Which backyard improvements pay off? Creating an outdoor retreat in your Del Mar homes can be a worthwhile but costly venture. So, make sure your money is well-spent on features that add the most value to your Del Mar homes. When it comes to backyards, a couple of lawn chairs and a portable grill just don't cut it these days. More buyers want an outdoor living space with comfortable furniture, built-in grills or complete kitchens, fireplaces, televisions, pools and spas -- and they're expected to spend more than $40 billion this year creating these backyard retreats. Don't be surprised if you spot some of these trends as you tour Del Mar homes for sale.

In fact, spending six digits to create a backyard retreat isn't a big deal anymore. For that kind of money, you get a custom-made pool, paving, a covered area with a fireplace, outdoor TV, bathroom and changing area, outdoor shower, fencing, landscaping and an irrigation system. 

Is it worth it to spend as much money renovating a backyard as it costs to buy a house?  It Depends on whom you ask. But if you're going to fork over the big bucks to revamp your yard -- or even if you're on a tight budget -- you should consider putting your dollars into features that add the most value to your property. Here's some advice from the pros:

Quality landscape design and installation will add value to your property and help it sell faster, landscape pros agree. If you're on a tight budget, hire a landscape architect or designer to create a design, then install the landscaping yourself -- over time, if you have to. Some advice is better than none. A landscape architect charges $85 to $135, on average, to create a design plan, Wendell says, and could spend 12 to 18 hours creating that plan. A landscape designer typically charges $50 to $75 an hour. To find a designer or architect, talk with friends or family who have used one or check the American Society of Landscape Architect's FirmFinder and the Association of Professional Landscape Designers' database of firms. Experts recommend interviewing several pros, talking to their customers and checking out their projects. The designer or architect should ask you lifestyle questions (Do you like to garden? Will you maintain the landscaping or will someone else?) so he or she can give you what you need.

Also, if you make a significant investment in landscape it won't look as good if you don't have a proper irrigation system, and your investment will erode. Again, if you're on a budget, install the irrigation system before the landscaping. Expect to pay at least $3,000 to $4,000 for irrigation.

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