8 Outdoor Improvement Tips to Increase Your Home's Value

Outdoor Improvements to Increase Home Value

Hello, savvy homeowners! At M&D Real Estate, we understand that your home is not just a place to live; it’s an investment in your future. One of the most effective ways to enhance the value of your property is through thoughtful landscaping. A well-designed and maintained outdoor space not only boosts your home’s curb appeal but can also significantly increase its market value. We at M&D Real Estate are excited to share landscaping tips that not only beautify but significantly boost your home value.

1. Invest in Outdoor Lighting

Illuminate your outdoor space with a touch of artistry by enlisting the expertise of a professional outdoor lighting designer. While safety and security are inherent benefits, the true magic lies in the aesthetic value of well-designed lighting after dusk.

Collaborating with a lighting expert allows you to strategically position fixtures that not only illuminate pathways but also accentuate architectural elements and highlight key focal points. The result is an outdoor ambiance that invites admiration and captivates visitors long after the sun has set. Opt for energy-efficient LED fixtures in aesthetically pleasing designs to ensure your property remains a beacon of beauty around the clock.

Did you know outdoor lighting can increase your home value as much as 12%?

2. Consider an Outdoor Kitchen

There’s no question that an outdoor kitchen can add great value to your home, with an ROI of an outdoor kitchen expected to be between 55% and 200 percent, according to RocketHomes.com. You can compare this to an in-ground swimming pool, which some experts say may only offer an ROI  as low as 7 percent, reports Investopedia.

Transform your outdoor space with this excellent addition. There are many varieties and types, with modular being at the top of the list right now.  Gas grills are the most popular element in outdoor kitchens right now. Consider utilizing a mix of materials that can withstand weather—think stone counters or stainless-steel finishes. Lastly, don’t forget about lighting fixtures! 

Adding a touch of outdoor lighting to your outdoor kitchen will make the space even cozier and more fun for entertaining.

You can even check out some simple outdoor kitchens that can be easily installed yourself here. These modules from Wayfair offer all types of variety, catering to a myriad of tastes and design features.

3. Patio and Deck + Firepit

Consider adding a patio or deck to your outdoor space, then spruce it up even more with a firepit! Then, surround this area with mature trees, shrubs, and plants that can make your property more attractive and appealing. In fact, mature landscaping can increase a home value by 10%!

Many experts and some architects rule of thumb is that homeowners should spend between 5% and 10% of their home value on landscaping. Buyers find a well-landscaped home and outdoor living space to be irresistible in today’s market.

According to the National Association of Realtors report, 48% of experts revealed that the combination of a porch and patio is what most people desire in a home.

If you’re considering making one of these investments, keep in mind that the average porch costs about $20,000 whereas a patio averages just under $5,000, according to NAR. Finally, when asked in the same study what buyers main priorities were for outdoor spaces, 80% agreed it was a place to gather with friends and family. So, this is definitely a step that could improve your own quality of living, in addition to increasing your home value.

However, always get good advice from a REALTOR based on your location, neighborhood, and other factors to determine what investments will get you the most bang for your buck and get you the highest ROI.

4. Showcase Well-Defined Outdoor Rooms​

Once you have your patio or outdoor area, what should you do with it? Well, unlock the full potential of your outdoor space by strategically creating well-defined outdoor rooms.

Arrange furniture, planters, or introduce variations in elevation to delineate distinct areas for dining, lounging, and entertaining. This meticulous planning adds an element of sophistication to your landscape, allowing potential buyers to envision the versatility of the outdoor area.

By showcasing well-defined outdoor rooms, you transform your yard into a functional and stylish extension of the living space. Prospective homeowners can easily visualize themselves enjoying the various outdoor activities, further increasing the perceived value of your property as a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor living. Sustainable furniture and concrete décor will also last and look great as its one of the top trending outdoor design elements of the year. Check out this adorable concrete patio table from Amazon, or this gorgeous garden, concrete bench.

