, even when regular grass has entered its winter dormancy. The synthetic blades maintain their vibrant green color and lush appearance regardless of the season.

You won't have to fret about your lawn becoming a muddy mess when rains hit. Our NEXTLAWN artificial grass has excellent drainage, so water flows right through. No more tracking dirt and mud into the house. An artificial lawn also resists weed and pest infestations. You won't deal with dead patches or have to re-seed areas in spring.

Give your landscape a makeover and combat the winter blahs with artificial grass. Your lawn will stay pristine, green, and gorgeous even when regular grass has lost its luster. Avoid the hassles of winter lawn care and enjoy a perfect-looking yard 365 days a year.

Get a Head Start on Spring
Beginning your outdoor living space project during the off-season means you'll be able to start enjoying your upgraded backyard as soon as the weather warms up in spring. There's nothing better than spending those first sunny spring days lounging on your new patio furniture, grilling on your updated outdoor kitchen, or simply relaxing in a beautifully designed landscape.

JNR Home Improvements prepares winter projects by installing irrigation systems and excavating holes for spring planting so, that when the weather warms up, our clients can drop the plants of their choice in with little effort. 

Getting a head start on your project means you'll enjoy upgraded outdoor living as soon as the weather turns warm. And you'll see your new landscaping become established and reach its full glory right away.

Increase Home Value
Installing an outdoor living space can significantly increase your home's value and appeal to potential buyers. According to remodeling industry experts, renovations that include outdoor living projects can recoup over 100% of their cost at resale.

Curb appeal is one of the most important factors for Santa Clarita home buyers. An attractive, low-maintenance backyard with extended living space can set your property apart on the market. Features like a paver patio, pergola, interlocking concrete pavers, and artificial grass check off many of today's most desirable lifestyle elements that home buyers from Antelope Valley to Santa Clarita look for.

Outdoor improvements also showcase your home as move-in ready. Buyers prefer turnkey properties where they can instantly enjoy a low-maintenance backyard upon moving in. Completing your outdoor project now means you'll maximize your home's resale value for when you eventually sell.

With some strategic planning, you can both increase your enjoyment today and boost your home equity for tomorrow. Consult with landscape designers to select timeless features that will attract buyers. Hardscaping elements like pavers have long-lasting appeal, and artificial grass is great for families. 

An invested outdoor living space demonstrates your dedication to home ownership and pride. This vouches for the care you've put into your property, increasing buyers' confidence.

Enjoy the Planning Process
One of the most exciting parts of starting an outdoor living space project is getting to envision how you'll use and enjoy your new backyard retreat. The planning process is a fun chance to get creative and inspired as you think about the possibilities.

You can look through photos in magazines, videos online, and pictures of friends' and neighbors backyards to spur your imagination. Make a vision board or Pinterest page of outdoor living space ideas you love. Think about how your family likes to spend time together outside. Brainstorm the different ways you'll put your new space to use.

Will you host larger backyard gatherings and parties? You may need additional hardscape areas for seating. Do you have younger kids? More focus on synthetic lawn will provide a larger area to play and run.

Let your imagination run wild during the planning process. With ideas of things you like, an experienced design consultant can help you choose items and a layout that will fit the look you want with your budget in mind. The fun of envisioning new backyard uses and layouts will get you eager to start your outdoor living space project.

Conclusion
As we've discussed, there are several great reasons to start your low-maintenance outdoor living space project after this year's busy season rather than waiting until spring. By starting now, you'll likely complete your project faster before contractors book up again next year. You can also take advantage of discounts or incentives offered by contractors.

Getting ahead on planning and design now means you can start construction sooner, letting you enjoy your new space with family over the winter month holidays that are often pretty warm in Southern California. You'll also lock in pricing before any increases next year. With the right design, you can entertain outdoors even during cooler winter weather, especially in Canyon Country, Santa Clarita, Palmdale, and Lancaster. Replacing grass with artificial turf ensures your yard will look great all year long compared to spotty winter grass.

The window between fall and next spring is perfect for finalizing plans and getting the work done. Then, you'll already be enjoying your outdoor living space once peak season rolls around again. Don't wait around just to be stuck in the busy rush. Take action now to build your dream outdoor living area on your schedule. Contact JNR Home Improvements today to get started designing your perfect backyard oasis!

Always be sure only to consider properly licensed and insured contractors in California. A contractor's license can be checked at cslb.ca.gov. Confirm they have current worker's compensation insurance, and general liability and can prove it. Many contractors claim to be bonded or insured but are referencing only the legally required bond.