After more than two years of planning, building, setbacks and challenges, highs and lows… the Hacienda backyard is officially FINISHED! This was our longest renovation to date (and the most stressful) so to say we’re relieved is an understatement.
To appreciate how far this space has come, we need to take a second to really get a sense of where it all began…
Just a sad, neglected yard—overgrown with weeds and lined with mis-matched crumbling fences.
I looked past the lackluster appearance, and saw so much potential…
After dreaming up a plan and sketching it on paper, I enlisted the help of Yardzen to bring the vision to life through renderings. You can read all about our original plans in the Backyard Kickoff post:
A few details have changed since our original plans two years ago, but overall I’m quite happy with the way it all turned out. The pool was the biggest delay and source of frustration. It was originally supposed to be installed in the spring of 2022 (a year after we ordered it) but that got pushed to fall 2022.
It then took another nine months to pass the final pool inspection, as we dealt with contractor communication challenges and permitting issues.
In the meantime, we were able to complete the covered porch makeover, install the paver patio, landscaping and final touches over the last few weeks.
Ready to see it all now?!?
The pool is fiberglass made by San Juan Pools. It’s their Broadway model, measuring 10’11” by 20″10″. The size is perfect for our yard (we couldn’t go any wider due to setbacks) and I love the family-friendly design with the wide ledges.
Because the depth is only 4′, the temperature stays very comfortable and the pool will be usable for most of the year.
We chose fiberglass because of the low/no maintenance and lifetime warranty, so only time will tell if that holds true and it was worth the extra long wait. I’m hopeful it was the right choice for us!
For the decking, I partnered with MoistureShield and chose their top of the line Vision series in the color Mochaccino. It’s a slip-resistant composite decking (real wood does not survive one season here in Florida) with CoolDeck technology, so it won’t burn your feet.
Heat, humidity and insects are the biggest threats in our climate and this deck is protected against all three. Our installer was impressed with the product (he preferred it over Trex) and I’m optimistic it will hold up for many years to come. If you’re considering building a deck, you may find it helpful to start planning and budgeting with their Outdoor Project Hub.
The smaller space on the left side of the yard was the perfect spot for a patio dining area. We were originally going to use pavers separated by gravel, but I realized it would be more functional underneath a dining table with full pavers.
I partnered with Belgard and selected their Dimensions series. To create the diamond pattern, I used the 12×12″ in Cream, and 3×12″ in Charcoal. They offer many different sizes and colors, so you can really get creative with the design. We hired out the install and it was done in a day!
The tropical almond tree provides a natural canopy to shade the dining area, and the string lights add such a nice ambiance. So pleased with how this corner turned out!
We installed a white vinyl fence around the perimeter of the property, added landscape rocks and mulch, and planted areca palms and hibiscus bushes.
The palms are already visibly larger just over the last month, and they’ll continue to grow and create a privacy wall to make the yard more secluded.
I still can’t believe this 2+ year saga is over, and we can finally enjoy the fruits of our labor. We’ve already thrown a few pool parties, and it’s the perfect space for entertaining. Our own backyard isn’t ideal for hanging out, so we’ll definitely be taking advantage of this house and spending vacant evenings over here as much as possible!
Sources
- Pool: San Juan Broadway in Blue Lagoon
- Deck: MoistureShield Vision in Mochaccino
- Pavers: Belgard Dimensions series / 12×12 in Cream, 3×12 in Charcoal
- Exterior paint: Sherwin Williams Alabaster
- DIY Porch Makeover
- DIY Window Grids
- Patterned tile
- Terracotta tile
- Custom sofa cushions
- Ceiling fans
- Coffee table
- Lantern sconces
- Planters
- Chaise lounge chairs
- Umbrellas
- Outdoor lumbar pillows
- Dining tables
- Dining chairs (discontinued, similar linked)
- Cafe lights
Cost breakdown
| Pool | $36,893 |
| *Decking (materials) | $14,500 |
| Decking (labor) | $10,450 |
| *Paver patio (materials) | $2,000 |
| Paver install (labor) | $2,660 |
| *Landscaping/irrigation | $17,000 |
| Fence | $5,680 |
| DIY sofa/arch supplies | $611 |
| Stucco (labor) | $1,750 |
| Paint (labor) | $1,100 |
| Wood beam ceiling | $1,102 |
| Sconces and fans | $955 |
| Tile | $3,300 |
| Tile install | $2,300 |
| *Furnishings | $2,703 |
| Miscellaneous | $1,455 |
| Total | $104,459 |
*A few notes on the cost breakdown:
- The decking and pavers were sponsored (material only) so these numbers are a rough estimate, and our actual cost was approximately $10k less
- We redid our front yard landscaping as well, so I did my best to separate the backyard portion only, but it’s just a ballpark estimate (total cost for both = $23,900).
