Introduction
If you’re seeking ways to improve your home’s resale value, don’t overlook exterior upgrades. Outdoor spaces can be highly regarded by prospective buyers. Accordingly, improving the outdoor functionality and curb appeal of your house can be great investments that give you an excellent return for your money.
So what are some of the best outdoor home improvements that are likely to increase the value of your property? Consider these eight update ideas.
1. Update exteriors
Have your walls, roofing, and gutters cleaned by a professional if they’re covered in mold, moss, and debris. Likewise, a new coat of paint, or installing fresh cladding can instantly improve the curb appeal of your home. Bear in mind, composite cladding is the better choice as it gives you the benefits of durability and a natural look without the downsides like the extensive maintenance requirements of traditional timber.
2. Invest in landscaping
Landscaping can play a vital role in persuading would-be purchasers that your property is the one for them. Have an overgrown, messy yard trimmed and tidied up. Add flowers and shrubbery, and consider hardscaping options like paving for worn garden paths and borders. For a cost-effective update, seed your lawn and apply fertiliser to keep it healthy and vibrant. Add a layer of mulch to garden beds to keep the weeds away and for a clean, fresh look.
3. Add an outdoor living space
Outdoor living spaces, such as patios and decks, can increase your resale value by as much as 10% or more. Other ideas include outdoor kitchens, dining areas, or cosy sitting spaces perfect for entertaining.
When deciding what to add, think about the climate in your region. For example, outdoor rooms, decks, pergolas, and porches with heating are popular for cold climates. If your area gets a lot of rain, cover is essential.
For regions with plenty of sunshine, open-air outdoor spaces with retractable shading like sails and awnings might be ideal when you need respite from harsh sunshine. Adding a fireplace or firepit with some outdoor seating is an easy way to spruce up an outdoor space if you already have hard surfacing in place.
4. Build a deck wall
If you already have a deck or patio, why not consider adding a wall? With a living wall that effortlessly blends into your garden, you can enhance privacy without impeding natural light. Another idea is to install a wooden screen with lattice or similar patterning. These screens boost privacy while letting air and light through. You can even cultivate attractive climbing plants to create a living wall using these screens as a foundation.
5. Expand garden functionality
Establishing new zones in your garden can increase the appeal of your property to prospective buyers. Create these zones with specific activities in mind, using furniture, landscaping, and hardscaping. For instance, you can set up areas for kids to play such as sandpits or spaces with outdoor furniture for relaxation. Other ideas include spaces with workbenches for DIY work and graveled areas with raised garden beds for edible gardening.
6. Build a pool
Building a pool can turn your backyard into an appealing recreational space for socialising, thereby raising the value of your property. Consider your budget, lifestyle needs, and property profile. For example, if you’re on a small block and your house is a two-bedder suitable for empty-nesters or couples, then an infinity pool might be better than a family-sized pool.
Take into account that a swimming pool can be a major investment with lots of ongoing maintenance. However, if you are living in a warm climate and planning to list your property soon, adding a pool could be the price-boosting measure you’re looking for.
7. Do window and door upgrades
Upgrading doors and windows can significantly increase your resale price, due to the fact these changes can deliver decades worth of value for buyers. Switch out worn windows and replace them with double-glazed, energy-efficient windows with UV shading. These minimise air leaks and keep cooling and heating costs down.
Update interior and exterior doors with durable, attractive options that come with enhanced security features like keyless entry. Alternatively, for a cost-effective solution, you can refresh your front door with a new coat of paint or by spray painting the handle or updating it.
8. Make eco-friendly additions
Going green can massively increase your resale value since prospective buyers are conscious about saving on energy and the environmental impact of their lifestyles. You can add a green roof with vegetation to enhance insulation and attract wildlife. For good measure, add tanks to capture rainwater for the garden. In addition, reclaimed materials for decking and other surfaces, solar panels, and solar-powered lighting are other ideas for eco-friendly outdoor additions.
Conclusion
Your home’s outdoor areas provide plenty of opportunities for improving potential resale value. A beautiful exterior can encourage prospective buyers to get through the door for an inspection. You can apply a fresh coat of paint or new cladding, invest in landscaping or add extra outdoor living spaces. Building a deck wall, adding a pool, and expanding your garden’s functionality are other ideas for improvements. Alternatively, consider upgrading doors and windows or making eco-friendly solutions that improve the environmental impact of your home.
