4 Ways Hardscapes Increase The Value Of Your House

Ken Cook | August 31, 2022

Home improvement projects are as important to the house’s value as they are for the people living there. So as you consider making home improvements, think strategically to reap benefits from value and enjoyment. A good home improvement project can increase your house’s resale value – and according to a comment from Bob Vila – improvements that add to “curb value” increase value by up to 20%. First impressions are essential for homes; curb appeal refers to potential buyers’ first impressions when they enter and park. Everything on the exterior, such as the landscape and hardscape, makes up this impression, from a manicured garden to that sizable deck or fresh new paint that catches buyers’ attention. Homes with curb appeal sell faster.

When you consider a home’s hardscape, structures, or hard materials within the landscape, some upgrades increase the value of your house. It depends on the trends and demands at the moment. For example, swimming pools used to be highly demanded, but now, they are not the preferred choice for families with young children.

Some homeowners adopt a piecemeal approach to landscaping – which is one of the most common mistakes. Such an approach will give the property a disheveled appearance and does nothing to increase the home’s value. On the other hand, projects executed with the help of professionals such as Ernest Maier will result in a polished and elegant look, fetching a good increase in price. These five improvements to hardscapes can give you the best value when considering home improvements.

Having a Patio or Deck

Patios and decks are popular extensions of living space. Functional party areas, outdoor furniture, or even a kitchen are designed and built into some decks and patios. Such projects can potentially increase your resale value by (according to a popular outdoor furniture company). A wide variable accounts for the difference in the climate. A higher ROI can be yielded in a warmer climate where the patio or deck will be most used. Materials such as natural stone and porcelain also add value to the ROI.

Building Fences

Building fences is another high ROI project because they are inexpensive and straightforward to install. Fences draw boundaries and clarify property lines with neighbors. They can deter intruders, providing additional privacy and security. Fences also offer protection of the yards and gardens from wind and sun and may encourage more active use of the lawn.

Having an Outdoor Kitchen

Outdoor cooking areas are trendy these days and can have a high ROI ranging from 100% – 200%. These are major hardscaping projects that reputable contractors should carry out to ensure that the plumbing, water, and electricity lines are properly installed.

Outdoor kitchens should have entertainment space, furniture, barbecues, fire pits, refrigerators, and sinks. If the kitchen is close to the deck or patio, it can achieve a lower-end ROI with fire pits or barbecues.

Installing Outdoor Lighting

An easy way to generate 50% ROI is to install outdoor lighting. It is a popular feature that can illuminate your garden or other home characteristics. It is also an excellent safety feature, reducing the risk of falls. Lighting can also deter potential intruders when they know someone is home.