6 Outdoor Living Space Features that Boost Home Value

My friend Kacey Bradley is back today with some inspiring tips on how to incorporate upgrades that will boost home value in addition to adding style to your space.

6 Outdoor Living Space Features that Boost Home Value /// Design Fixation #curb_appeal #backyard #patio
Photo: My Domaine

One of the great parts about being a homeowner is that there’s always a new project you can tackle if you feel up to it. There are many ways to personalize your home, but the most important projects will add to its value.

Read on to learn which outdoor living space features will boost home value. Whether you’re looking to sell in the near future or do some upgrades, these projects are sure to pay off.

1. Updated Garage Door

People are always looking for homes that have a garage. The more car space in your garage, the more attractive your home will be. Garages can be used by families of all sizes, but looks always matter

The first thing a potential buyer will see is the outside of your home, which includes the garage. When was the last time your garage door was cleaned, or even replaced? It could be time to get a new garage door. Power washing will make it look clean, but it could be outdated compared to other homes on the market.

Look into getting your garage door replaced, and you could recoup almost 74 percent of the project cost.

6 Outdoor Living Space Features that Boost Home Value /// Design Fixation #curb_appeal #backyard #patio
Photo: Dwell

2. Modern Fire Pit

People who are out looking for a new home are most likely planning to stay or a long time. They want to create lasting memories, which is when a fire pit comes in handy.

Potential buyers will love to daydream about roasting marshmallows and making s’mores in their own fire pit, so add one to your backyard. Make it modern by surrounding it with artsy stones or having it built into a retaining wall. Fire pits that have gas burners will cost more than a traditional wood-burning pit, but you’ll get two-thirds of the cost back when your home sells.

3. Refreshed and Modern Landscaping

Your landscaping changes how people view your home, and ultimately, it can either raise or lower the value of your property.

Refresh your landscaping with projects like fertilizing the entire lawn or installing a sprinkler system. If the plants you already have become greener and fuller of life, it’ll drastically improve how people see your home.

Another aspect of landscaping to keep in mind is pest control. Not every homeowner has the time for this, which is why there are professionals ready to help.

The right team of lawn care professionals will protect your property from pests and ensure your landscaping always looks its best. Studies show that homes with lawn care programs can boost your home’s value by 303 percent ROI.

4. New Stone Facade

Siding is often overlooked, except for the occasional power wash. Unless your home has wood siding that chips and needs to be repainted, you might not have considered how it affects home value and the overall look.

Remodeling your home’s exterior doesn’t have to be a major project. Many homeowners are choosing to add new stone facades, which is a property-boosting project.

Stone facades add a chic feel to any home, especially with neutral or gray tones. The cost could rise to almost $10,000, but you’ll earn back 95 percent of what you spend whenever you sell in the future.

5. Expansive New Deck

Homes that lack a deck are hard to find, since they’re such a popular addition. Even smaller decks are few and far between, since people want larger ones that can serve different purposes.

A deck will definitely add value to your home, especially if it’s expansive or wraps around your house. Quality wood decks have a 76 percent return.

How you make your deck look is up to you. Paint it with weatherproof paint in shades that match your shutters or other features in your yard. Add patio furniture to finish the look and then enjoy all the parties and relaxation.

6 Outdoor Living Space Features that Boost Home Value /// Design Fixation #curb_appeal #backyard #patio
Photo: BHG

6. Bright Outdoor Lighting

You might have streetlamps on the front side of your home down by the street, but they won’t make your home feel any cozier at night.

Don’t forget to add the option of outdoor lighting to your home, even if you don’t plan to use it all that often. Stylish exterior lighting creates a place to relax and have fun, which everyone wants to be able to do in their own home.

Sidewalk or poolside lighting could add a 50 percent return on your investment, paying you back in the long run when your house goes on the market. Consider adding lighting around other areas of your home too, like your poolside bar, trampoline or even your shed.

Work With Your Property

Put yourself in the shoes of a potential homebuyer. What features of your house would they be interested in, or what could be added to compete with other homes in your area?

Given time, you’ll find the right projects for your property so you can boost home value and make it even more attractive.


Kacey Bradley is the blogger behind The Drifter Collective, an eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Kacey graduated with a degree in Communications while working for a lifestyle magazine. She has been able to fully embrace herself with the knowledge of nature, the power of exploring other locations and cultures, all while portraying her love for the world around her through her visually pleasing, culturally embracing and inspiring posts. Along with writing for her blog, she has written for sites like U.S. News, SUCCESS, Ruffled, and more!

Follow Kacey on Twitter and subscribe to her blog to keep up with her travels and inspiring posts!

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