3 Simple Garden Additions That Will Increase Your Home's Value
If you're a homeowner, it's always a smart idea to consider what small additions you can make to add value to your home. However, as Forbes notes, given the many ways you can enhance your home, the key is to make the smartest choice on where to invest your money. You need to make sure your returns are worth the investment.
Your garden is a great place for you to get started. According to LawnStarter, a well-executed garden and landscape design can definitely increase the property value of your home, but there are some changes that generally prove more effective than others.
Re-doing your garden for added home value also allows for a lot of flexibility in terms of budget because you can go as big or small as you want, while both alternatives are guaranteed to make your home more valuable. We've put together a list of three great additions to your home garden that we're sure you'll love.
1. A fire pit
According to Real Homes, a fire pit can add value to your property, especially if you live in a region that experiences cold weather for parts of the year. Fire pits are cozy and inviting and can enhance the general ambiance of your garden a ton. Even if you don't get a ton of use out of a fire pit, the aesthetics of one are part of its overall appeal.
Though custom-built fire pits can cost around $5,000 (per Landscaping Network), there are more budget-friendly options out there. You could install a pre-assembled fire pit and save tons of money while reaping much of the same benefits. It's also worth noting that you can enjoy your fire pit across seasons, so you definitely can't go wrong with this one.
Adding a fire pit to your garden space also offers a variety of uses other than the obvious ones. CNET suggests that by burning certain plants, such as thyme, you can repel flying pests like mosquitos. You can also use fire pits for cooking purposes and use the leftover ash as fertilizer.
2. An outdoor kitchen
Another great backyard addition is an outdoor kitchen. As Beverly-Hanks Realtors explains, an outdoor kitchen is something of a status symbol these days. Keep in mind that they're a hefty investment and can cost you anywhere from $15,000 to $100,000, depending on how far you want to go with appliances and amenities.
If this sounds like a bit much to you, you can opt for a simpler outdoor kitchen with a grill, an ice box, and a sink with approximately 60 square feet of counter space. With a simple addition like this, you're looking at a return of up to 71% of your investment. Not too bad, we think.
According to Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens, an outdoor kitchen is also a great addition for those who like to entertain. It also expands your living area and makes cooking easier. They'll also keep odors out of the house, which is an added bonus.
3. Garden maintenance
Last, but certainly not least, is purposeful garden maintenance. When it comes to garden additions, working with what you already have is a perfect place to start. As LawnStarter explains, a well-kept landscape and lawn is one of the most cost-effective, quickest, and most profitable steps you can take to add more value to your home, with up to a 352% return on your investment.
Make sure you do your weeding and mow your lawn so your home gives a great first impression to anyone who passes by. Adding fresh mulch is also recommended as a quick fix for a dull-looking yard. What's more, sprinkling mulch around your shrubbery and plants can also discourage evaporation and weed growth while helping to control soil temperature and erosion.
While you're at it, it's recommended that you add a few colorful plants to your garden, too, if possible. A trip to the local nursery or home improvement center can get you started on adding to your property's overall curb appeal and value.
Opendoor recommends repairing fence damage and sprucing up your existing fences with some paint as additional maintenance. This will ensure your garden looks its best while giving you great returns.