Many homeowners fixate on the interior design and decor, leaving the yard to ‘later.’ We get why. Your bed and your toilet are inside the house, and not every season brings weather that makes being outside comfortable. However, investing time and money into your landscape can really pay off in so many ways. You can increase your livable space, add delightful views from inside, and create areas that meet your needs of entertaining, fitness, and relaxation. And, backyard projects can boost home value.
In this guide, you’ll learn some backyard projects that actually boost your home’s value, while providing you with more ways to enjoy your outdoor spaces.
Why small outdoor upgrades make a big difference
There are many reasons why it’s important to make small outdoor upgrades every so often. They can make a significant difference when it comes to boosting your home’s value and your enjoyment of the outdoor space. Here are a few ways in which small outdoor upgrades can make a big difference. Not only will the effort help boost home value, it boosts the livable value of your home, too.
Enhanced functionality
Having an outdoor space that can be used easily after sunset is important to get the most out of it for entertaining. Upgrades like adding light to extend the amount of time you spend in your garden, especially during the evenings, are worthwhile. Consider fairy lights, solar-powered path lighting, tiki torches, integrated deck lighting, and porch lights.
Improves aesthetics
Adding new furniture or painting old furniture, pressure washing surfaces that have a lot of dirt and grime, can all help to improve the overall aesthetic of the space. Creating visual interest is beneficial to ensure your outdoor space feels comfortable and inviting. These updates help boost home value, as they show that the homeowners are keeping up with regular maintenance. When a home looks like the ‘scary house’ on the street, the impression is that there are more problems beyond just the dirt and grime.
Increases the usability of the space
The usability of your space is important, so making use of additional furniture like raised garden beds and fire pits, for example, encourages those who are using the space to get comfy and spend more time outdoors as a result.
Creates outdoor rooms
Adding features like planters, outdoor rugs, and seating can help to create outdoor spaces that make it more livable–and boost home value. From dining to relaxing and entertaining, there are a lot of benefits to creating outdoor spaces in your backyard.
Boosts value
If the goal is to boost home value, every minor or major change you can make might be able to add value or at least boost the curb appeal of the home.
Budget-friendly materials that look anything but cheap
While it’s wonderful to transform your outdoor space, a lot of people tend to postpone doing it, especially if it often comes at a substantial cost.
However, there are lots of budget-friendly, outdoor materials to make use of to save some money on the backyard projects themselves. Here are some budget-friendly materials to consider:
Gravel
Gravel is a very low-cost option for patios and paths, providing good drainage, and it’s easy to install. It’s a very versatile material to use throughout the backyard.
Concrete
Concrete is a durable and versatile material that can be used for stable patio bases or as the patio surface itself. With a durable material like this one, you’ve got years of use before you have to repair or replace it.
Bricks
Reclaimed bricks are a great option when you want something alternative to brand-new bricks. They can also be laid down to create a unique design. Reclaimed bricks aren’t just budget-friendly, but they can often stand the test of time.
Pressure-treated lumber
With varying weather conditions throughout the year, you want something that can persevere. A durable, weather-resistant material like pressure-treated lumber helps to build sturdy decks, sheds, garden structures, like summer houses, for example.
Composite wood
For other structures that are often shaded or in a moist environment, composite wood is a great option because it’s made from wood fibers and plastic. They’re low-maintenance as well as pest-resistant alternatives.
Plastic and poly wicker
Plastic, although it can sometimes look on the cheaper side, can be a great way to provide a new outdoor space that’s budget-friendly. Poly wicker is also a good alternative to plastic if you’d prefer something a little different and higher in quality.
There are a lot of great materials that can benefit your garden without having to break the bank while doing it.
Examples of small upgrades as backyard projects that boost home value
Small upgrades and backyard projects that you could undertake this year could vary from refreshing seating areas to adding some new lighting to the space. Here are some examples of small upgrades as backyard projects for your home.
Add lighting
Lighting is a wonderful way to elevate the space and to create an environment that you can enjoy throughout the year. Even when the evenings get darker and you want to spend more time outdoors, strategic outdoor lighting can be helpful to have in place.
Adding lighting can help to create ambience and extend the use of your garden or patio area.
Trim and reshape plants
Sometimes the smallest changes can make a big difference to the outdoor space. Using planters, a living wall, or hanging baskets can really help to bring more appeal to the space.
Simple pruning of trees and hedges can help to open up the space, making the garden feel bigger and improving the flow of the outdoor areas too.
Refresh seating areas
Seating areas are important to provide when it comes to outdoor areas. Whether you’re hosting events in particular with lots of guests or just spending time together as a household, updating tired outdoor furniture with new seating is well worth the investment.
A fresh coat of paint or new cushions to some existing outdoor furniture that’s just looking a little tired is also a good way to save some money where it’s required.
Define zones
If you’re able to define zones, then it can add more interest to the space. Use elements like potted plants, outdoor rugs, and more to create those distinct and functional zones within your outdoor zone. Defining these zones keeps the space interesting and a place where everyone in the household can enjoy.
Backyard projects are always a bit of a challenge, but there’s a lot that can be achieved without having to spend too much. Use these tips to get the most out of future backyard projects that will provide a little boost to your home’s value this year.
