Which One Would You Do?

[ssmjlm]

We have 2 major projects left on this house.  We are hoping to do one in the next year and the other will probably have to wait another couple years after that.

Now with E, we really need to take care of the backyard in the next 5ish years.  Right now it slopes, pretty badly in some areas, down to the creek behind us.  There is no level area for a swingset.  Also we have a flower bed we want to get rid of, a new fence and probably a patio off the deck behind our garage, among some other minor landscaping.  We also have noticed that our front yard tends to pool really badly and probably need to do a drain at the end of the driveway and another 10 yards of top soil in the front.

The kitchen we've always wanted to re-do.  There's nothing wrong with it, if you love 1987 orange oak.  The layout isn't great, we're going to move the fridge to the opposite wall.  We also realized (after we bought) that the cabinets don't match.  There used to be a desk in the kitchen, they took that out and replaced the space with similar, but cheaper cabinets.  We also plan to add some recessed lights as there is only 1 light in there now.  There's also some puppy damage from when DH thought Sadie would be fine in the kitchen.

We're estimating $10k for the backyard and probably $10-$15k for the kitchen b/c we would also re-do the flooring throughout the first floor when we do the kitchen.

[mrs.jacinthe]

Do the kitchen first. It'll be easier to deal with a young baby than a mobile toddler (or older) during a kitchen reno. Less underfoot. But I'm not a parent, just offering my opinion.

[hbomdiggity]

i would also do the kitchen first. you have a couple years before DD will really be using the backyard, esp alone. but if you can get the kitchen done now, esp before DD is eating real food, then that seems the way to go.

[emoflamingo]

How are the parks in your area? Does the pooling have the potential to have water leak into your house?

If the answer to those are somewhat positive on the local parks and no, I would do the kitchen. We had a backyard that was basically empty while Monkey was smaller, though not a safety hazard, so we just went to the park. The kitchen will be used much more often and it'll be easier to do when baby is young.

[Chelle]

I would definitely do the kitchen. It's where you spend so much of your time, you deserve to love it!

[auntie]

Kitchen.

It'll be something you use several times each day and will increase the value/appeal of your home to a greater degree than the yard.

You don't need a yard for kids unless you're doing something with them that is illegal to use elsewhere (skateboards, dirt bikes, quads). The house we lived in until DS was 6 was on a creek (small river actually), so there was no way DS was ever playing out there. We hit the local parks and playgrounds- what kids want is other kids to play with and the variety of different playgroup equipment.

[ssmjlm]

Jul 27, 2013 3:46:16 GMT -5 emoflamingo said:

How are the parks in your area? Does the pooling have the potential to have water leak into your house?

Parks are ok but the closest one isn't dog friendly for some reason.

The water doesn't affect the house, but the pooling at the end of the paved part of the driveway is a nuisance.

Our backyard is fenced and the creek is beyond the fence.

[sratsey]

Kitchen. You'll spend a lot more time in the kitchen than you ever will in the yard.

[aweilba]

I'd also say the kitchen, mostly because it's something you use every single day.  If you'll be able to do one project this year and one fairly soon afterward, it really isn't too long to wait to get the backyard finished in the grand scheme of life.  Also, if parks in the area are okay, it would be something I'd be willing to deal with for a couple more years in order to have a functioning kitchen that I really love.  

Is the backyard unsafe currently, or just sloping in such a way that a swing set can't be installed?  If the slope is unsafe and you're worried about safety of people using the area, I might change my mind and say the backyard.   Otherwise, my vote would still be the kitchen.

[AmyRI]

I would do the yard. The kitchen is usable (even if ugly) but the yard isn't really usable, and before you know it you'll have a 2-year-old wanting a swingset. I know from personal experience, ha! We're just now doing the yard, as we're needing it. I really wish we had done this last year so we could enjoy the summer outside now that he really only wants to be out there during the day.

Doing the kitchen in a couple of years will be no worse than doing it now. In fact, I think a torn up kitchen while having to deal with bottles and pump parts would be worse than a 3-year-old that can eat what you are eating on normal (or disposable) plates.