The Outdoor Upgrades that Make Your Home More Valuable

The Outdoor Upgrades that Make Your Home More Valuable

Exterior upgrades can enhance the look of your property and offer ample recreational benefits too. When you think of these backyard home improvements, endless ideas probably come to mind. Swimming pools. Gazebos. Patios. While there’s no end to your options, they’re not all created equal in terms of their return on investment. In fact, some of these exterior projects can actually make your home less attractive to potential buyers.

If you want to rejuvenate your yard and build equity too, consider investing in these smart outdoor improvements:

Overhaul the façade. Replacing exterior siding sounds like an immense and expensive project, but it can be among the most cost-effective ways to improve your home’s value. According to Remodeling magazine, by choosing the right materials such as brick or stone veneer, you can earn back an astonishing 95% of your investment. By vastly improving your home’s appearance, you may very well get to enjoy the added bonus of selling it more quickly.

Re-think your doors. Those entries that affect your home’s curb appeal the most, such as your front door and garage doors, deserve special attention. You might think your current garage doors are good enough, but according to Remodeling magazine’s ‘2019 Cost vs Value Report’, upgrading them will give your home value a major boost. While making cosmetic changes to the facade of your house, don’t forget to upgrade your front door. By swapping a lackluster door for a stylish steel unit with window panels and sleek new hardware, you can recoup almost 75% of your investment. And don’t forget—a striking entryway creates a great first impression and sets the tone for the rest of your residence.

Invest in landscaping. Every home looks better when it’s surrounded by luscious, healthy landscaping. According the National Association of Realtors, a landscaping makeover could net you a healthy 83% return on investment. Installing an eye-catching brick or flagstone walkway, stone planters, mulching, and planting some flowering shrubs will set you back roughly $5,000, but they’re will worth the cost.

Increase your living space with a deck or patio. Does your family enjoy spending time outdoors? Then consider installing as a spacious attached deck to create the perfect area for grilling, entertaining, and sunbathing. Decks are also a popular selling point for would-be buyers, returning almost 76% on investment, according to Remodeling magazine. Remember to keep your fashionable new deck in the proper proportions and style to complement your house. If you already have a deck, simply power washing it, making any necessary repairs, and adding some stain can go a long way to rejuvenating its appearance. Similarly, a stunning patio expands and enhances your outside living area while increasing the value of your home. You can expect to recoup nearly 70% of your initial cash outlay. Known for their attractiveness and durability, stone and brick pavers are among today’s most popular options for patio construction.

The Outdoor Upgrades

Brighten up the outdoors. Stylish, effective outdoor lighting can be a major asset to any residence. Done right, it plays a big part in creating a desirable, visually appealing landscape and creates a magical ambience. It also promotes safety by helping to prevent slips and falls, and enhances security by deterring burglars and other would-be vandals. With so many benefits to be had, it’s not surprising that more than 90% of home buyers say that good exterior lighting is something that they’re looking for in a new residence. Think charming lanterns beside the front door, accent lighting that shows off interesting architectural details, and illuminating your landscaping and any usable outdoor areas. Today, many exterior lights can even be automated and controlled remotely via a smartphone app or integrated with other smart home products.

Install a firepit. Nothing beats roasting marshmallows and spending time with your loved ones around a roaring fire. Installing a warm, rustic outdoor fire pit will not give you some delightful memories, but you can also realize 67% on its investment. Minimize smoke and scattered ash by placing your fire pit in a location with some wind protection. Keep safety in mind by building the pit away from your house or other structures, and away from low-hanging tree limbs.

Invest in multipurpose storage space. Today’s home buyers are seeking convenient outdoor storage quarters that are both practical and visually appealing. Adding some counter space or workshop areas to storage sheds is becoming a popular way to maximize their beauty and functionality. Consider taking it up a notch by adding electricity, plumbing, and HVAC to create an iconic she-shed or man cave personal space. Top your shed off with comfortable furnishings, some favorite books or a big-screen TV and you’re ready for relaxation and some major ROI.

Plant windbreak and shade trees. This relatively inexpensive project can pay off handsomely in a number of ways. First and foremost, mature trees almost always add to a property’s perceived value. The addition of trees not only make your outdoor living space more visually appealing, they’re also environmentally friendly and can even save you some money on your energy bill. If you don’t plan to sell your home for seven years or more, planting small trees is the way to go. Selling within less than five years? You’ll need some size to reap their full effect, so look for trees that are already seven feet tall or more. Try to stick to trees that will reach a medium size when they’re grown so they don’t totally overshadow your house. If you’re not sure what’s best, ask your local gardening center for advice. Trees are a home enhancement that actually appreciates in value over time, so you may as well take advantage of their value.

The right backyard improvements can enhance your home’s appearance, increase its value, and extend your living space. To learn more about the best upgrades to transform your home’s outdoor space, please contact our helpful team of professionals.

About Certified Title Corporation: Since 1994, attorney-owned Certified Title Corporation has been furnishing residential and commercial real estate stakeholders across the nation with robust title insurance, settlement, and escrow services. Renowned for their industry-leading reliability and exemplary level of service and quality, the Maryland-based company helps clients from all walks of life achieve their asset goals. To learn more, call (888)486-5511 or visit https://www.certifiedtitlecorp.com/.