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Backyard Bonanza, Pt. 4: Value Boosts and Final Tally A backyard gets transformed with an outdoor fireplace, new water feature and a deck facelift. Check out more value-enhancing projects from Sweat Equity. From "Sweat Equity" episode DSEQ-205

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

Jason and Laura have the backyard of their dreams but their $7,000 budget was spent before they finished the fireplace. Spending over $20,000 on their yard, and spending nearly three times their budget they were still able to recoup almost $10,000 in equity.

Backyard Value-Adding Tips

• Nearly 50 percent of the price of landscaping projects go to the cost of labor. For a crew of four, you can spend up to $200/hour. By doing their own labor and by enlisting the help of family and friends, Jason and Laura were able to keep their costs down.

• Jason and Laura wanted an outdoor fireplace (figure A) and a water feature (figure B) to make their backyard feel more like a living room. Hardscapes like these are very popular and can boost the equity of a home so be sure to build them right and build them to last. This may mean hiring a crew, but in the long run the value will be worth the extra cost.

• The kids wanted a swing set but Jason and Laura were worried about it taking away from the look of their yard and maybe costing them equity. By purchasing a tasteful playground (figure C) that can be easily taken apart when the family moves they can keep their playground wherever they go, and the next homeowners don't have to have a play set in their yard.

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	Before
	After
	Before
	After

Final tally:

fireplace: $7,075
water feature: $2,355
landscaping: $6,040
playground: $5,250
misc. $1,300

TOTAL = $22,020

realtor's estimated valueincrease = $30,000
total cost of material = $22,020

NET RETURN ON INVESTMENT = $8,000

RESOURCES :

Backyard Adventures
Website: www.backyardadv.com