Outdoor Living Value
Outdoor Living: Is It an Investment?
So… you’re considering a home remodeling project but aren’t sure which one will best increase your home’s value. A fun place to start is with outdoor living spaces! A new space can enhance the outdoor living value of your home. While it is an investment, it does more than improve curb appeal. These projects can include elements such as decks, patios, pergolas, outdoor kitchens, and more. However, most people don’t want to spend a lot of hard-earned money on outdoor elements unless they truly increase the value of their home. Let’s explore four different elements and see how they can help boost your home’s resale value.
Patios
Let’s start with patios. Adding a patio can improve how the exterior areas are used. Most homes with usable patios sell much faster than those with unusable yards. The average-sized patio costs around $6,000 to build, and most homes see a typical sale increase of $6,000 to $6,200. This shows that the return on investment can reach or exceed 100%. When adding a patio, consider using quality materials, adding unique lighting to enjoy the space in the evening, and keeping the size reasonable so it doesn’t dominate the yard.
Outdoor Kitchens
Outdoor kitchens are an excellent addition that encourages more outdoor entertaining. They can include grills, sinks, bars, refrigerators, and more. Although installing an outdoor kitchen is more expensive than other elements, the return on investment is often excellent. Homes resold with outdoor kitchens typically recoup the full value of the investment. Outdoor kitchens are especially popular in southern regions where they can be used for many months of the year. A few design tips: build the kitchen around your primary cooking elements, include plenty of counter space near cooking areas, and avoid wood-burning pizza ovens as they are often underused.
Decks
Wood or composite decks are a practical way to add living space without the cost of a full home addition. Decks can be upgraded with covered roofs, pergolas, screenings, built-in benches, and more. Remodeling Magazine’s 2020 Cost vs. Value report estimates that homeowners spend just over $14,000 to add a new wooden deck, while the resale value increases by about $10,300—around 74% of the cost. While the ROI is lower than patios or outdoor kitchens, decks remain highly usable for entertaining. Tips to consider: use composite decking for its durability and popularity, add outdoor lighting, and maintain wooden decks to keep them looking great.
Pergolas
Pergolas are a popular addition to patios or decks. They can be made from treated lumber, cedar, redwood, or composites. While pergolas don’t usually protect against rain, they provide significant shade from the sun. They can be customized to match the home and the homeowner’s style. The ROI for pergolas is generally 50 to 70%, which is still good. Include outdoor lighting, design them to highlight your home’s natural features, and ensure they are built to code, especially if attached to the roof.
The Right Choice
If your home already has one or more of these elements, consider updating or refinishing them to increase usability and value. With the right design team, these features can transform your home, boost entertainment potential, and create a relaxing outdoor environment. If you are in Daphne, Fairhope, Spanish Fort, or Mobile, AL, and need a patio and deck builder or any other outdoor living project, let’s talk. Experience the outdoor living solutions you deserve.