Summer’s almost here, and your backyard is probably overdue for some attention. Whether you’re dreaming of weekend cookouts, lazy afternoons with a cold drink, or a place where the kids can actually burn off some energy, a few smart upgrades and home improvement projects can make your outdoor space feel brand new.
- A new deck adds usable outdoor living space and can recoup 50% to 75% of its cost at resale.
- Outdoor kitchens range from $5,000 to over $40,000 depending on size and features, with strong returns in warmer climates.
- Professional landscaping can boost your home’s value by an average of 7% while turning your yard into the go-to hangout spot.
Deck Construction and Installation That Sets the Tone for Summer
Your deck is the stage for everything that happens outside your back door. Grilling, reading, stargazing on a cool evening, watching the kids run through the sprinkler. It all starts right there. And in 2026, building a new one runs between $25 and $65 per square foot, with most homeowners spending $8,000 to $25,000 depending on materials and how complex the build gets.
Material choice is where your budget will shift the most. Pressure-treated wood is still the most affordable option at roughly $15 to $25 per square foot installed. Composite decking costs more upfront but can last 25 to 50 years with almost no upkeep. Exotic hardwoods like Ipe sit at the top of the price range, though they’ll outlast just about everything else on the market.
Thoughtful deck design matters just as much as the materials you pick. A well-planned layout considers how you’ll actually use the space, where the sun hits during different parts of the day, and how the structure connects to the rest of your yard. Multi-level builds with seating areas or planter boxes cost more, but they tend to get far more use than a plain rectangle bolted to the back of the house.
Wood decks typically recoup between 50% and 75% of the investment at resale, and the National Association of Realtors reports homeowners rate their satisfaction with deck projects at 9.8 out of 10. That’s about as close to a guaranteed win as you’ll find with home improvement projects.
Outdoor Kitchens That Bring the Party Outside
If you’ve spent an entire cookout jogging back and forth between the indoor kitchen and the grill, you already know why outdoor kitchens have become so popular. The average project costs around $13,000 nationally, though you can build something simple for about $5,000 or go all-out with custom stonework and high-end appliances for $40,000 or more.
At minimum, you’ll want a built-in grill, some counter space, and a few storage drawers. From there, add a sink, mini fridge, pizza oven, or smoker depending on how serious you are about backyard cooking. Built-in grill islands alone run between $3,000 and $10,000 installed.
Watch out for the costs that sneak up on you. Running gas and water lines can add $500 to $2,500 depending on how far the kitchen sits from the house. Electrical work for outlets and lighting usually tacks on another $800 to $3,000. Permits vary by location but generally fall between $200 and $2,000.
As home improvement projects go, returns on outdoor kitchens typically land between 55% and 70%, but homeowners in warm-weather states where you can cook outside year-round have reported returns as high as 200%. Even in cooler regions, the lifestyle payoff during those summer months is hard to beat.
Landscaping Upgrades You’ll Actually Use All Season
You don’t need to tear up the entire yard to make it feel new. Professional landscaping averages around $3,600, and the return can surprise you. Well-maintained landscaping has been shown to increase a home’s value by roughly 7% on average, and projects like walkways, outdoor lighting, and irrigation systems push ROI even higher.
Fresh sod, some color from seasonal plantings, pathway lighting, and a fire pit for cool evenings can turn a forgettable backyard into the spot everyone wants to visit. Fire pits in particular are one of the most requested outdoor features among homebuyers right now.
Even low-effort maintenance counts. Power-washing the patio, refreshing mulch beds, and trimming overgrown shrubs are cheap moves that punch well above their weight for curb appeal. Pair those basics with one or two bigger upgrades, and you’ve got a yard that looks like you spent twice as much.
Comparing Common Contractor Home Improvement Projects
Not every upgrade carries the same price tag or payoff. The table below breaks down some of the most popular summer-focused contractor projects by cost, difficulty, and resale value.
| Project | Typical Cost Range | Difficulty Level | Resale Value Payoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood Deck (new build) | $8,000 – $25,000 | Moderate to High (permits, footings, framing) | Recoups 50% – 75% of cost |
| Composite Deck (new build) | $12,000 – $30,000+ | Moderate to High (similar to wood, heavier materials) | Recoups 45% – 65% of cost |
| Outdoor Kitchen (basic) | $5,000 – $17,000 | Moderate (gas/plumbing hookups, permits) | Recoups 55% – 70% of cost |
| Outdoor Kitchen (custom) | $20,000 – $80,000+ | High (masonry, multiple trade pros, permits) | Recoups 55% – 200% in warm climates |
| Professional Landscaping | $3,000 – $16,000 | Low to Moderate (grading, planting, irrigation) | Boosts home value ~7% on average |
| Fire Pit Installation | $700 – $3,500 | Low to Moderate (gas line if applicable) | Adds buyer appeal, moderate ROI |
| Patio (concrete or paver) | $3,000 – $15,000 | Moderate (excavation, leveling, drainage) | Recoups 50% – 70% of cost |
| Fence Installation | $1,500 – $10,000 | Low to Moderate (post setting, leveling) | Recoups 50% – 65% of cost |
| Pergola or Shade Structure | $2,200 – $9,000 | Moderate (anchoring, possible permits) | Adds buyer appeal, moderate ROI |
| Exterior Painting / Power Washing | $500 – $4,000 | Low (surface prep, weather dependent) | High perceived value, strong curb appeal |
Where to Start With Your Home Improvement Summer Upgrade
If you’re thinking about three home improvement projects to get your home ready for summer fun, tackling them in the right order saves time and headaches. Build the deck first since it takes the longest and typically requires permits and inspections. Schedule the outdoor kitchen next, especially if it ties into the deck’s layout or shares utility connections. Finish with landscaping so you’re not trampling fresh plants during construction.
Get at least three quotes from licensed contractors for each project, and ask for references you can actually call. A well-executed backyard overhaul can pay for itself in burgers, sunsets, and a higher resale price when the time comes to sell.
