Not all households have the luxury of having an outdoor space, with the combinations of economic boom, population explosion, and migration to urban areas, houses have become narrower over the years and have become too limited into four walls, what we call now as condominiums. If you're in the province, rural, or semi-urban locations, you could be one of the lucky ones to have a good lawn where your kids, and probably your dog, too, could run around.
From the list of outdoor space improvements above, I find having a pool, outdoor kitchen/bar, and hot tub to be the most expensive, they don't only require money, they also require a lot of space, and high maintenance cost. This might not be practical for families with average to low income.
Having a gazebo, on the other hand, is a very good idea and the cost is reasonable. I think that the price of having a gazebo could still go down the estimated $3000 if you can find the right contractor, or if you do it yourself. Plus, it doesn't require too much space, you can adjust depending on what's available. Having a gazebo does not only beautify your home, it is also a good investment because you can use the space for small gatherings or during those times when you want to take your family out (well, literally just outside the home) for dinner. You can add mood lighting and outdoor sound if you prefer.
Installing a Koi Pond is also a good idea. It doesn't require too much space, either, and it's good to have one if you have growing kids who like to have pets. The most affordable ways of improving your home are the installation of a deck and deck awning. They have low installation cost and have high benefits to your home. The maintenance is also very low. It's the most practical way of improving your outdoor living space. And the best part is, you can do it yourself!
