We get this question a lot, and the answer is a “yes.” Yes, quality additions to your home, especially projects under the umbrella of outdoor living, increase home value. Why?
Well, a new kitchen is nice, but the exterior is the first thing your potential buyers will see. The simple fact is that outdoor living is a reason to buy. So, I tell my clients that we’re building to improve their quality of life, and we’re also investing in the long-term value of their property.
The answer is “yes,” and it’s backed by data.
According to one recent survey, an attached outdoor living space, such as a deck or porch, can add almost $20,000 to the value of a home. And one study put the value-add for a landscaped patio at 12.4% of your home’s overall worth.
As you’ll notice, there are different figures floating around. That’s because it’s not possible to determine exactly how much outdoor living increases home value because the type of project depends on your climate and specific neighborhood.
However, study after study demonstrates that there is value in outdoor living projects.
Curb appeal is tied to home value.
Curb appeal, which is a popular term for how attractive your home looks from the street, is going to be important as far as home value. “Curb” is a bit misleading, though. What we’re really talking about is the exterior of the home.
So, a buyer looks at your home’s exterior years from now. They see a nice fence, a well-kept garden, and, around the back, a custom patio with light fixtures, furniture, an outdoor kitchen, and a lovely view.
A great exterior makes buyers more likely to enjoy the interior. It’s really about first impressions.
Let’s look at the data on backyards.
According to the 2024 Outdoor Living Trends Report, “While curb appeal is often prioritized, it is worth considering that on-trend (or at least updated) backyards also have a huge say on value.”
Some outdoor living projects increase home value more than others.
Sounds obvious, but it’s worth keeping in mind: A patio will raise your value more than a landscaping project such as a fire pit.
The American Society of Landscape Architects found that quality landscaping can add around 15-20% to your home value.
Adding on larger-scale construction projects naturally provides a larger return on investment. By “large scale,” I mean projects like the following:
- Patios
- Outdoor kitchens
- Decks
If we start to talk about more specific, personalized outdoor living projects, such as a stone pizza oven, it’s going to be harder to gauge in terms of ROI. In fact, it could even hurt your value if the buyer thinks they won’t enjoy it and will want to pay to have it removed.
That said, if you want an awesome outdoor pizza oven, build one. It is your home, after all.
Quality materials are critical to resale value.
High-quality, durable materials ensure that your project will stand the test of time and look better, even to an untrained eye.
Notice that I used the word “durable.” You could ship stone from Nepal to build a patio, but, in this case, will extravagant outdoor living raise the value of your property?
Rare materials may do less to increase the value of your home compared to, say, stamped concrete, which is going to look great and last much longer than the stone.
Focus on what you want first. Value will come.
As I said above, I recommend you focus on outdoor living projects that you want to use, not just those that have the highest ROI.
A house is more than an investment — it’s your family’s home. If you think it will bring you enjoyment and improve your life, then go for it.
Go with a licensed contractor.
Outdoor living contractors know how to choose quality materials, design functional spaces, and deal with city and municipal codes to make sure your project is compliant.
If you want to maximize your home value with a new outdoor living project, choose a professional.
Trinity Stone Construction can bring your vision to life.
Have an outdoor living project in mind? Talk to an expert at Trinity Stone Construction today. We’ll give you a free consultation and quote within 24 hours.
— Carlo Menchaca, Founder & CEO
