By Carl Ariya
Not all home improvements provide the same return on investment. Sure, people will tell you to pay attention to your kitchens and bathrooms; however, the outdoors can offer some surprisingly lucrative returns, and I don’t just mean dollar signs. The improvements that provide the best returns make spaces marketable but also shift how buyers perceive the effectiveness, beauty, and function of the property as a whole.
Buyers Care A Lot More About Your Deck Than You Realize
A good deck is often classified as one of those things buyers appreciate; however, a good deck is often not a new deck. Unfortunately, homeowners fail to recognize that an old and weathered deck can do much more harm than good when it comes to selling. When the timber becomes grey and splintery, it makes buyers think that the owner has failed to care for almost everything else, when in reality, the house might be in great shape.
Interestingly, having a deck cleaned and restored costs far less than installing a brand new one, but it looks nearly as good as new. Companies like Deck Seal use power washing, sanding, and varnishing to ensure the grey disappears and the texture becomes smooth. This is more important than most realize because buyers look not only at how nice the deck is but picture themselves using this space for weekend barbecues, a spot to sip coffee each morning, or somewhere for children to safely play. When those dreams fizzle because the space looks horrible, it’s akin to mental equity subtraction.
Numbers do not lie. Homes with clear outdoor timber divisions photoshopped far better than dull, dilapidated sections. The better pictures online, the more clicks generated and the quicker it’s sold, but it’s not just about selling. A well looked after deck means more usable living space; this is exactly what’s needed in today’s market.
Landscaping That Makes Sense
Gone are the days of frivolous garden plots needing round-the-clock attention. Good landscaping combines structure with usable outdoors without high maintenance efforts. Borders, defined planting beds and trees appropriately placed allow a yard to feel professional and constructed without looking overdone.
Native plants provide an excellent return on investment because buyers look at them and think “low water bills,” “easy maintenance.” A garden that features good looking plants in all seasons without requiring a gardener bi-weekly is worth more than an impressive set up that requires constant upkeep. Mulched beds, basic irrigation systems, and hardy perennials help them look fresh without constant maintenance, ideal for both current owners and future buyers.
Buyers rave about privacy shielding from neighbors or the street time and time again; this consistently ranks higher than expected when asking buyers what’s most important for them. Good shielding adds value, especially natural shielding.
Spaces Created for Entertainment Purposes
Unless you’re in California 24/7, an outdoor kitchen may seem overkill, but even a built-in location provides real value. However, intentional spaces that feel intentionally designed (rather than slapped together) provide bonus points for value purposes. An area where one can cook and have counter space with roof coverage becomes part of how people live within a space.
Covered areas are ideal for spaces where seasonal weather varies greatly. A covering through a fixed pergola, awning or simple extension of an existing roof allows outdoor spaces to come alive for more months of the year. When buyers can actualize themselves out there, it’s that much better for bringing up the overall feel of the property.
Interestingly enough, how finished a space looks lowers its value when it looks half-finished (exposed bricks, added supports). A simple space that has been constructed properly is worth more than a backyard mess that clearly lost steam.
The Practical Aspects People Notice
Outdoor lighting transforms how homes look during night showings; pathway lights, something on the deck, even some feature lights makes areas less foreboding and actually usable at night, with a little creativity, as low maintenance efforts are needed for good access, from basic fixtures in good spaces.
A solid storage option ranks higher than expected as well, rain-proof boxes, garden sheds or built-in benches help buyers realize that someone has thought about how this area works; people need spaces for cushions or pool supplies or sporting gear. Properties that make these standard problems solved are infinitely more liveable.
People fail to recognize how important fence conditions are until they become a problem in reality, good solid boards in excellent shape outline the exterior dimensions of properties for proper boundaries; rotting boards or fences that lean check off red flags for something that’s probably gone unimproved for too long.
Where Should You Invest?
The properties which give the greatest returns outdoors share common themes, they’re low maintenance efforts with good utility and good over finish appeal instead of half-strung plans. An excellent deck is far superior to an outdoor pizza oven any day because it impresses from many angles that appeal to most anyone who walks through.
Seasonality becomes important, outdoor assessments photograph best in spring and summer when they’re lush and green or beautiful; come wintertime with snow weathered decks may not provide immediate attention; however, come selling season, the deck is one of the first things people will see because it might be dingy come next spring: wood rotting and tarnished decks are one of the first impressions people get.
At minimum, keep your deck in good condition, maintain landscaping so it looks tidy from a distance while still being functional with proper lighting and entertaining spaces finished. These sources always give great returns and make properties stand out without breaking the bank or riddled with plans for easy maintenance moving forward.
