Thoughts on a Gravel Backyard (appliances, house, landscaping)

[Voyageuse]

Due to circumstances beyond our control, we may be selling our house within the next year. When we bought this house, we had planned to put in an irrigation system and lay down sod in the backyard. At present, the backyard is mainly gravel and pool, but no irrigation system. As a potential buyer, would this bother you? What would you like to see? Unfortunately, we have a kitchen and (at least) one bathroom to remodel, so we don't have a lot of money to spend on the exterior, but we understand the importance of making the yard appealing.

Thank You!

[nh11]

Depends on the buyer. For me, with the drought and all, that's one less thing I would have to use water for. And if I wanted to do some landscaping, I'd probably put in desert landscaping.

[SoCal25]

I'd talk to a realtor about similar properties in your area and buyer expectations. Personally I want nice landscaping (not necessarily grass) but not just gravel either. For some reason, I mind spending $5K on a bathroom less than spending it on landscaping.

I'd get advice on the interior as well. Unless you're careful at what you choose for the remodelling a lot of buyers will still think they need to rip it out. Too many expectations built up by house hunter shows where even a house built 5 years ago is a total gut job to first time homebuyers who must have imported figured granite in any color other than what's already there, professional grade appliances, the finest woods, 15 nozzle LED lit showers and so on.

[MordinSolus]

Installing a pool cover would probably be a better investment for resale. Pool covers save water.

[Voyageuse]

We're thinking of leaving the gravel, but surrounding the pool with pretty California native plants and flower beds. Unfortunately, a pool cover is not an option. I've already looked into it. The pool is elevated and is a weird shape, plus it has a wading pool next to it. It's pretty though.

[CA4Now]

Originally Posted by Voyageuse

Unfortunately, a pool cover is not an option.

They're also dangerous for potential buyers with small children. I agree w/ SoCal25; get a realtor's input first. The native plants and flowers sound nice.

[Panamajack78]

Gravel is a nightmare. I like beautiful landscaping, whether it be tropical, mediterranean or desert, whatever, anything but a big pile of gravel. Gravel sinks into the soil and it becomes a major pain when you try to remove it. Besides it is absolutely hideous. Better options: Black lava rock or river stones, gray or tan, depending on your garden palette. Also depends on what type of garden you have.

[Exitus Acta Probat]

Originally Posted by Panamajack78

Gravel is a nightmare. I like beautiful landscaping, whether it be tropical, mediterranean or desert, whatever, anything but a big pile of gravel. Gravel sinks into the soil and it becomes a major pain when you try to remove it. Besides it is absolutely hideous. Better options: Black lava rock or river stones, gray or tan, depending on your garden palette. Also depends on what type of garden you have.

I thought most people put in a liner to prevent the gravel from blending into the soil.

[Panamajack78]

Originally Posted by Exitus Acta Probat

I thought most people put in a liner to prevent the gravel from blending into the soil.

Ideally, yes. But lots of people don't and it can get pretty bad.

[Bunjee]

You don't have to carpet your backyard with gravel. Just create a single large gravel pad, maybe a 6'x6' diameter circle or equal depending on the scale of your yard, then make gravel paths and smaller satellite pads. Strategically line these living and strolling areas with plants, shrubs and trees. Check with your public utilities if they offer a free shade tree deal. A raised bed for vegetables and herbs is inexpensive, effective and practical green use for space planning.

It's true you should talk to your realtor about staging, but these are easily DIY--though that means hands-on work--if you're looking to relieve a space from being more attractive than a monotonous (and heat absorbing) rock environment.