How Outdoor Living Spaces Can Add Value to Your Home

Outdoor living areas are no longer considered “bonus spaces” or merely an afterthought of your home. They are now firmly established in the mainstream (post-pandemic) as a valuable extension of the home’s interior, or natural flow, that homebuyers are seeking – especially in our warm coastal area.

It’s also proven that adding or updating your house with a fun, functional outdoor space increases value to your home, with a return on investment of more than 60 percent.

Here’s how to work that outdoor magic in your own home!

Location, Location, Location!

Just as anything in the real estate industry, it’s essential to pick the perfect location for your outdoor living space to account for a balance of sunlight/shade, wind, and privacy that combines for just the right amount of relaxation.

Now What?

Decide on the type of outdoor living room you’d like to add or update:

• Deck – Install a new one or replace an old one, and decide on the type of materials, square footage, aesthetic design, and your budget.
• Patio – Typically a cheaper option to build than a deck, patios pieced together from pavers or poured into a concrete slab are also popular.
• Covered outdoor living space – Adding cover for shade to an outdoor living space, like a pergola, gazebo, awning, or shade sail, makes sense and adds appeal in our area.
• Landscaping – We all know that great landscaping makes a great first impression and increases the value of your home, so plant trees, shrubs, and flowers that add color, depth, and privacy.

Functional, Stylish Design

When planning out your outdoor living space, think of it as a true oasis, where you can entertain and your family and friends can gather. To execute that, it should showcase both function and style, which could include furniture to lounge, bright throw pillows and throws for cooler temps, patio torches, or string lights. Additional landscaping elements that can enhance outdoor living include cozy seating areas, building pergolas or gazebos, and incorporating privacy features like hedges or fences.

Add Hardscaping

By investing in hardscaping, such as pavers or decorative garden walls, you can transform a barren backyard into a beautiful outdoor living space. Give the hardscape area an extra beauty boost with potted plants, pathways, lighting fixtures, a fire pit or brick outdoor kitchen, or a pretty outdoor rug – or all of the above!