- I already had the dining chairs (purchased two years ago) so the furnishing total does not include those.
This certainly wasn’t an inexpensive project, but if you’ve gone through a backyard renovation recently, you know how pricey they can be. We were budget conscious every step of the way—from sourcing the most cost effective (and quality) materials, getting multiple labor quotes, and DIYing as much of it as possible. If we handed everything over to a GC, it would have easily cost multiple tens of thousands more.
This backyard is the featured attraction of the home and the main gathering area for guests. It also needed the most work, so we allocated a large portion of our renovation budget here, and I think the investment was worth it.
Here is where I need your help! Which of these should use as the cover photo for our AirBnb listing?? Let me know in the comments—1, 2 or 3?
Now, onto the next project! We still have four more rooms to finish by the end of the year—think we can get it all done in time?? Follow the progress on my Instagram and find out!
Dining Room reveal coming up next…
Emilie Blanchette says
#1 for sure! That ceiling packs a color punch and gives a feeling of the interior space at the same time, and the general angle of the photo is more dynamic.
It’s all very superb!
sandi says
#1 looks the most inviting visually/architectually and makes for a great cover picture. I lvoe how it showcases the gorgeous covered patio you transformed.
Kat says
Such a beautiful design Jenna! You all did an amazing job.
#1 pic because you can see the cool seating area and the pool.
Jasmine says
1 is my favorite! This house is absolutely stunning, I’ve been following along for the whole thing and am constantly amazed. Also love that you’re a Raptive partner! I am too! (But in the travel sphere)
Sharon says
Looks incredible!! I vote photo #1
Jules says
#1 Shows the extreme care and detail you executed for this amazing hideaway!
Michele M. says
Oh my gosh it is absolutely FABULOUS!!!!!!! Absolutely wonderful. To me by far #1 pic – it’s totally perfect. #2 my second fav. and “too much pool and not enough of else” in #3.
Jenna Sue, you guys knocked it out of the ball park on this backyard reno. WOW!
And that’s an adorable pic of you with your beautiful family enjoying the pool!!!
Sherry Harrington says
Combo of 1 and 2 …..lol !! I think 2 may have small edge over 1 …..Love watching your transformations …Gorgeous !!!!
Theresa Cole says
OMG!!!! There really aren’t enough great words to describe how well this backyard transformation turned out. You two totally rock!
I love all the photo’s but for me #2, it gives you enough of a peak of all the zones and the sky, well need I say more.
Looking forward to seeing the completion of the remaining projects.
All my best to you and your family,
Theresa
Angelique May-Bennett says
Wow, it’s really great! Well done. Definitely use photo 1 for your Airbnb main photo because it’s spring the gorgeous porch area you did.
You are lucky because in Australia we have to fence the pools to a very strict code. We can’t have these open pool layouts. It’s even hard to get hang out space allocated around pools in Australia because they argue that people forget and leave the gates open.
catherine says
Absolument splendide!
et, cerise sur le gâteau, vous êtes une très belle famille, vos enfants sont vraiment adorables 💗
@catherinecoteterres
Linda Crosby says
I just love this. Would have to pick #1 because the porch ceiling says it all. Your vision and planning amazes me. Well done.
Mary says
Use photo #1. It best shows the shady porch AND the pool!
Amanda says
#2! I love the lighting and the sky in that photo. Was wondering for the price breakdown, the row for the pool, does that price include labor for the pool too or just materials for the pool? Thanks, I love this transformation it’s my favorite space so far.
Jenna Sue says
Thanks Amanda! That number is everything from start to finish, permits included.
Angie says
#1 for sure, just breathtaking what you guys did!
Patti Fitzgerald says
It’s such a lovely patio but #1 strikes me as best for photo cover. The divine details of the sofa/arch are too good to pass up and would lure me in immediately. Thank you for always preparing detailed lists to go along with your designs. You’re such an inspiration and my favorite site to check out for projects.
Jenna Sue says
Thanks Patti, so glad you enjoyed the reveal!