The Foodie Outdoor Feature That Could Seriously Improve Home Value

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A lot of effort goes into designing and furnishing a home. It's nice to see some of that expenditure reflected in its market price. Finding small ways to increase value before listing a home gets you more back on your real estate investment. While there are plenty of ways to improve curb appeal, one that has been growing in popularity is a covered patio. Backyard dining is the ultimate lifestyle feature at the moment. You may not want to spend money on a brick pizza and cooking station in a place you're selling, but by covering your patio, you give buyers a ready-made solution for outdoor entertaining. This is one of those great small patio ideas to spruce up your backyard without a lot of space, too.

The foundation of this area requires a protective barrier from the elements in the form of a roof system and a designated dining section. Some ways to implement this include adding pavers to outline the eating area or adding a built-in bench, but you can customize your space however you choose. So, just like an outdoor kitchen adds to a home's value, so can a covered patio, particularly one with an eye-catching design to attract potential buyers. That sounds worth a little extra spending or elbow grease to get the job done.

Before you start calling contractors, take a look at the space you have to work with and consider elements that fit the style and size of your home. For a small covered patio, a tin roof extension might be best, or even a wall-mounted pergola kit like the Sizzim Wall Mounted Sloped-Roof Hardtop Gazebo from Home Depot. For a larger deck with a bigger budget, you might opt for something like the PURPLE LEAF Galvanized Steel Double Roof Permanent Canopy . You can even try an enclosed gazebo for the ultimate backyard dining location. Whatever your style, this addition will add substantial value to your property, and you can customize it with a designated dining area.

One way to give your patio a homey element is to change the floor. Add accent pavers to outline table placement, or paint a section of decking to add a pop of color and style using stencils. You can even add built-in options like a cement and wood bench, so the section of outdoor living area is dedicated to future dining. However you bring this idea to life, you'll have a beautiful al fresco culinary spot protected from the elements, and when it comes time to sell, the investment will be reflected in your increased market value.