The past six months have filled Americans with hope that life is on it’s way back to what it was before the pandemic. People are taking advantage of the low mortgage interest rates (2.8% for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage) and they’re on the hunt for a great house with all the outdoor amenities that are perfect for summer entertaining.
Outdoor renovations are a great way to increase the value of your home if you’re looking to sell your home this summer, but they’re also a great way to improve your family’s quality of life. These upgrades will make your backyard feel like your own private getaway that’s perfect for summer parties and get-togethers.
If you want to add value to your property or get your home ready for entertaining, we have some insights from top agents regarding what backyard renovations are most popular among homeowners and buyers.
Table of Contents
In-ground swimming pools
The swimming pool (namely in-ground swimming pools) are highly sought after by homeowners and buyers alike because it’s the ultimate feature when it comes to summer entertainment. When the summer heat gets too hot, there’s no better way to cool off! The in-ground pool can be elevated to an enviable status, you can opt for a custom pool surround, a safety fence, and maybe a hot tub or spa nearby.
Improved lighting schemes
You may have a light by the backdoor and a few tiki torches around the patio, but they’re dated and leave something to be desired. Upgrading the lighting schemes around your backyard can make a world of a difference in the overall enjoyability of your yard. For example, you could use solar lights to line your walkway or the pool surround. You could update the light fixture by the backdoor or install recessed lighting if you have a covered patio.
Upgraded grilling area
If you consider yourself a grilling pro, why not build a grilling station to reflect your passion and skill at making a good flame broiled steak? You can do this by upgrading your grill to a nicer model and encasing it in a custom station surrounding it. There are numerous ways you can turn your grilling area into one befitting a grilling master, but if you really want to impress, consider adding a wet bar, a snack station and/or a prep area complete with a sink and min-refrigerator.
Dedicated space for outdoor living
The pool may be one of the most used spots in your yard, but having a dedicated outdoor living area is a great feature to have – especially if you enjoy relaxing with a good book without getting roasted under the sun. If you have a covered patio, you could use comfortable outdoor furniture, accessories, plants, and even an outdoor rug to create a space that rivals your actual living room! If you don’t have a covered patio, you can create a similar setting with a gazebo or a pergola decked out with flowering vines (it’ll take some time for the pergola to be filled in) or a canopy.
Space to play games and run around
You can’t have an outdoor barbecue without a few games! Homeowners are carving out space in their yards and laying seed to grow a luscious lawn or laying sod. They’re also creating space for their children’s swing sets, shoot hoops and even play volleyball (or any other fun game).
Outdoor renovation projects may seem daunting but we hope this list will give you some ideas of where to start. If you’re considering selling your home soon or just want to increase its value, you could always reach out to a local real estate agent for advice regarding what features are in demand for your area.