How Outdoor Living Spaces Add Value to Your Home

Having a yard is a big perk for any homeowner. However, there’s a world of difference between a yard that’s just grass and concrete and one that’s been turned into an awesome, functional outdoor living space.

An outdoor living space is one that you design and furnish for entertainment and relaxation. This could be a patio, deck, pool area, or even a simple backyard with comfortable seating and a fire pit. By adding these outdoor living spaces to your home, you improve the aesthetic and increase its value. Let's explore how exactly an outdoor living space adds value to your home.

Improves Curb Appeal

One of the first things people notice about a house is its exterior. By creating a well-designed and inviting outdoor living space, you can enhance the curb appeal of your home.

This means that from the moment potential buyers or guests lay their eyes on your property, they're immediately drawn in and impressed by its appearance. "Look at that decked-out patio; we could definitely envision hanging out there on summer nights," is the kind of reaction you want to evoke.

Increases Living Space

Outdoor living spaces act as an extension of your indoor living space. By transforming an underutilized backyard into a functional and appealing outdoor area, you essentially increase the overall living space of your home. This can be especially beneficial for those with smaller homes or limited interior square footage. With an outdoor living space, you have a designated area to entertain guests, relax and even dine al fresco.

Multi-Functionality

Outdoor living spaces have endless possibilities when it comes to functionality. Want to cook a meal outdoors? Head over to the outdoor kitchen area equipped with a grill, sink and refrigerator. Need a place to unwind after a long day? Relax in the comfortable lounge seating around a fire pit. Want to enjoy the beauty of nature without leaving your home? Plunk down in a hammock and take in the scenery.

Potential homebuyers will appreciate the versatility of the space. With the ability to transform from an outdoor dining area to a cozy reading nook, these spaces offer something for everyone.

Promotes Health and Well-Being

Don't we all wish we could spend more time outdoors, enjoying fresh air and sunshine? One way an outdoor living space can add value to your property is by providing a space for the home occupants to enjoy the great outdoors. Spending time outside has numerous health benefits, including reducing stress levels, improving mood and boosting immune system function.

This easy, convenient access to fresh air and natural light can be a massive selling point for potential buyers, especially ones that value a healthy lifestyle and want to live in a home that supports it.

Fun for the Whole Family

There's no one who can't appreciate the joy of having a backyard. For children, the yard is a space to run around and play games, explore nature and let their imaginations run wild. And with more children spending time indoors on screens, having a backyard can encourage them to get outside and be active.

For adults, the backyard offers a space for relaxation and leisure activities. Whether hosting family barbecues, enjoying a morning cup of coffee in the fresh air or unwinding after a long day at work, having an outdoor space can provide a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

For pets, the backyard is a safe and secure space to run, play, and explore without being confined to the indoors. This can lead to improved physical health and mental well-being for our furry friends.

A backyard that the whole family can enjoy is a big selling point for potential home buyers. Your home may garner more interest from buyers who see the value in having a private outdoor space where everyone from the adults to the kids to Fido can relax, play, and spend quality time together.

What Outdoor Improvements Add the Most Value?

As you can see, outdoor living spaces can add an immense amount of value to a home due to their visual appeal and multi-functionality. This stands true regardless of what they have to offer; a beautiful, practical outdoor space will always draw more attention than one that's plain. That said, there are some outdoor improvements that may add more value than others. If you want to maximize your home's value, here are some outdoor improvements to consider.

Landscaping

Arguably one of the most dramatic ways to enhance your backyard is with landscaping. Adding trees, shrubs, flowers, and other plants can transform an ordinary space into a lush oasis. You might also consider installing water features, such as fountains or ponds, to add a calming and soothing element to your backyard.

Deck or Patio

Adding a deck or patio to your backyard is another popular enhancement. They provide a designated space for outdoor living and entertaining. Decks are typically made of wood or composite materials, while patios are often made of concrete or stone. Depending on your budget and preferences, you can choose to build a small platform deck or an expansive multi-level patio with built-in seating and fire pit.

Outdoor Kitchen

An outdoor kitchen is a luxury that many home buyers would love to have. Outdoor kitchens can range from simple grill setups to fully equipped cooking areas with built-in appliances, countertops, and seating. Whatever the extent may be, having an outdoor kitchen will surely boost your home's value.

Fire Pit or Fireplace

Fire pits and outdoor fireplaces add both functionality and ambiance to a backyard. They create a cozy gathering spot for family and friends. Gather 'round the fire and roast marshmallows, tell stories, or just relax and enjoy the warmth. This feature is great for entertaining and extending the use of an outdoor space into the cooler months.

Outdoor Entertainment System

Adding an outdoor entertainment system can take your backyard to the next level. Install a TV, speakers, and even a projector for movie nights under the stars. This is perfect for hosting game day parties or watching movies with friends and family.

Whether you’re planning to stick around in your home for years or thinking about selling, it never hurts to look for ways to boost its value. Outdoor living spaces are a great way to get more use out of your home now while also boosting its resale value later. At Stono Outdoor, we can help you create an amazing outdoor space with our high-quality products. We can install outdoor kitchens and grills to turn your yard into the perfect spot for cooking and entertaining, for example. Ready to explore your options? Let’s explore what we can create together!