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Are you planning to sell your home? Or are you looking for projects that will increase your property value? If so, you have likely been focusing most of your research on investments that improve resale. However, it is equally important to know which features can reduce your property value too!
Understanding factors that may reduce property value can help you make better-informed decisions about where to invest your time and funds into your property most efficiently. It can also help you prioritize which areas of your home to work on first.
When selecting projects to tackle, remember that exterior appearance and the functionality of outdoor living spaces matter just as much as interior features in the eye of many buyers.
That’s why our list of upgrades that increase home value focuses on landscaping and outdoor features that you should have on your radar. Continue reading to learn more!
Your lawn and garden are the first things potential buyers see when they visit your home and first impressions matter!
Sending the wrong message with your first impression can start your showings off on the wrong foot and make potential buyers think twice about making a purchase. So, it is important to ensure you are showing your pride in ownership both inside and out!
If you are planning to sell and your lawn and garden look a little wild, tidying them up is the perfect project! Luckily, a messy garden and long or unhealthy grass can usually be mediated easily. If you have the time and interest, you can even tackle a neglected garden and lawn yourself! Alternatively, give your local landscaper a call. You’ll be amazed at what a little garden cleanup, edging, mulch, and lawn care can do to transform your property and increase curb appeal!
While our suggestions about lawn and garden maintenance may have sounded like more work than you’re up for, don't be tempted by the idea of installing artificial turf or filling all or much of your backyard with concrete if you are planning to sell. Both projects will ultimately harm your home sale.
While you may think that artificial turf is a great investment because it is a “set it and forget it” kind of project that reduces ongoing maintenance, many buyers prefer to avoid it. This is due to the high cost of replacing artificial turf once it inevitably wears out. Many other people prefer to have a more natural turf lawn too.
On the other hand, a concrete patio that is too large will also limit interest from many buyers – particularly those with children or pets. Many people also enjoy gardening and will be looking for spaces they can grow flowers or vegetables, so work with a landscaper or deck builder first before jumping into artificial turf or significantly increasing your concrete patio. The ideal backyard has a mix of materials that tie a design together while maximizing the functionality of the outdoor living space.
If you already have artificial turf or a lot of concrete in your outdoor living areas, consider removing or reducing it.
On the topic of yards and greenspace, the slope of your property can also play a role in the resale value of your home.
This is because many buyers prefer yards that are flatter or only slightly sloped. Flatter yards typically make establishing gardens, setting up playsets, building fences, adding sheds, and creating outdoor dining and entertainment spaces easier.
This preference for flat yards is not only about aesthetics and functionality though. Some slopes impact the drainage of the property and can be a concern for buyers who need dry spaces for year-round outdoor living. Poor drainage can also increase the risk of basement flooding if any slopes angle toward your home.
Therefore, if you have a sloping yard, plan to work with a landscape construction company to flatten your yard more. Also, be sure to manage water with property grading and drainage if you have any concerns with soggy areas or slopes near your house.
While you may be thinking about turning any soggy areas of your property into a pond, this is another project that can make many buyers think twice about buying.
In fact, most water features like koi ponds and built-in water fountains are a turn-off for a lot of people. This is because ponds and water features require maintenance that many buyers are unfamiliar with and uninterested in taking on.
So, if you don’t already have water features on your property, we don’t recommend investing in them before you sell. Better bets are to utilize smaller, portable, and contained fountains that you can either take with you when you move or that won’t feel like a burden to potential buyers later.
Next on our list of landscaping and outdoor features that can harm your home sale is trees.
While having mature trees in your neighbourhood and on your property can be very attractive to potential buyers, not all trees are created equal for resale values. In addition, too many trees or trees that are messy or unhealthy can reduce your property value.
For example, the size, placement, and number of trees may impact home value if they block all the sun, limit turf space, or reduce curb appeal. Fruit and nut trees may also deter some people who worry they will not be able to manage all the cleanup and pruning that comes along with fruit-bearing species. In addition, unhealthy trees are a red flag for buyers because they can pose a threat to structures and may be expensive to prune or remove.
Before you rush to grab a chainsaw, consider consulting with a landscape designer to see what they recommend. Even your realtor may be able to offer an opinion on which trees on your property will help and hurt your sale.
Another important outdoor feature to evaluate around your property is your fencing.
If you currently have unattractive, broken, or rotting fences, we recommend that you invest in upgrading or replacing them before you put your home on the market. Sometimes, all it takes to make a huge difference is replacing a few old boards, adding a fresh coat of stain, or securing any posts that are unstable.
Fences are often a necessity for homeowners with children and pets, and they are a great way to increase privacy. However, they can be costly to replace, and having a modern fence that is in great shape will be a big selling point for most of your prospective buyers.
If you don't already have a fence, consider adding one! Bare minimum, we recommend seeking ways to increase privacy in your yard, even if it is a simple privacy screen on your deck or patio.
Before you list, talk to a local fence company near you to help you build or repair a fence or privacy wall!
Like fences, decks and patios are an important part of any outdoor living space.
Now more than ever, the appearance and functionality of your deck or patio spaces will be a consideration for prospective buyers. This is because most people are spending more time at home and are seeking outdoor spaces to live, work, and play.
If your deck or patio looks worn, rotted, or cracked, consider refinishing or replacing it. Not only will these investments significantly elevate your property, but they will also help reduce the risk of injuries to others.
In addition, if your outdoor living spaces currently lack functionality, now is a great time to call a local deck builder to talk about how to increase the size, change the layout, or add features that make it an all-season space.
Implementing these changes is a great way to increase property value and help you sell your home quickly at a great price!
Are you in the market for a fence or deck upgrade? Then Premier is here to help!
Our team of professional fence and deck builders has been helping homeowners elevate their outdoor living areas for over 90 years. We proudly serve Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, and surrounding areas.
Reach out to us to chat with one of our sales representatives today. We are happy to visit your property and provide a no-obligation, on-site consultation at your convenience.