5. Incorporate Smart Technology for Irrigation and Lighting

Take a leap into the future of landscaping by seamlessly integrating smart technology into your outdoor oasis. Smart irrigation systems that are adaptive to weather conditions, soil moisture levels, and specific plant requirements revolutionize water management. This innovation optimizes water usage, ensuring your landscape not only thrives but does so in an environmentally conscious manner.

Similarly, smart lighting controllers empower you to program and adjust lighting schedules remotely, guaranteeing that your property consistently flaunts its best features. Embrace these cutting-edge innovations to showcase your home’s modern appeal, enticing potential buyers with the promise of a technologically advanced and resource-efficient living environment. Smart irrigation systems can increase your home value by thousands of dollars as well!

6. Integrate a High-Quality Sprinkler System

Elevate your landscaping prowess to new heights by investing in a top-tier sprinkler system. Choose a system equipped with precise water distribution capabilities, guaranteeing that every nook and cranny of your garden receives the optimal amount of moisture.

A well-maintained, verdant lawn is an unequivocal sign of a property that is not just tended to but cherished. This attention to detail resonates with potential buyers who recognize the importance of property longevity and care. Showcase your commitment to excellence with a state-of-the-art sprinkler system that keeps your landscape lush, vibrant, and inviting.

“A well-maintained lawn will make your home look more attractive. Potential buyers will notice that your grass is healthy and lush, resulting in higher property values,” according to a report by texasrainmakers.com.

7. Incorporate High-End Materials for Hardscaping

Leave a lasting impression by upgrading your hardscape elements with premium materials that exude elegance and durability. Opt for natural stone, high-quality pavers, or custom-designed concrete to elevate the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor spaces. These luxurious materials not only enhance the visual impact of your landscape but also convey a sense of permanence and sophistication.

Potential buyers will readily recognize the investment in high-end hardscaping as a testament to the property’s overall value and long-lasting beauty. The use of premium materials not only adds a touch of luxury to your outdoor spaces but also ensures that your property stands out as a timeless and enduring masterpiece in the real estate market.

According to Angi.com, hardscaping costs about $9,000 on average. A firepit can run anywhere from $300 to $1,400, while a water feature may cost between $850 and $4,450. A patio may run from $1,400 to $7,000 and topping the lists of investments, many outdoor kitchens cost homeowners around $22,150. But, also according to the same study, you can typically expect to get 20% to 30% of your investment back when you choose the right project. For instance, if you’re going to add a $10,000 paver patio to your backyard, then you can expect that patio to increase your home value by $2,000 to $3,000 when it comes time to sell or refinance. And you get to enjoy the beauty and ambience in the meantime surrounded by family and friends!

8. Outdoor Storage Area

Lastly, consider adding outdoor storage to your backyard space. According to kauffmanstructures, professional appraisers say the following about the increased value from storage spaces: 1) Living Quarters add the most value, at potentially $15,000. Then, a “She Shed & Man Cave” may increase your homes value by 1 or 2%. Finally, a tool shed can also increase the value of your property by 1 to 2%.

Storage sheds can especially make your home more attractive to buyers if it doesn’t already have a garage area. The most popular sheds are 10’ x 12’ spaces. The national average cost of building a shed is usually $2,500 but can range from anywhere between $400 to $30,000, depending on what you want.

Then, to improve the aesthetics, consider adding flower beds, a deck, and more ambient lighting surrounding your new structure.

Create Your Dream Landscape

These outdoor improvement tips provided by M&D Real Estate are not just about creating a visually appealing outdoor space—they are a blueprint for elevating your property’s overall value and market appeal. 

By focusing on strategic enhancements, these tips go beyond the surface aesthetics, delving into features that not only capture attention but also signify a thoughtful investment in the long-term value of your home.

As you revel in the possibilities for your newly transformed outdoor space, consider the next exciting chapter on your homeownership journey with M&D Real Estate. 

M&D Real Estate specializes in seamlessly navigating the process of selling your home or helping you purchase a new home. 

Contact us today!

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