If you’re considering making upgrades to your home or backyard, keep in mind that some will increase the future resale value of your property more than others. Of course, the most important aspect is that you and your family will benefit from and appreciate the upgrade, but it never hurts to plan ahead. A home project that will increase your home’s market value is the best possible option. However, the question is: what hardscaping projects can increase the value of your home the most? In the rest of this article, we’ll answer that question and go over everything else you need to know about certain hardscaping projects.
Patios & Decks
When thinking about hardscaping projects that increase the value of your home, patios and decks are known to offer a varied return on investment. On average, they can increase the resale value of the home by 30% to 73%. However, before deciding on this upgrade, it’s important to consider the climate. This is a much better option if you live in an area with a warmer climate because you’d be able to spend more time outdoors, enjoying these upgrades. Moreover, you also need to take into consideration the materials used. Those more expensive materials, such as wood and stone, can increase the return on investment.
By adding a patio or a deck, you can transform your backyard and create an ultimate space for entertainment and socializing. Patios and decks can provide the outside space you need when inviting your friends and family over. Any get-together can be improved by simply moving it from inside the house to your backyard and patio. It makes for a warm, natural atmosphere people enjoy.
Outdoor Kitchen & Grill
Outdoor kitchen areas are quite popular and offer a significant return on investment. Kitchens with grills, freezers, and even sinks may provide 100% to 200% return on investment. These areas also frequently include spaces for entertaining as well as seating and eating areas. Just like patios and decks, outdoor kitchens are perfect for having friends over. They’re great spots for barbecues and provide a place for everyone to relax and unwind together. However, one of the most important things when adding an outdoor kitchen area to your house is making it practical. You want to enhance your home’s functionality while minimizing unnecessary journeys in and out. Moreover, don’t build your outdoor kitchen too close to your indoor one. That could have the opposite effect and decrease your return on investment.
Outdoor Lighting
Another great option when looking into hardscaping projects that increase the value of your home is to add outdoor lights. First off, they can serve multiple purposes. They can keep your house safe because outdoor lights most often deter burglars. And, they also create a lovely atmosphere in your yard. Combined with some nice backyard decor, it can be a real game-changer. With all that in mind, it’s no wonder they can increase your return of investment by 50% on average.
Outdoor Fire Pit
Nothing beats roasting marshmallows while swapping tales around a crackling fire during the summer months. Adding an outdoor fire pit doesn’t only create wonderful memories but can also have a 67% ROI, making it one of the top hardscaping projects that increase the value of your home, just after outdoor kitchens. Before installing a fire pit, there’s so much you will need to know. While installing a fire pit is very easy, it’s best if you do frequent check-ups. You need to constantly make sure your fire pit is functioning properly and that no furniture is close enough to catch on fire.
On the other hand, you could also take a bit more complex route and add an outdoor fireplace to your property. Although they can be difficult to install, their ROI can go as high as 60%.
Water Features
The problem with water features like fountains or ponds is that their return on investment is not as great as that of a fire pit, but it is also not as low as a backyard chlorinated pool. They’re popular not because of the water (since ponds aren’t usually swimmable), but because they’re part of a trend toward turning a backyard into a serene haven. Water that is gently trickling or calmly reflecting might help people relax more easily. Combined with some backyard decorations, it can create a beautiful oasis for yoga and meditation. Alternatively, it could just be a calming environment for reading a book and sunbathing. Water features are also great to emphasize other landscaping and as part of garden walks and walkways.
However, water features are often very hard to maintain, which should also be taken into account. They require a lot of cleaning, filtering, and even testing the water quality from time to time. This is what can potentially drive prospective buyers away when it’s time to sell.
Backyard Decor
While adding some backyard decor is not considered hardscaping, it can certainly help when you’re staging the house for an open home. Adding beautiful garden decorations can increase your home’s appeal and charm a potential buyer into getting the home. However, once it’s time to move, you will have to remove the decor and pack it properly, so it doesn’t get damaged. In order to do so, you will need quality packing materials and a lot of patience. Alternatively, you can get help from professionals, and your decorations will be guaranteed to survive the move.
Things To Consider First
Before deciding on one of these hardscaping projects that increase the value of your home, you need to consider a couple of things first. Not everyone has the same taste, so finding a buyer that will enjoy the projects you completed might be challenging. Additionally, the return on investment is a significant factor, and you will have to calculate how much you can spend and how high a return you expect. Finally, consider the installation and maintenance of the features you add. If installing a particular feature in your backyard is too complicated, it might not be worth the investment. The same goes for maintenance; the less demanding a feature is to maintain, the higher the chances of finding an interested buyer.