It doesn’t matter whether you’re staying put or planning on listing your house, it’s always good to think about ways to increase the value of your property. And if you’re not selling it, those upgrades will make it more comfortable to live in, so it’s a win-win.
Now, you probably have a scene from a construction site in your head and you’re not really looking forward to living in those conditions. It’s true, some upgrades will turn your house, both inside and out, upside down for a while, but there are also smaller things you can do and add that will up the value and make you happier.
The real estate market is competitive and that doesn’t look like it will change anytime soon. In this type of market, you’re always looking for an edge, something that will make your property stand out and make the buyers willing to spend more money.
This goes beyond looks, though. Buyers don’t just want the place to look nice, they want it to feel like home, and that goes for your outdoor area, too. It has to be an extension of your house, where it still feels homey and cozy, just outside, in the fresh air. Features like patios, pools, and landscaped yards can make your house feel bigger and they can make it a lot more expensive.
As you can imagine, some upgrades are pricey, but the investment will pay off in the long run, even if you don’t decide to sell your house right away. The more bells and whistles, the more money you can ask for it.
Here are 4 upgrades that are sure to make everyone’s jaws drop, as well as up the value of your property.
This is a top feature that all buyers look for if they’re spending a lot of money on a house. A pool is way more than just a place to splash around; it’s the focal point of every backyard that has it. If you get a pool and make sure it’s well-designed, it will significantly increase the value of your property.
To make that happen, you’ll need an experienced pool contractor who can design a pool that will complement the layout and style of your property.
You’ll also want to throw in some features to your pool, like a heating system, automated cleaning, and water elements (fountains, waterfalls) to make it even more attractive for buyers and more fun for you.
A home with one kitchen? No, let’s have two! An outdoor kitchen is a must-have for anyone that likes to entertain. Get a built-in grill, a lot of storage, countertops for prepping the food and drinks, and a refrigerator to make it more convenient.
A covered dining area will go perfectly with an outdoor kitchen; use a pergola or retractable awning to protect the dining area from the weather and to make it look more luxurious.
An outdoor kitchen with a covered dining area next to a pool? Can it get any better?
A deck or a patio gives you endless possibilities. Sunbathing, lounging, dining, hosting parties, meditating, working out… The list goes on and on.
However, you can’t just get any ol’ deck, you need to make it durable, otherwise it’s best not to even bother with putting one in. Composite decking, natural stone, or stamped concrete are your best choices because they look beautiful and they’re very durable and low-maintenance.
If you don’t know what exactly you want to do with your deck, add some seating, planters, and a fire pit and you’re all set.
This is key for creating curb appeal and adding character. You want a manicured lawn with decorative plants and shrubs because it will instantly improve the way your home looks.
If you don’t have a preference or you just want something that’s easy to maintain, go for native plants, or ones that are resistant to drought. They don’t need nearly as much upkeep as some more exotic species do, and they’re eco-friendly.
Apart from plants, add pathways, garden borders, and maybe even a water feature to make your yard more inviting.
Now you almost have a buffet of choices. The best thing about buffets? You can choose what you want. Adding all these features will make the value of your property skyrocket, but you don’t need to do it all.
You can pick and choose what you think would work best for your house (and your wallet) and it will still make a big change. Even if you do just one thing, the price of your property will still go up, and it will make it a nicer place to live.
So, don’t worry if there’s no budget for a pool and a deck – landscaping will do just fine on its own.