The Outdoor DIY Project That's A Red Flag To Potential Buyers

The benefit of having a backyard is that there's so much potential for what you can do with it. For example, there are lots of trendy ideas for designing your perfect patio or curating green outdoor space. But, be careful what you choose to put outside of your home because there are some backyard design choices that can make it harder for you to sell your house. This includes DIY water fixtures like cheap water bottle fountains or terra cotta planters repurposed into a backyard feature.

While these DIY water features are fun to make, they could be a red flag to potential buyers if you're looking to sell your house. That's because these types of outdoor features may require upkeep on the fixture, which could potentially be expensive. What's more, standing water in places like DIY bird baths, ponds, and fountains is a prime spot for pests like mosquitos, carpenter ants, and termites to breed. Instead, consider a professionally installed fountain with modern or timeless features, along with a water recirculation system.

Instead of making a fountain yourself, get your fountain installed by a pro. According to the American Society of Landscape Architects, homes with professional landscaping elements are able to attract 15-20% more money on the market. It's important to note that water fixture installation can be pricey, costing as much as $1,100 for a bird bath and up to $10,000 for a fountain over 20 square feet. The price also depends on whether or not it has a pond or waterfall element, as well as what material the fountain is made from.

Professionally-installed water fixtures aren't the only elements that can help raise the value of the home. Patios can boost its value by as much as $5,000. According to a 2023 Zillow study, homes with outdoor TVs went for a selling price 3.1% more than anticipated and ones with an outdoor shower were boosted by 2.6%.