Outdoor living spaces have been a high priority for homeowners in the first part of 2019.
More than a quarter of people surveyed in December about home improvements said that outdoor areas were on the list for spring.
If you’re only getting started on your exterior, we’ve identified the best ways to add value to your house using your outdoor space. We’ve also hinted at how to avoid spending unnecessary cash along the way.
Ready to increase your home resale value?
How to Add Home Resale Value with Outdoor Living Spaces
There are plenty of ways to prepare your house before a viewing to get the best return on your investment. Here are a few ways to boost the bids using outdoor spaces.
1. Keep it Simple
Ditch the luxury patio fit-out as shown to provide poor returns. Instead, you want to provide a simple space that appeals to a buyers desire for an outdoor area. Then they can create the outdoor space of their choice.
That means you don’t even need to add a DIY backyard patio or a deck, all you need to do is showcase that there is space for one.
Make sure if you’re showcasing an outdoor space that it is well-kept and today to attract buyers.
2. Keep the Patio Appropriate
If you do want to add an outdoor space there are a few ground rules to make sure it is an asset, not a waste of money.
You want to make sure that any deck or patio is only 1/3 of the size of the outdoor space. This leaves room for grassy play areas for children and pets and a buffer area.
One of the biggest mistakes you can make in backyard renovations is building a patio that out-prices your home. Keep it in proportion and use the materials and style that match your house. Depending on the architectural style of your home you would choose brick, stone, or concrete pavers or poured concrete.
3. Power Wash and Reseal Patio
If you have an existing patio or deck, there are still options for you to improve the value of your home by showing them a little attention.
Powerwash any external patio areas to give the impression that they are newly installed. Then you want to re-seal the paving. You need to do this every couple of years to keep the paving protected from damage.
This doesn’t have to be expensive, as you can rent the pressure washer from Home Depot instead of purchasing one for yourself. You can also buy the concrete sealant from home depot and follow online tutorials on how to apply it.
These two simple steps can transform your outdoor spaces. The effect it can have on buyer interest will surprise you.
4. Wipe Down Outdoor Furniture
In the same line of thinking as above, tired and dirty outdoor furniture can leave an impression on buyers without them even realizing it.
There is no need to go out and buy new furniture if you can salvage it. You only need to know how to treat each outdoor material to get it back to it’s best condition.
Here are our recommendations for cleaning up your furniture:
- Plastic – Mix 1 gallon of water with 3 tablespoons of dishwasher detergent
- Wicker/wood – Hose it down before using an oil-based soap with warm water
- Glass – Spray on vinegar or glass cleaner
- Metal – Use white vinegar /water mixture or buy a specific metal polishing paste
If you can wash any outdoor cushion covers, do this as well and soon your furniture will look brand new.
Then take one last look at it. Is it in the best location? Make sure you position your furniture to optimize the space and welcome visitors.
5. Repaint exterior
There are lots of small tips and tricks to freshen up your curb appeal but one big task that could bump up the value of your home is a re-paint.
Repainting your home exterior or your front door improves the first impressions of a tired looking exterior.
It doesn’t need to break the bank. You can focus on doors and window ledges to give the impression of a new exterior. It’s the small things which you think people won’t notice that bring together a strong appearance.
That leads us on to our final point…
6. Stage the scene
It might seem like a bit of a waste of time but by adding small tweaks here and there to stage the scene you could increase the value of your house by up to 10 percent.
Keep it cheap and simple. Even Target has an outdoor section that allows you to add a few new on-trend cushions to your furniture or affordable planters to sit on the patio or outside your front door.
You don’t need to go overboard. As we said earlier, keeping it simple is key. However, by adding a few little details you can create an inviting space that buyers can see themselves enjoying.
Need some inspiration? Take a look at these homes making full use of their outdoor spaces in Killearn Lakes, Tallahassee.
Going…Going…Gone!
By investing a little of your time and money, you can use your outdoor living spaces to boost the value of your home.
It doesn’t need to be a huge project. With the tips we’ve shown you, you can boost your value by thousands in the space of a weekend.
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