 |
 |
 |
| |
Landscaping Projects
Which Backyard Improvements Add Value?
|
|
 |
|
 |
by Lisa VandenDool
Many American homeowners are taking advantage of their outdoor space. From simple patio sets to high-end alfresco furniture people are setting up their backyards so that they can spend more time outside.
In fact, according to the National Gardening Association, Americans spend $40 billion a year for all garden related goods. What are homeowners spending their money on? They are adding outdoor kitchens, pools, hot tubs and fireplaces.
|
|
An outdoor fireplace will add beauty to your backyard, but this luxury item does not have a good return for your investment. |
Which landscaping projects and backyard improvements will add to your property's resale value?
A Covered Patio
A patio, especially one that is covered, will add value to your home. Having a covered area on your patio or deck provides protection from the sun and rain, thus extending the usefulness of your deck. Another way to extend the patio season is to buy a patio heater.
If you get a lot of black flies and mosquitoes having a screened in area will make your outdoor sitting and dining area more pleasant. You can have a contractor install screens that are removable or retractable.
Pressed concrete or bricked paver patios are great alternatives to plain concrete, as they add design and interest. Patio furniture is becoming more like living room furniture in style and comfort. Having beautiful outdoor furniture will add to your enjoyment and it is an investment that you can take with you.
| |
Pools and Outdoor Kitchen
An outdoor kitchen, fireplace or pool will add value to your home, but you may not get a full return on your investment when you go to sell your home, especially with a pool.
An alfresco kitchen could cost you from $10,000 to more than $100,000. Consider how much of the year that you will be a able to use your pool or kitchen; do you have a long winter season?
If so, you may choose to spend less on your outdoor kitchen or pool.
|
|
 |
Landscaping
Landscaping really does add value to your home.
Even when you have a tight or limited budget it is a good idea to have a professional landscape designer or architect do the plan for your backyard. Then, as you have the money, you can tackle your yard one project at a time.
Landscaping your front yard gives your home "curb appeal", which will attract buyers.
|
Luxury Items
Luxury items like outdoor fireplaces, TVs and waterfalls won't give you a good return on the money you will have to spend. Consider how much you will actually use these features before you plan to include them.
Landscaping Dos and Don'ts :
|
|
|
-
Do use plants that are native to your area. They will survive the best.
-
Do get a professional landscape plan. Implement your design one phase at a time.
-
Do add a covered patio. It will provide shade and shelter from the rain.
-
Do get an irrigation system. Put this in before your landscaping. This will keep your investment alive and growing.
-
Install landscape lighting. Lighting showcases your garden at night and improves safety and security.
|
-
Don't spread your budget over to many backyard projects. Invest your time and money in doing them well.
-
Don't invest in luxury items, like built-in outdoor fireplaces and TVs, that you won't use very often.
-
Don't spend too much on an outdoor kitchen if you can only use it for one season.
-
Don't forget to fertilize your lawn in the fall.
-
Don't plant too much. Restrict your planting to just a few areas and leave room for lawn and patio areas.
|
Compare FREE Estimates From Landscaping Contractors NOW!
Get more great ideas for your backyard from our other Landscaping Articles.
|
Over
98% of consumers recommend our service to friends and family.
