On the Outside: Six Ways to Add to Property Value

The interior of your home is not the only place where you can build property value. Consider these updates to add value to your home by starting outside.

1 Landscape

Taking into consideration your climate, your neighborhood, and the style of your home, consider replacing or reorganizing the landscape in your yard, front and back. Plants can be used to screen unsightly utility boxes in the front and side yards while adding color and texture to your yard. And perennials and evergreens add value by creating a perpetual landscape for yourself and others to enjoy.

2 Hardscape

Treat the exterior of your home as an extension of your home by creating outdoor living space. Use hardscape techniques to build outdoor kitchens with grills, sinks, refrigerators, and even beverage dispensers. Build a fire pit for long nights under the stars. And ensure that retaining walls enhance the yard and create unique and inviting spaces throughout your yard.

3 Siding Upgrade

Add value to your home by upgrading your siding. With so many new products on the market, you may be able to add considerable value by replacing older materials with new, eco-friendly and longer-lasting materials such as fiber cement siding. If you like the look and texture of paint, invest in a fresh, new color and bright trim.

4 Details

In real estate, so much of the value of your home comes from the details. Consider updating your doors and shutters by choosing a new paint and adding style-appropriate hardware. Replace the numbers on your home to make sure friends, family, and future buyers can always find your place. And do not forget the garage. Replace the door with one with hinge, handle, and window details.

5 Decking

A big and impressive addition to your exterior is to build a deck, like the decks in Waterloo, or porch. You can use a number of materials, including traditional wood or more contemporary composite planking. Whatever you choose, this new space will immediately add value to your home.

6 Irrigate

Consider adding irrigation to enhance the value of your home. An irrigation system is useful in many climates but may feel like an indulgence to future home buyers. Plus, it makes your yard maintenance substantially easier.

Increasing the value of your home doesn't have to be difficult or costly. Choose one or more of these updates to add to your property value-- and to your quality of life.