5 Ways to Add Value to Your Backyard

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Americans spend 93% of their lives indoors. Whoa. Many people have the desire to get outside, but don’t find the time to do it. Feelings of being cooped up have only been heightened by the recent shutdowns and social distancing measures. As a result, many home buyers are looking for houses that have awesome backyards. Create a backyard setup that will boost the value of your home and appeal to modern buyers. Here are 5 ways to add value to your backyard!

• Comfortable Privacy
• Space to Entertain
• Vegetable & Herb Garden
• Backyard Luxuries
• Play Area for the Kids

Comfortable Privacy

Landscaping in general can boost a backyard’s appeal. Nice, mature trees and large bushes provide a beautiful backdrop for backyard play as well as privacy from neighbors and passers by. When planting trees, make sure they aren’t too close to the house. You don’t want the tree roots to disrupt your foundation or give burglars easy access to your upstairs. Climbing plants, trimmed boxwood shrubs, and other greenery can create a soft, secluded feel when paired with a pergola or other fencing. 

A privacy fence could be especially appealing for families with children and/or pets and will add value to your backyard. 

Space to Entertain

Roughly $1.47 billion is spent on grills and barbecues nationwide each year. It’d be a shame if you had that brand, new BBQ grill and nowhere to put it!! Many home buyers are seeking some kind of outdoor space to dine and entertain guests.

Patios and decks are a huge draw. According to HomeLight’s Q2 Top Agent Insights survey, an average patio costs $3,269 but adds $3,563 to your home’s value. That’s a 9% ROI. For the luxury buyers out there, don’t skimp on the outdoor kitchen. A pizza oven, stovetop, built-in grill, sink and refrigerator can really take your outdoor entertaining to the next level!

Vegetable & Herb Garden

The scare of empty grocery store shelves has inspired more and more people to plant their own garden. A flower garden would generate visual appeal, but an herb and vegetable garden would provide beauty and function. Even if your garden isn’t in the best shape, potential buyers will be excited by the idea of having a designated space ready to go. A garden is a nice perk that will add value to your backyard.

Click here for some beginner gardening tips!

Backyard Luxuries

Although in-ground pools can be beautiful, they are also a lot of work. Not every buyer is interested in spending the time necessary to keep a pool looking nice. Hot tubs, on the other hand, are popular and require less maintenance.

Thinking about a fire pit? Go for it! Fire pits are VERY appealing to buyers right now and provide an average 67% ROI – although those numbers can change based on the type of fire pit. Gazebos, patios, and decks are other gorgeous additions that can create the perfect backyard oasis buyers are looking for! 

Play Area for the Kids

Most kids today would stay inside on screens all day if they had the choice. As a result, parents are looking for homes with outdoor spaces that will inspire kids to get outside and play! Whether you have a swing set, a basketball hoop, or a sandbox out in the yard, buyers will be intrigued by backyard features that will encourage their children to explore and exercise.

Is your collection of outdoor toys and games as out of control as ours?? Click here for Your Guide to a Tidy Yard!