Landscaping can increase the visual appeal of your home. It can also increase your home value. Below are some examples of how this can be accomplished.
Replacing or Adding Some Design Basics
A number of individuals overhaul their closets every few years. The process typically involves revamping their wardrobe by replacing worn-out basics with some new pieces. The same concept can be applied to your yard with exceptional results. Giving your landscape a basic makeover can provide the space with a classic, value-boosting foundation on which you can build a work of art.
Some landscape design basics may include:
- A deciduous tree approximately 15 feet tall
- Some flowering shrubs
- A walkway made of winding flagstone
- Two or more 6 feet by 2 feet stone planters
- Quality mulch
Essentially, making a few small changes has the capacity to do a lot more than merely making your home more visually appealing. When correctly executed, this type of outdoor renovation project will boost the value of your home.
Building or Renovating a Patio or Deck
A patio or deck installment or upgrade can dramatically transform an empty, unattractive backyard into a tremendous outdoor feature. Any of these structures can provide the ideal spot to entertain, relax, and revel in outdoor living at its finest.
The patios and decks that will get the biggest return on investment are those that appear to have been installed since the house was constructed. However, this is not an indication that it should look old or worn out. Instead, it is widely recommended that homeowners add or upgrade a patio or deck in proportion to the structure and property on which the home sits.
The majority of home buyers appreciate being able to use the convenience of their own backyard to escape from the burdens of everyday life, even if only for a while. If you have a limited budget that will not allow you to invest in an elaborate outdoor kitchen, for example, adding a patio or deck is a straightforward upgrade that can boost your home value.
Constructing or Remodeling an Outdoor Kitchen
The outdoor kitchen is a structure that many landscaping dreams are made of. With a kitchen on the outside, entertaining friends and family will be a breeze. For many home buyers, this added luxury is becoming more and more desirable. Outdoor kitchens can create a fascinating ambiance that enriches your experience in the outdoors.
Constructing or remodeling an outdoor kitchen can be a remarkable idea. For homeowners who live in regions that experience a long winter season, opting for an outdoor kitchen in place of a swimming pool would be a wise choice. With a waterproof awning or pavilion, you will have the option of using your outdoor kitchen year-round.
By adding one of these popular outdoor rooms to your home, you could see an average return on investment of between 100 and 200 percent. However, this largely depends on the climate. Warmer areas and structures built with durable materials typically see a higher return on investment.
Adding a Rainwater Recycling System
The cost of water is constantly on the rise; therefore, efforts to conserve water have become an important issue in the minds of frugal and environmentally-conscious homeowners. While lush, green lawns have a certain appeal, a number of homeowners have expressed a need to have homes that will not consistently take money from their pockets. In addition to solar panels, a rainwater recycling system can help to create a more sustainable home and reduce your dependence on utility suppliers. This will go a far way in increasing your home value.
Lighting Up Your Outdoor Living Space
Proper lighting will help you to highlight all the improvements that have been made to the functional and aesthetic value of your property, even after the sun sets. Adding strategically placed lighting to your property will boost its function, visual appeal and overall value of the property.
Making Lawn Care a Priority
You can make improvements to your landscaping without much complication. Keeping your lawn looking its best is a great method for improving the curb appeal of your home. This does not mean you need to constantly sit and watch for weeds to pop up. This only requires:
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Raking
Remove debris like leaves on a regular basis.
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Aerating
Pierce the lawn to allow nutrients and air to better access the roots of the grass. This assists roots in growing more deeply; creating a strong, lush and healthy lawn.
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Fertilizing
During the growing season, your lawn should be fed required nutrients every 6 to 8 weeks.
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Watering
You should water the lawn deeply and infrequently; this encourages greater growth.
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Mowing
Regularly cut your grass but ensure it is not too short. Shade cast by taller grass assists in preventing weed development.
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Edging
Left to its natural progression, grass will find its way into driveways, garden beds and sidewalks; this causes an untidy appearance. For a clean, manicured appearance, trim away the excess at the edge of the turf. 
It is not necessarily expensive to take care of your lawn, but it does require an investment of your effort and time. If you would rather not invest your energy and time on lawn care, other options are available. You can hire a landscaping company to keep your lawn looking its best.
If your budget does not allow for major home improvement, a number of low-cost options exist for enhancing the exterior of your home to boost its value. Landscaping projects like adding mature plants, planting flowers at the entrance of your home, re-sodding your lawn, sealing your driveway and trimming and weeding all cost under $1000 (often considerably less). The National Association of Landscape Professionals states that “a homeowner can expect a 215% return on investment” for landscaping projects like these.
If executed properly, The Washington Post says experts estimate that landscaping can cause “an increase in value on your home from 5 percent to 20 percent.”
Contact us for more tips, or to discuss how we can help add value to your home through landscaping.
