8 Steps to Alfresco Success

Whether you're driven by resale value or simply boosting your backyard, these pro pointers will help you whip your space into shape.

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Make a Plan

Indoor kitchens are confined by walls; outside, zoning regulations rule. Learn how far your setup needs to be from the lot line, then collab with a designer on a layout. Budget at least the cost of your indoor kitchen, Los Angeles designer Linda Hayslett says. “Laying stone or rebar for concrete—those are big expenses!”

Hide Infrastructure

Sound systems, gas lines, and water drainage should go in as early as possible. “You can conceal those things with advanced planning,” says Hayslett. “For example: If you’re doing a pergola, hide the wires by drilling through the posts.”

Withstand the Elements