Guests and potential buyers will make assumptions about the inside of your home before they ever step foot over the threshold. The maintenance and features of your outdoor spaces will either draw them in or make them want to turn around. Use this to your advantage by dedicating your renovation budget toward curb appeal — especially since the return on investment (ROI) for outdoor upgrades is generally high.
However, with so many possibilities, how can you know which additions will be the most valuable? The decision is highly personal and dependent on your reason for the projects. Homeowners looking to add value for personal use will want to pick the additions they’ll get the most out of, and those wishing to sell will want to prioritize things buyers are looking for.
How Do You Decide?
Let rock-solid data be your guiding principle when deciding what outdoor additions will bring you the most value. The most trusted resource for these figures is the 2018 Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP). Using this information, we’ve gathered eight of the highest-valued upgrades you can add to your home.
Most Valuable Outdoor Projects
Each of these projects will net you a respectable ROI whenever you decide to sell and add livable value to your life in the meantime. You’ll notice data about estimated costs and recouped value for every upgrade so you can make an informed decision.
1. Lights
Exterior lights add an ethereal glow in the evening and highlight eye-catching features around your home. They can also function as a deterrent for wildlife and burglars. Costs will depend on what type you install and the resources you already have available. Small solar lights on a paved path won’t cost much but won’t bring as much of a return. In comparison, floodlights may be attractive to buyers but will cost you more to run appropriate electric hookups outside.
Estimated cost: $5,000
Estimated ROI: 50%
2. Landscaping and Hardscaping
You have many possibilities in this category, from adding shrubs to creating a stone walkway. Minor improvements like using mulch and planting perennials see more value for your money since they’re on the cheaper side. Hardscaping and planting trees will cost you more, so the return isn’t always as great. However, homebuyers love the former type of upgrade, and you may find it seals the deal on the purchase.
Estimated cost: $3,000-$6,000
Estimated ROI: 83%-100%
3. Irrigation System
A well-landscaped yard adds significant curb appeal to any home. However, potential buyers may only see the work hours it will take to maintain and water. You might even grow to resent the amount of time it takes you.
An irrigation system is the answer to your current and future problems. Today’s models are automatic, only watering your plants when they need it. It cuts down on your outdoor work time and saves water in the long term.
Estimated cost: $3,500
Estimated ROI: 86%
4. Pool
The ROI on a pool is lower than most outdoor improvements, so unless you live in an area where they’re standard, you don’t need to install one to sell your house. However, most homeowners put in a pool for personal enjoyment. The costs vary dramatically based on the type and size you choose. The data here reflects an inground 18-by-36-foot concrete pool.
Your three options for an inground pool are vinyl, fiberglass and concrete, from least to most expensive. Vinyl doesn’t last as long and can tear easily, but it’s the cheapest. Fiberglass has the lowest maintenance but costs more. Concrete pools are the most expensive and require consistent maintenance — they last the longest, though.
Estimated cost: $57,500
Estimated ROI: $43,000
5. Fire Feature
The estimates for this project are based on a 10-foot stone patio, a stacked stone kit and a gas burner. An addition of this magnitude would definitely make a statement and draw you outdoors more often.
However, if you’re willing to lose a bit in aesthetics, you can make a fire pit on a much lower budget. You can buy a fire ring for under $50 and leave it open or surround it with stone. Place it on a bed of sand or rocks for added flair. You’ll get all the perks for less money, but it may not have the same ROI as a more upgraded version.
Estimated cost: $6,000
Estimated ROI: 67%
6. Patio
Prospective buyers love any upgrade that adds functional square footage onto the home, so patios are a great project, especially when you live in a warm climate and can use it year-round. You can use your new space to host parties and BBQs or relax on a low-key summer evening until you want to sell.
The quoted figures are for an 18-by-16-foot concrete paver patio dry-set over sand or gravel. You can save money by choosing lower-cost pavers and putting sweat equity into the project rather than hiring a professional.
Estimated cost: $7,200
Estimated ROI: 69%
7. Deck
Decks and patios add value to your home by increasing usable square footage. Assess the current layout and height of the area you’d like to build to choose between them. You must also determine a budget — decks are typically more expensive than a patio but have a higher ROI. You can construct a cedar deck with a railing and clear sealant for roughly $10,000.
Estimated cost: $10,000
Estimated ROI: 80%
8. Outdoor Kitchen
This is a relatively niche project, but it may be ideal if you love grilling and entertaining. It even has a decent ROI, especially if you find a buyer with similar interests. The Remodeling Impact Report based its estimates on a complete outdoor kitchen with an inset grill, ice chest, stainless steel drawers, sink and 60 feet of concrete countertop. It also included a stone veneer front for aesthetics.
Estimated cost: $14,000
Estimated ROI: 71%
Take a Step Back
Before you begin any exterior home project, stand across the street from your house and give it a good look — it may help to take a photo so you can examine it more objectively. What seems out of place or in need of repair? Where could your home use some added interest? This list of outdoor additions is certainly not exhaustive, so you can add or take away depending on your personal assessment and budget.
