Besides adding functionality and comfort, home improvements also increase home value. And the outdoors is an excellent place to start with renovations and improvements. But with so many projects to choose from, it may be hard to pick which one to prioritize. Here are a few helpful tips on how to build outdoor spaces to increase your home value.
Build a Deck
You can’t have an outdoor space without a deck. A well-designed decking gives homeowners comfort and functionality. It is where you’ll spend most of your time outdoors. Overall, decks add the most value for properties. You can add around £15,000 to your property and at least 80% return on investment.
However, there are a few things up for consideration when building an outdoor deck. One of the most crucial decisions you will have to make is choosing the best decking material. In general, the less you spend on the deck, the more value you get in return. However, it may not always be the case. If you intend to sell your home immediately after building a deck, then cheap options like softwood and pressure-treated lumber are excellent options. But if you want to enjoy your new deck and have no plans to sell your home immediately, longer-lasting options are better, such as PVC and composite decking.
The most durable and highly preferred decking material is hardwood. Cedar is a popular choice due to its natural beauty and durability. It has natural oils that help protect it from decay and insect damage. Cedar decking has a reddish-brown color and is resistant to rot and decay.
Redwood is a premium decking timber known for its rich color and resistance to decay and insects. It has a distinctive reddish-brown color and a straight-grain pattern. However, redwood decking requires regular maintenance, such as sealing or staining, to maintain its appearance and durability.
Although not a natural timber, composite decking is worth mentioning as it’s made from wood fibers and recycled plastic. It’s known for its low maintenance requirements and rot and insect damage resistance. It comes in different colors and textures, simulating the appearance of natural timber.
Ensure to work with reputable decking timber suppliers that sell high-quality materials you can use to build a durable deck. It’s also important to consider your budget, maintenance requirements, aesthetic preferences, and environmental impact when selecting the right decking timber type for your project.
Another concern is the design of your deck. To increase your home’s kerb appeal, you will have to choose the best design that matches your home. For some, it can be challenging. Fortunately, there are several sources of inspiration on the internet. Some suppliers and professional designers may also offer composite decking boards design solutions for your home.
Apply A Fresh Coat of Paint
A cheap yet effective way to increase your home’s value is by repainting your home’s exterior. A total exterior house painting project will cost anywhere between £500 to £1500, depending on the house size, the paint quality, and other various factors.
According to experts, a full-coverage of paint for your home’s exterior can provide at least a 50% return on investments. Touch-ups and other painting projects can increase your home’s value by at least 5%. A fresh new coat of paint can last from 5 to 10 years, depending on the type and quality.
When painting your home, you will need to choose the right colours. In general, light and neutral colours work best, especially if you intend to sell them. You can also use unique colours, as long as they match your home’s overall aesthetic.
Garden and Landscaping That Increases Kerb Appeal
Another excellent project you can take on is landscaping. No outdoor living space is complete without any form of landscaping. A well-designed and properly maintained landscape increases your home’s kerb appeal. They also add at least 15% to your home’s value.
While it may sound easy to start a garden, you will need to do some planning for the best value and kerb appeal. First of all, the landscape has to match your home’s design. Even if it’s well-maintained and orderly, if it doesn’t go well with your home’s aesthetic, a garden will do little to attract future home buyers. You also don’t need to spend too much money on exotic and expensive plants. The truth is, more buyers prefer simple and easy-to-maintain gardens over overly complicated and high-upkeep ones.
Retaining walls serve both aesthetic and functional purposes. They help control soil erosion, create terraced areas, and add visual interest to the landscape. Materials like stone, brick, or concrete blocks can be used for retaining walls.
Aside from a flower garden, an outdoor kitchen or BBQ area is a desirable feature for homeowners who enjoy entertaining and outdoor cooking. Including features like countertops, built-in grills, sinks, and seating can elevate the outdoor experience.
Add a Privacy Fence
Many homeowners and prospective buyers value privacy and safety among everything else. For this reason, fences are one of the best outdoor improvements that you can add to your home. Not only does it prevent onlookers and keep out strangers, but a well-designed fence can also increase your home’s kerb appeal and property value. A privacy fence can potentially net you a 50% return on investment.
There are several options when it comes to building a fence. As with decking, you will need to choose what material to use. Softwoods, pressure-treated lumber, PVC, and composite fence boards are some of the most common options. You’ll also have to decide what type and design you wish to use. For privacy fencing, featheredge or close board is the most used style in the UK.
Regular Maintenance and Upkeep
If you already have a well-designed outdoor space, the only thing you’ll need to do is to keep it maintained. If you own a deck, you’ll want to make sure to clean it at least every few months. Not only will it help make the deck look the best, but it will also maintain its condition. For gardens, de-weeding, fertilizing, and mowing are some crucial maintenance routines you’ll have to follow. Overall, keeping your backyard clean and organized can make a huge difference and increase your home’s kerb appeal.
