With all the plants firmly in the ground, Sam loosely spreads four inches of cedar mulch to cover any exposed soil (figure L). Mulch helps the soil retain moisture and will break down to add nutrients. Finally, Adam walks Lia and Sam through the process of installing a low-voltage light kit around the deck (figure M). After assembling the fixtures, they stake them intermittently around the perimeter. Then, they daisy chain a spool of wire from one light to the next until completing a basic circuit (figure N). To complete the project, Adam connects the wiring to a transformer/timer and simply plugs it in.Sam and Lia fought scorching summer temperatures and put a lot of physical labor into their backyard renovation. During the project, they spent extra money by selecting low-maintenance materials but saved a ton by doing the work themselves. In the end, they get to enjoy their new outdoor living space, but will they ever see that money again?
Final Tally:
deck = $4,391
planter boxes/edging = $499
tool rental = $159
bulk material = $875
plants = $688
lighting kit = $65
TOTAL = $6,677
REALTOR'S ESTIMATED VALUE INCREASE = $20,000
RENOVATION COST = $6,677
NET RETURN ON INVESTMENT = $13,323
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.diynetwork.com/DIY/2006/09/27/DSEQ103_Seg2_planting11_e.jpg",350,450))
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.diynetwork.com/DIY/2006/09/27/DSEQ103_Seg2_mulch12_e.jpg",350,450))
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.diynetwork.com/DIY/2006/09/27/DSEQ103_Seg2_lights13_e.jpg",350,450))
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.diynetwork.com/DIY/2006/09/27/DSEQ103_Seg2_circuit14_e.jpg",350,450))
