You've got a great house, love spending time in and out of it, and would like to upgrade it to increase its value. Whether you're considering putting it on the market or just trying to make some improvements, we have you covered. We will go through some upgrade ideas and sort out those that are common sense and other suggestions you may find surprising.

Lavish Landscaping

Well, lavish doesn't have to be over-the-top! Simply keeping your grass weed-free and cut, trees trimmed, and hedges pruned will augment your home's curb appeal. Edging along curbs and sidewalks, a few well-placed pathways and/or landscape lights and even something as small as a birdbath or a lantern will turn your yard into an inviting oasis.

Haute Hardscape

What's this? Hardscape is complementary to the landscape. It encompasses stones, pathways, bricks, and pretty much anything that you can build to support your style of outdoor living. A patio is a perfect example, or a deck! Let's check out a few hardscape structures that will upgrade your home.

A deck will certainly add a lot of value to your home. The average return on investment for a deck is around 80%. Decks can be made of timber or composite.

A water structure, like a fountain, pond, or something as involved as a pool, will enhance your outdoor fun - and your home's value.

Do you like to cook? An outdoor kitchen is proven to help increase your home's worth. Outdoor kitchens can be large or modest, with a small food prep area and an outdoor fridge.

A pergola, which provides both shade and privacy, is an excellent structure to incorporate into your backyard.

Last but not least, a gazebo, which offers shelter, is a wonderful addition. Imagine picnicking in one during a sunny afternoon or enjoying a crisp night by candlelight.

Patio Paradise

We touched on it a little earlier, but patios are a surefire way to get an ROI for your property. Patios can be a DIY project and are usually crafted within a few days to a week. They can be made from a multitude of materials and in a plethora of patterns. Patios are buildable in nearly any size (and shape) and can last for a long time.

Deck Delight

As mentioned before, wood and composite, such as Trex, are ideal mediums for your deck's material. Consider a floating deck or a wooden platform if you're thinking of something more conservative. These smaller structures will look excellent and they will definitely add more value to your abode. On average, a medium-sized deck costs just under $8,000 to build.

Lovely Lights

Don't forget that illuminating your outdoor space is just about as important as its layout. Lighting up pathways, steps, and ledges is important—not only for safety but also for guiding foot traffic. Also, you can attain a dramatic effect by placing landscaping spotlights under your trees. Add string lights near your house and deck. String lights can be elaborate (celebration-style) or more restrained and serene.

Fantastic Front Entryway

The front entryway is where you make the first impression. This is also where you can have complete control over the front door style, color, and what guests see when they arrive. Contemplating a hue change is important, especially when marketing your house. Pay attention to trends and focus on what will complement your home's décor and color scheme.

Dote on Your Driveway

Take a minute to think about where you park your car at home. Is it easy to access? Does your car have adequate space and shelter? Is your driveway smooth and accessible, or is it uneven and marred by cracks? Fill up those holes and cracks, add gravel if necessary, and keep your driveway clean. Simply by performing this maintenance on your driveway or parking pad, you add worth to your house.

Winning Windows

It's time to reflect on what's happening with your windows. (Pun intended!) How they look and the condition they're in will influence your home's value. Replace old windows and repair any casings and window frames that are in bad shape. Double-pane windows can be a boon. Merely by making these repairs, you'll recoup nearly all of what you initially invested in your new windows.

Mailbox Magic

Something you may not have thought about much is your mailbox. Sure, you reliably receive mail in it, but it's there all the time, stalwartly marking your home with its all-important address numbers. That's loyalty. Reward its loyalty by upgrading it to an eye-catching brick mailbox column. Or you could build a sturdy block mailbox stand. Another option is something more creative – like using a ship's pipe. The possibilities are endless.

Flamin' Firepit

Installing a fire pit can be a prime choice. Think of those cold nights chillaxing in front of a fire – right on your patio! Fire pits are both romantic and a great way to bring family or friends together by roasting marshmallows (s'mores!) or hot dogs. The more you enjoy relaxing, the more you'll appreciate your fire pit after a long day. Make sure you set it up safely in an area where there's no chance of anything you don't intend to burn catching fire.

Precious Privacy

Let's not take this one for granted. While you're out enjoying all nature has to offer – and dining and/or imbibing a few cocktails, you probably wouldn't want prying eyes to see too much. A fence, a partition, curtains, or a wall, like a living wall, maybe the way to go so you can keep your neighbors' gaze to a minimum. Fences can be made with various materials. We like stone and metal.

To Sum Up

There are lots of possibilities for outdoor improvements. A few will cost some money, but you can also make choices that won't break the bank. A little effort goes a long way into making your house into a beautiful dream home and a place that can garner more value when the time is right.

Outdoor Improvements That Add Value to Your Home