Breezy summer nights were made for relaxing and enjoying the fresh air outside. However, the great outdoors might not be as inviting if your outdoor living spaces need some upgrades. We have some great suggestions for how you can easily give your patio, deck, and porch areas a makeover, without a significant investment of time and money. And whether you are considering selling your home now, later, or maybe not at all, these easy upgrades will add value to you your home. So enjoy them yourself or keep them in mind as selling points in your listing!
Landscaping
Improving your landscaping can lift your mood and make you happier with your home when you’re not even enjoying an afternoon outside. If there are things you aren’t pleased with when you look out the window and across your backyard, now is a great time to spruce things up! Take a morning off to trim your trees, pull out dead bushes, and assess what spots in your yard could use some additional greenery. Then plan a planting day – perhaps a low-maintenance raised bed flower garden off the patio, or a few new shrubs. Also keep in mind that a fresh spread of mulch will instantly improve the appearance of your home.
Patio & Outdoor Seating Areas
If you don’t already have a patio or deck, adding one can be a major investment. If you’re prepared for a major home renovation, consider calling a licenced contractor to come to your home where you can together plan the perfect patio. For those of you who already have this amenity, a few small changes can really make the area pop again. A fresh coat of stain on the wood and some new cushions for your patio furniture may be all you need to transform the area. If it’s time to replace the furniture, consider a larger set so you can do your entertaining outside instead of inside.
Upgrade Your Grill
We’re going to assume that you already have a grill of some sort. Maybe it’s time to make the change from charcoal to propane, or perhaps you just need a grill with a larger cooking space or a flat top. Either way, if you enjoy cooking and dining outside, make sure you have the right equipment for the job. If you have the room to add a full outdoor kitchen with additional upgrades like a built-in sink and mini-fridge, and you’re ready to invest a significant amount of money in upgrades, you should seriously consider making this major upgrade. Outdoor kitchens are a huge selling point when it comes time to list your home for sale.
Fire Pits
Fire pits have become one of the most popular backyard additions. They create a cozy spot, reminiscent of a campfire where family and friends can gather, and of course, make s’mores! Small fire pits can be purchased as free standing units, but they are also a fun and easy family project if you’d like to build one yourself. Fire pits don’t just increase your yard’s attractiveness and make it more inviting, they also add to your home’s value.
Landscape Lighting
There are numerous companies around the city that will professionally design and install landscape lighting around your home. If you aren’t prepared to go quite that far with your lighting, consider enhancing your patio area with simple outdoor string lights or lanterns. Warm and comforting lighting creates an intimate tone for your social gatherings, but is also pleasant for enjoying a quiet outdoor evening in.
Fresh Coat of Paint
You’re probably quite diligent about keeping the interior painting job in your home up to date and on trend, but how much attention do you give your home’s exterior paint? Ask your neighbors for recommendations if you’ve never dealt with a professional exterior painting company in your area. Keep in mind – you don’t have to paint the whole house, but consider touching up small areas or any that show signs of aging.
A large scale overhaul of your backyard can be a lot of work, but there are plenty of small changes you can make to increase your home’s overall value. Simple changes like increased lighting and upgraded patio seating will both help you sell your home when the time comes, and allow you endless summer days of outdoor enjoyment while you are in your home.