4770 Ohio Ave S
Ste B
Seattle, WA 98134
info@paxsonfay.com
This Is What a $369,000 Backyard Remodel Looks Like
How much does a private putting green cost? What’s the budget for a Palm Springs-style pool house? We break down three outdoor remodel projects, from $48K to $369K
April 18, 2025 9:00 pm ET
When you peer into your backyard, do you see an oasis that beckons you to kick back and enjoy your piece of paradise, or a pockmarked patch of grass about as inviting as an alleyway? Perhaps a wildly unreliable economy has put you off spending very much green on your green.
Indeed, a garden revamp can leave your wallet wilted. A recent survey from Yardzen, an online landscape-design company, found that most of its clients laid out between $25,000 and $49,999 for outdoor upgrades. But it might be worth it for your own enjoyment and in terms of resale. A 2023 report from the National Association of Realtors puts cost recovery for a $9,000 landscape remodel at 100%, while a new in-ground pool will see a 56% return on investment.
That same study also assessed how outdoor projects can improve quality of life, using what NAR calls a “Joy Score.” Those surveyed gave al fresco remodels, from upgraded shrubbery to patios to swimming pools, an average joy score of nine out of 10. And Yardzen reports that 89% of its clients spent more time outside post improvements—an extra 24 hours a month.
We found three dramatic backyard revamps—in South Carolina, Florida and Washington—and spoke to homeowners and landscape pros about the costs involved. Outlay on sunscreen is not included.
The Seattle couple behind Floisand Studio Architects had a common problem. “We live on an urban lot with no space for a garage but with a big need for storage,” said firm co-founder and architect Allison Hogue. The sheet-metal shanty they made do with for years sat rusting directly on the ground behind their house. “We avoided going in it as much as possible.” Finally, last summer, she and husband Richard Floisand, a boat welder turned architect, designed and built a 90-square-foot shed to form a pretty backdrop for a new fire pit—and hide garden, sports and welding gear.
Materials for the building ran $20,127. The pair could have spent less but wanted to test best professional practices and build something to withstand soggy Seattle weather. The roof, of durable Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO), ate a fifth ($4,031) of their materials budget. Three Velux skylights ($200 each) provide light but don’t swallow valuable vertical storage area. A complex wall assembly ($3,857) of drainable house wrap and liquid flashing keep the black-stained cedar siding and interior space dry.
The pair designed and built the cedar barn doors so that one seals the shed and the other, which slides out beyond the structure, blocks the view of equipment such as car-roof racks, which stay outdoors. The custom hardware, lock and hanging system brought the doors’ cost to $4,149. Electrifying the building would have soaked up $6,000, so the couple skipped it. “We’re getting two kids through college right now,” Hogue said.
As for the seating area, the pair determined that concrete pavers under their steel fire pit would run a searing $10,000 to $15,000. Their pivot, a sprawl of crushed rock ($150), helps with drainage and adds a pleasing crunch underfoot.
The pair estimates their design fee would have run $6,231 and their own weeks of labor saved almost $18,000. Both have construction experience and they contracted out only the roofing, fence and foundation labor. During long days, they toiled on the project before and after their day jobs, and on weekends, 10-11 hours.
They had originally envisioned a 180-square-foot shed, but scrapping that, Hogue says, saved on something as precious as cash: paperwork. “In Seattle, you don’t have to permit a shed smaller than 120 square feet.”
BUDGET BREAKDOWN
meet the team
We’re inspired by diverse design perspectives, innovation, technology, art, and the world around us. We live for the chance to create and disperse powerful, genuine messages that resonate.
tessa franchini
principal
tessa@paxsonfay.com
Tessa graduated from Fordham University in New York with a dual bachelor's degree in Communications and Political Science. During her time at Fordham, she worked for an interior designer and at NBC News where she developed her love for both design and communications. After graduating, Tessa managed marketing at 3form, a pioneer in the sustainable building products industry. During her tenure, 3form was repeatedly named one of the most recognized manufacturers in the design industry among architects and designers, and the company won multiple awards for its innovative product launches. After 3form, Tessa consulted on marketing efforts with leading product manufacturers in architecture and design before starting Paxson Fay with Amy.
