Most of us spend a lot of time indoors, so of course our design and home improvement efforts are focused on this!
However, when it comes to adding value to your home, it is time to go outside and see what your home has to offer – or what is missing. From small and budget friendly additions like fresh paint on the front door, to larger and more expensive projects like building a new patio and outdoor DIY that can add value to your home in terms of both project size and cost. Here are 7 value-adding outdoor home improvements you should consider.
1. Adding a deck
Decks are a place to chat, relax, and take in the fresh air. And in addition to the endless enjoyment they offer while you live in your home, they also have a decent return on investment (ROI). Corresponding Remodeling Magazine 2021 cost-benefit report, you can assume that if you resell, you will amortize approximately 66% of your wooden decking costs. However, to protect your investment, it is important to consider weather protection to increase the longevity of your new outdoor accessories. Weather protection should include protecting the wood from rot by adding Butyl tape to seal the tops of deck joists and joists. If you also build a wooden deck, You may need a stain to protect against UV radiation and a sealer to protect against moisture.
Photos by: Stock Images
How about a composite terrace? It's also a great choice with a 63% ROI. A composite deck is a more expensive option, but unlike wood, a composite deck resists fading, scratches, and stains and requires little maintenance. In addition, composite floorboards, such as T-rex, is made from 95% recycled materials, making it an environmentally friendly choice.
A stone veneer facelift
With its texture, warmth and timeless style, real stone has been a popular material for decorating homes for centuries. Unfortunately, the cost and weight are a disadvantage that is prohibitive for many modern homeowners. Instead, cut stone veneer is a lightweight simulated stone siding material that is durable, affordable, and easy to maintain. You can also expect an ROI of a whopping 92%.
You can give your home a facelift by framing your front door with stone veneer. You can also add great aesthetics to the porch pillars and redesign an outdoor fireplace or fire pit.
An outdoor fire pit or fireplace
There's nothing like a cozy crackling fire with the sweet scent of roasted marshmallows wafting through the night air. And with the desire for outdoor living space growing, there has never been a better time to install a fire pit or outdoor fireplace. According to Trend survey 2021 by the American Institute of Architects, 70% of homeowners said outdoor living space is an important feature of a home – an increase from 61% last year.
You need to consider whether you would prefer a fire pit or a fireplace. Fire pits come in a variety of shapes and sizes and tend to be more budget friendly, but the spark and open flame are a hazard to wood fires. On the other hand, chimneys take up more space and are more expensive. But they conduct heat better and their elegance and size can wonderfully anchor an outdoor living space.
window
Replacement window The exterior of your home can't always be changed dramatically, but it is well worth the investment. Installing new windows can improve the energy efficiency of your home, increase security and reduce outside noise. Plus, their ROI is certainly not something to wrinkle your nose at – both vinyl and wood window replacements have around 68% ROI.
Is one type of window better than the other? It all depends on your budget and needs. Wooden windows can be painted any color and are very energy efficient, but they are more expensive and require maintenance. Vinyl windows are cheaper and require little maintenance, but they don't insulate as well. Plus, anything beyond white and beige is usually expensive.
Improved landscaping
Everyone wants their home to look and feel good, and landscaping plays a huge role when it comes to the exterior. Of course, you can hire professionals to redesign your landscaping, but DIY enthusiasts can also do this very much.
Start with the grass, making sure it's trimmed and weed-free. You should sow any bald spots and possibly apply fertilizer for a more even and lush look. If your weed is in dire condition due to drought, consider replacing it with one drought-resistant clover lawn. Next, take a look at all of the existing plant beds. Cut off anything that is overgrown and walk from there. You can move existing systems against low-maintenance systems. What you can use depends on your climate zone. Therefore, ask your garden center for advice if you are not sure. Or take a look at ours Landscaping tips for more ideas.
Redesign of the front door
Your front door is the first impression of your home, so of course you want it to look good. On a tight budget, a fresh coat of paint can work wonders. However, not only can replacing a steel door save you energy bills and improve the security of your home, but it has one too ROI of 65% from 2021.
In addition to updating the door itself, you may also want to replace the hardware if it is out of date. Finally, a new welcome mat and a few potted plants help set the area up and give it an inviting aesthetic.
A new garage door
Since a garage door covers such a large area, it plays an important role in the attractiveness of your home. Fortunately, the replacement also has a phenomenal ROI – around 94% by 2021. In addition, much like replacing your front door, a new garage door can cut your home's heating and cooling bills and improve your home's security. A new garage door costs about $ 3,900 on average. If this is not in your renovation budget, then at least consider filling in any cracks on your existing door and giving it a new coat of paint.
Lots of outdoor improvements can make your home more comfortable and efficient, while adding a lot of added value. Remember, the best investments are not just about getting a high ROI in the future, but also about the enjoyment and benefits they can offer you and your family today.
