This past year has opened many of our eyes to the beauty of spending time at home with our loved ones. We’ve seen a major rise in home renovations in 2020, with people trying to create a staycation environment in their backyard for them and their loved ones to enjoy for years to come! With this new-found appreciation for where we live, many homeowners are now thinking of finally going through with the backyard renovation they’ve been pushing back for years. If you’re one of them, keep reading! We’ve created a step-by-step guide to help you create an outdoor space you won’t ever want to leave!

Know your purpose

Before breaking ground or even finding your landscape inspiration, you must first think about what you want out of this renovation. What is the purpose of it? What are your needs? Let’s be honest, if you’re a parent of four kids under 10, your landscape needs are going to be different than those of a couple without children who’s looking for relaxation in their backyard. Maybe you're looking for an outdoor haven for your daily yoga sessions, or you'd like a lounge area to sunbathe while the kids are in the pool. Knowing your purpose will help you prioritize and stay on track during the renovations. It’s easy to get overwhelmed or carried away. Your purpose is like your anchor, reminding you what’s important and why you started in the first place.

Featured product: Para patio slabs in Greyed Nickel

Make your wish list

This brings us to our second point which is making your wish list. What are the non-negotiables for you? If you have children running around, your must-have feature may be a swimming pool. This wish list will allow your contractor and/or designer to better plan out your outdoor space. If you like to entertain, an outdoor kitchen, an outdoor fireplace, or even a hot tub may be essential to creating a host-worthy atmosphere! At this point, we’re still in the brainstorming phase. Write down everything you want, and we’ll figure out which ones match your budget later!

Featured product: Para patio slabs in Beige Cream

Estimate your budget

It’s always easier going into a landscape renovation when you have a clear budget set from day one. It helps your contractor and/or designer strategize and create the perfect finished product that matches your wants, needs, and most importantly, your budget. This is where you might cross off some of the elements on your wish list. Or, on the contrary, it may push you to cut elsewhere in order to keep those essential elements to your vision. You may even readjust your budget and decide to invest more to get the space of your dreams! To estimate your budget, we have created an online tool called the estimation tool that offers you a price range for your dream project. It’ll give you a good idea of what you’re looking at in terms of pricing.

Find your contractor

This step can be tricky, especially if you haven’t had a referral. A backyard renovation can run smoothly if you’ve chosen your contractor correctly. However, it can also be a hassle if you’ve gone with an inexperienced landscape professional. In a sea of contractors, how do you find your perfect match? Well, we’ve essentially done the research for you! We pre-screened contractors in your area, ensuring you partner with the best of the best in your city! In fact, we have a Concierge Service that pairs you with a certified landscape professional in your area. You can see images of their previous work, reviews, etc. This service is free and perfect to help you get started! Fill out our Concierge Form to get matched! We’ve also created a checklist of questions to ask once you sit down with your potential contractor.

Identify your challenges

Once that’s settled, we recommend that you identify potential project challenges: walk around your yard to see what issues could arise. For example, if you want a swimming pool, but are lacking space, consider a small dipping pool or even a hot tub! Unsure on where to place an outdoor kitchen? Make sure it is located near your patio door, making the back and forth from the indoor kitchen to the outdoor kitchen much easier. Not enough room for an outdoor fireplace? Consider a fire pit! Experiencing drainage issues? Permeable pavers were designed to allow for proper percolation of surface water into the ground; reducing the risk and severity of flooding, eliminating puddles, speeding up the melting process of snow, reducing winter hazards and increasing cost-savings on de-icing salt and snow removal. It’s important that you’re aware of potential issues so that you can find solutions!

Featured product: Aquastorm permeable paver in Grey

Pick your budget battles

Should your budget get tight, there are a few tweaks you can make to ensure you don’t have to compromise on the backyard of your dreams! For example, if a fireplace was on your wish list, you might consider adding in a fire pit instead. They’re much less costly and serve the same purpose! Is your dream of installing a swimming pool sending you over budget? Consider adding a small dipping pool. It keeps you refreshed without all the upkeep and investment of a swimming pool. It is also important to note that a landscape renovation can be done in phases. In fact, you can talk to your contractor about prepping the site for future add-ons; plumbing, gas and, electrical utilities before the paving work is done can save you time and money in the long run. Our certified Techo-Pro’s also offer financing! Talk to your Techo-Pro about our Pave Now, Pay Later Program.

Featured product: Blu Grande Smooth patio slabs in Greyed Nickel

Choose your products

This is the fun part: bringing your vision to life through the selection of products! At Techo-Bloc, we offer an array of different pavers, patio slabs, retaining walls and more that are as eye-catching as they are durable. In fact, all of our pavers and slabs are offered in a wide selection of different colors and textures, allowing you complete freedom in design! Looking for a traditional paver to grace your outdoor patio flooring? Discover our Westmount paver. Many homeowners install it in a herringbone pattern for the ultimate timeless design! For our modern design lovers, our Hexa 60 patio slab does just the trick! Its unique shape and its wide variety of colors allow homeowners to get creative and design unique mosaics in their landscapes. To make things even simpler for you, we’ve created a virtual experience that allows you to shop for your landscape products right from the comfort of your home! Our 360 online boutique places you in one of our dealer shops where you can get up close and personal with our vast selection of landscape stones. Shopping made easy!

Featured product: Westmount pavers in Merlot

Keep an eye on the project

Even if you’ve found a trustworthy, experienced contractor, it’s important that you keep an eye on the progression of the renovation. Check with your contractor every day or two to see if the materials are what you ordered. Catching mistakes before installation avoids headaches, disagreements, and ensures your satisfaction. Verify the installation. Make sure the color distribution is not patchy, and the lines/seams between the stones run straight. Ask questions. If something doesn’t feel right, don't hesitate to verify the details with your contractor. You are your best quality control.

You can always refer to our Backyard Planning Guide. In it, you will find a more detailed step-by-step guide to planning and pulling off a backyard renovation without a hitch!