Outdoor Improvements for Home Value

Whether you’re looking to sell your home fast to take advantage of a seller’s market or make a long-term investment in your home’s equity, improving the outdoor features of your home is a great way to increase value. First impressions are important, and the outside of your home is what potential homebuyers will see first.

Outdoor renovations to boost curb appeal increase the value of your home and can draw a bigger audience to help your home sell faster. Consider these ideas for your next home improvement project.

Outdoor Living Spaces

Many homeowners and potential homebuyers have recently discovered the value of expanding their living space outdoors. Adding or improving upon an existing outdoor space such as a patio, deck or outdoor kitchen will increase the functionality and livability of your home. After completing a new patio project, over 80% of consumers said they had an increased desire to be home and reported an increased sense of enjoyment.

An outdoor living space can also help close the deal when selling your home. The estimated cost recovered from adding a new patio is $5,000. For an outdoor kitchen, the expected amount recovered jumps to $10,000. To get the best return on investment, keep the project simple. A 60-square-foot countertop with an inset grill, stainless steel drawers, ice chest and sink will provide a fully functional outdoor kitchen without breaking the bank.

To get the most out of upgrading your outdoor space, you’ll want to consider functionality and visual appeal. A roof that provides shade and protection from rain increases the number of days you can use your outdoor living space each year. This upgrade is enormously valuable in rainy or hot climates, as it also provides protection from the elements. It can also extend the usable life of your outdoor furniture.

Depending on where you live, adding an outdoor fan or heating system could further improve the usability of your outdoor space. If you already have a covered deck or patio, a fresh coat of paint and new furniture will make your outdoor area more attractive to potential homebuyers.

Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting is an excellent way to improve the aesthetics of your home. Lights make a house feel warmer and more inviting. Lights also accent or call attention to outdoor features like landscaping or entryways.

Installing outdoor lights is a relatively low-cost way to help your home stand out on the market. Even if you aren’t planning on selling your home, outdoor lighting offers functional benefits. Increased outdoor lighting illuminates a safe path to your front door when you come home at night and has been shown to reduce incidences of violent crime.

Adding outdoor lights to your home does not need to be a major project. It can be as easy as self-installing a few path lights on each side of the walkway to your front door. The cost of adding lights will depend on the type and number of lights you install. Installing an outdoor outlet and wiring the lights to your home is another factor that could add substantial cost. Consider solar-powered outdoor lights as a cost-effective solution.

Landscaping

A well-maintained yard or garden helps make a positive first impression. The state of your yard sends a powerful message to buyers about the rest of your home. The National Association of Realtors ranks lawn care and landscaping as the best outdoor projects to appeal to buyers and increase a home’s resale value. You can expect an 83% return on investment recovered for landscape maintenance. Standard lawn care service has an even higher expected return on investment.

Most realtors will suggest completing landscape maintenance such as adding mulch, mowing the grass and pruning shrubs before selling a home. Larger landscaping projects such as installing stone planters, planting a tree or building a stone walkway are other common recommendations.

An overgrown or poorly kept yard could suggest there are other less obvious problems with the house that could lead to costly future repairs for unsuspecting home buyers. In contrast, a well-cared-for lawn or garden tells prospective homebuyers that you probably put that same effort into maintaining the rest of the home. Preparing your house for sale by hiring a professional landscaper can improve the perceived quality of your home and help you secure a premium price.

You should exercise caution, however. While homeowners are willing to pay more for a property with quality landscaping, some buyers prefer a low-maintenance yard and will be deterred by the amount of effort it takes to care for trees, bushes and other plants. While your home will likely sell for more, it might take longer to find a buyer who is willing to put in the work to preserve the property.

You should also consider the area you live in. In dry regions such as California and Arizona, requiring large amounts of water to maintain your landscaping can be a detriment. If you live in a drought-prone area, consider loose stones accented with succulents and cacti in place of grass.

Fire Pits

Fire pits are an increasingly trendy outdoor improvement. A natural gas fire pit or a similar fire feature is an excellent addition to make your outdoor space feel cozier while also increasing your future resale value. The warmth of a fire pit will extend the use of your outdoor living space by letting your family gather around it well into the cool autumn and winter seasons.

If you can’t afford an addition of a permanent fire pit and the accompanying patio, consider buying a portable fire pit. These are significantly more affordable, and many come with a price tag under $100. While a portable fire pit won’t increase the value of your home, consider displaying it in your yard during viewings. As part of your staging, the fire pit can create a warm, welcoming environment. Inviting prospective homebuyers to imagine spending cool nights sharing stories and roasting marshmallows by the fire can help your home stand out from others in the market.

SPQ Brands Outdoor Lighting and More

SPQ Brands specializes in manufacturing products for safe outdoor enjoyment. In addition to our popular swimming pool products, our outdoor lights keep yards and walkways well lit so you can safely enjoy nights outdoors with your family. Our Nightlighter Landscape lights come in two models, a classic cool white light or automatic color-changing lights to make your outdoor features pop.

For something environmentally friendly and highly customizable, try our flexRAY Solar Landscape Lights. Available in three color options, you can find the perfect fit for your home’s style, and the adjustable arms allow you to direct light where you need it most. Built-in sensors mean the lights can sense the current light levels and alter their brightness throughout the day to save energy.

If you’re looking to add beauty, function and value to your home with outdoor lighting and other features, browse our fine selection of products.