amy golden
principal
amy@paxsonfay.com
Originally from Seattle, Amy left her home in the Pacific Northwest to attend Fordham University, fulfilling her dream of living in New York City. After graduating with a BS in business administration, specializing in marketing and minoring in economics, Amy began her career in advertising sales at CNN and the Hallmark Channel in New York and LA. However, Amy’s love of writing, design, and connection with people ultimately led her to PR. While finishing her MBA back home at Seattle University, in 2015, Amy cofounded Paxson Fay with her friend and business partner, Tessa, driven by a shared vision to build a PR agency that reflected their values and passions. At Paxson Fay, Amy thrives in media relations and pitch development, enjoying the process of diving deep into each client’s story to craft compelling narratives that resonate with editors and journalists. Amy has a particular passion for architecture-focused projects, and securing SHED’s feature in The New York Times was an especially rewarding moment, as they were her first client. Another major career milestone was helping build out Paxson Fay’s talented team, fostering an environment where young professionals can grow their skills and pursue their passions. Outside of work, Amy loves spending time with her family, chasing after her two little boys, exploring Seattle’s restaurant scene, traveling with friends, and reading.
colby wood
senior account executive
colby@paxsonfay.com
After graduating from Fordham University in New York City with a major in Communications and Media Studies and a handful of marketing and PR internships, Colby moved to Boston to manage marketing for a small, women-owned, creative consulting agency. While in that role, Colby managed public relations and marketing efforts for some of Boston's most prominent events and public art initiatives, including the Boston Pickle Fair and The Bulfinch Crossing Projections in downtown Boston. Colby gained experience crafting brand stories and identities through social media marketing and creative copywriting, seen through the successful launch of a premier Massachusetts adult-use dispensary and the revamp of her agency's own website. After two years, Colby decided it was time to figure out what the West Coast was all about. Looking to blend her marketing experience with her passion for design and architecture, Colby found Paxson Fay, where she focuses on social media strategy and management and public relations.
paige childs
account executive
paige@paxsonfay.com
As a child, Paige wanted to be an architect; but after falling in love with storytelling, the power of words, and yes, the show West Wing, she decided to pursue journalism at The George Washington University in the nation’s capital. Following graduation, Paige crafted communications for the beauty and banking industries. Craving space for creativity, she joined the small team that would reopen the congressionally designated National Children’s Museum. There, she played an integral role in establishing the museum’s brand, bringing it to life across digital channels, including social media, email, and advertising. After nearly eight years in DC, she decided it was time for a change of scenery. Having grown fond of the title Washingtonian, she made the cross-country move to Washington State. She landed in Seattle at Paxson Fay, where in true full circle fashion she is the architect of social media and public relations strategies for our architecture and design clients.
martina povolo
account coordinator
martina@paxsonfay.com
Martina joined the Paxson Fay team as an intern when she was a senior at the University of Washington. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Public Interest Communications, Martina is now continuing with the team as a Communications Assistant. During her time at UW, Martina worked as the Special Sections Editor at the university’s newspapers where she won multiple awards for her front page spreads. Looking to blend her minors in real estate and environmental science with her focus in communications, Martina is passionate and excited to join the Paxson Fay team.
tara lyons
account coordinator
tara@paxsonfay.com
With roots in Napa and Denver, Tara ventured to the Pacific Northwest to pursue her academic journey at the University of Washington, where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Communication and Education. Tara's love for writing began when she delved into songwriting, building on her pre-existing passion for singing and playing the piano. Following her undergraduate years, she returned to Paxson Fay, where she had previously interned, transitioning into the role of Communications Assistant. With a keen interest in PR and social media, Tara seamlessly integrates her creative flair into the professional realm. Outside of work, you'll find Tara passionately supporting the Kraken, embodying her love for both storytelling and sports.
We are hiring for our internship program! We are looking for an intern with a passion for design to help manage key communication channels. Click here to read more.
what we do
We are a communications firm founded in our passion for good design. Our unique approach to marketing and public relations in the architecture and design community has elevated our clients work to the next level. We’re backed by a talented community of creatives. From copywriters to social media experts, we provide a complete package of customized services. We strive to create a personal experience with each client, integrating teams and tackling your biggest marketing and public relations challenges from a high level. Then we help execute those plans ensuring lots of reporting along the way, with lots of coffee breaks in between because we’re from Seattle and that’s what we do.
marketing
marketing strategy
brand strategy
project management
partnerships acquisition and management
e-mail blasts
public relations
media strategy
content production
media communications and outreach
awards: strategy, content development and submissions
social
platform strategy and management
content production
targeted campaigns
results + reporting
advertising
advertising strategy
budget strategy + negotiation
calendar management
creative coordination
content
storytelling
copywriting
website and e-mail marketing
video: sourcing, storyboarding and scheduling
photography acquisition + curation
events
event management
sponsorships + partnerships
tradeshow coordination
press tours
clients
Here is a little taste of who we love to work with and what we love to do.