Boost the Value of Your Home Instantly With One of These Landscaping Projects
When it comes to raising your home's value, don't overlook the power of landscaping. The right outdoor projects can have a big impact on both your property's curb appeal and bottom line. But not all landscaping projects are created equally, and some will actually end up costing you in the long run. So which projects offer the best return on investment? We've listed them here starting from okay ROI, to the highest ROI possible. Let's dig into the top landscaping upgrades that can help you increase your home's value, for whenever you decide to sell.
In-Ground Pool
While pools have a reputation for being a poor investment, they can still offer a decent 56% return if the market is right. More importantly, they score extremely high on returns for homeowner satisfaction. Many report a massive jump in their want to be at home after putting in a pool, making it a smart investment for your lifestyle and for your finances.
An Outdoor Fireplace or Fire Pit
A fire pit or outdoor fireplace can transform your backyard into a cozy escape. While the financial return is modest, at about 56%, the positive impact it can have on on your lifestyle is major. Many homeowners report spending more time outside and feeling a greater sense of enjoyment at home after adding a fire feature to their yard.
Landscape Lighting
Well-designed landscape lighting adds to both the beauty and security of your property. While the ROI is lower than some other projects, only coming in at 59%, the impact on homeowner satisfaction usually makes it worth it. Many report feeling a greater sense of pride and enjoying their home more after adding landscape lighting. Plus, adding lighting can make it easier to see your property at night, keeping trespassers and intruders out.
Install an Irrigation System
Installing an irrigation system makes it easy to keep your lawn looking lush and green while only having to put in a little effort. Even though the upfront cost is pretty steep, homeowners can expect to recoup about 83% of their investment into the system.
Installing an irrigation system also has a good chance of boosting how much you enjoy your property too, with many homeowners reporting wanting to spend much more time at home after having a system installed. Plus, an irrigation system makes gardening and maintaining your lawn so much easier, which can pay off by adding value to your property in different ways.
Invest In Tree Care
It’s easy to overlook, but healthy, well-maintained trees add a lot to the value of a property. Professional tree care that includes fertilization, pruning, and the removal of dangerous trees can recover about 87% of its cost at sale time. Even many real estate professionals strongly recommend dealing with tree care before you decide to list your home.
A New Patio
A well-designed patio can serve as an extension of your indoor living space, providing the perfect spot for you to relax and entertain. While costs vary depending on size and the materials you build your patio from, homeowners can expect to recoup about 95% of their investment in a new patio.
Beyond the financial return, patios majorly increase how much homeowners enjoy their homes. Many report spending more time outdoors and feeling a greater sense of satisfaction with their property after adding a new patio.
A New Wood Deck
Similar to patios, wood decks offer an excellent return on investment and can completely transform any outdoor living space. Homeowners can recoup around 89% of the cost of building a new wooden deck when it comes time to sell. Decks also score pretty high up on the satisfaction scale, with many homeowners saying they felt a boost to how much they enjoy their property after their deck was built.
Outdoor Kitchens
Outdoor kitchens have had a recent surge in popularity, and for good reason. They increase your home's usable living space and create an outdoor area that’s practically built for entertaining. While the upfront cost can be hefty, outdoor kitchens often recoup their entire investment when it comes time to sell.
What’s even more impressive is the impact this upgrade can have on homeowner satisfaction. A staggering 99% of people who installed outdoor kitchens reported a greater want to spend time at home afterward. It's a project that truly only benefits both your property value and your lifestyle.
Overall Landscape Overhaul
For those looking to make a bigger impact, going for a complete landscape upgrade will transform your outdoor space. This might include installing a new front walkway, adding decorative planters, planting trees and shrubs, and refreshing any mulch you have throughout your property.
While this is more expensive and takes more effort than basic maintenance, a complete landscape overhaul can still offer you a 100% return on your investment. Beyond the financial benefits, homeowners report enjoying their property much more after these bigger upgrades. It's an investment that pays off for both your home's value and your quality of life.
Regular Landscape Maintenance
Regular landscape maintenance goes hand-in-hand with our final entry on this list, lawn care, to make your home look polished and well-cared-for. This includes tasks like pruning shrubs, topping up mulch in flower beds, and planting seasonal flowers. While it requires you to put in consistent work, landscape maintenance pays off with an impressive 104% ROI!
The visual impact of a neat and cared for landscape can't be emphasized enough. Potential buyers are drawn to homes that look well-loved and cared for. Plus, existing homeowners report feeling more satisfaction and pride in their property after being able to stay consistent with landscape maintenance.
Basic Lawn Care
A lush, well-maintained lawn is the foundation of any attractive outdoor space. Basic lawn care services like regular mowing, fertilization, and weed control may seem simple and easy to do, but they pack a powerful punch when it comes to increasing your home’s value.
Experts say that that investing in professional lawn care can yield up to a 217% return. Beyond the financial benefits, a healthy lawn makes an inviting first impression and can increase how much you enjoy spending time in your outdoor space. Many homeowners report a greater desire to spend time at home after starting up a regular lawn care routine.
Choosing the Right Projects for Your Home
When considering landscaping upgrades, it's important to balance potential return on investment with your own enjoyment and how you use the space. While financial return is important, especially if you're planning to sell soon, don't forget about the value these projects can add to your daily life.
Consider your climate, neighborhood standards, and personal tastes when choosing the best landscaping projects for your home. What works well in a hot, arid climate may be a horrible choice in a rainy region. Similarly, an expensive outdoor kitchen might be perfect for people who love to host and entertain, but a waste of money for those who prefer quiet evenings at home.
Remember that even small improvements can make a big difference. If a full landscape overhaul isn't in the budget, focusing on basic maintenance can still go a long way. By investing wisely in your outdoor spaces, you can make your property more beautiful, functional, and valuable. Whether you're planning to sell or simply want to enjoy your home to the fullest, these landscaping projects offer an excellent return on investment for both your finances and quality of life.