As a savvy homeowner, you’re on the lookout for ways to increase the value of your home when it comes time to sell. At the same time, there’s a desire to invest in home improvement projects that enhance the design and functionality of spaces so that you can maximize enjoyment in your home. Outdoor living improvements and additions can accomplish both.
4 Outdoor Living Upgrades
When it comes to cost-effectively enhancing the value of your house and establishing spaces that the entire family can enjoy, outdoor living upgrades provide a significant boost. Here are a few that we’d recommend:
1. Screened Porch, Deck, or Patio
Nobody is going to spend time outside if it means they have to haul out a chair or sit on the lawn. The best way to make your yard more livable is to build a screened porch, deck, or patio. This could be something as simple as a concrete slab with a pergola or as complex as a deck-screened porch combo with lighting and furniture.
2. Outdoor Fireplace or Fire Pit
One of the best ways to extend the useful life of an outdoor living area is to integrate some sort of heating source you can utilize during the cooler months. On patios and screened porches, fireplaces are wonderful additions. Do some research and see if this is an option on your property.
“Not all fireplaces are identical,” eFireplaceStore notes. “Before installation, make sure your fireplace is rated for outdoor use. Do not try to set up an indoor fireplace for exterior use. They may look similar, but they are made from different materials and components.”
Don’t have the space or infrastructure for a fireplace? A simple fire pit or fire table can help you achieve the same desired result. There are plenty of plans on the internet for DIY fire pits, or you can buy one from a local home store.
3. Outdoor Kitchen
An outdoor kitchen with cabinets, countertops, a built-in gas grill, and a mini fridge is a great investment for families that like to barbeque. A well-designed outdoor kitchen can add significant value to your home and make your backyard a key selling point.
4. Swimming Pool
If you live in a hot climate, a swimming pool can be a good addition. It’ll allow you to get more year-round use out of your backyard. But this is a serious investment that requires precise planning.
“Putting a swimming pool in a backyard can be a good addition to an existing outdoor living space, but it should be approached with caution,” SpaceWise warns. “For homes that don’t currently have a swimming pool installed, the average cost for building a new swimming pool is just over $22,500—and that cost doesn’t include regular maintenance needed throughout the year, which can vary drastically depending on where you live.”
It’s also important to note that you might only get back 50 cents on the dollar (in terms of added resale value). So if you do install a pool, it should be something that you’ll actually use and enjoy.
What’s Right for Your House?
It’s important to consider what’s right for your house. This means thinking about a couple of relevant factors, like:
- Location. Some outdoor living improvements make more sense in certain geographical markets than others. For example, a swimming pool is a great idea in Florida, but might not add the same value in a place like Minnesota where it can only be used for a small period of time throughout the year.
- Comps. Secondly, think about what the upgrades cost and how much value they add. There is such a thing as doing too many upgrades to a house. If, for example, your house is currently worth $300,000 and the rest of the homes in the neighborhood are similarly priced, you probably don’t want to start a $100,000 project. You’ll never be able to recoup the cost when it comes time to sell.
The more you do research on the front end, the more likely it is that you’ll end up with a project that (a) enhances your living situation and (b) adds value to your property. Take time to consider all of your options and to speak with the right professionals.
This may include real estate agents, designers, landscapers, and contractors.
