What To Search For When Improving Your Yard

There are two schools of thought about home improvement: those who do it for themselves and those who do it for resale value. The best of both worlds is when you can make home improvements that you can enjoy for as long as you own the home and potentially profit from if you ever decide to sell. This is especially true when you make changes to the outside of your home.

Any realtor can tell you that curb appeal provides huge value in its ability to get a potential buyer inside. As a homeowner, you know the pleasure of spending time outside in a beautiful environment. So what are the things you should be looking for when you think about improving the outside of your property? Here's a list of the top four things that add value now and later.

1. Install a Pool

If you live in the Southwest, Texas or Florida a pool is a great investment for resale but more importantly, a pool is always a great investment for yourself, wherever you live. As far as resale value, an inground pool is always the way to go; an above ground pool could actually reduce your property value. When you start your search for "pool builders near me" make sure to look for online reviews and ask your friends and neighbors for recommendations. An inground pool is an extensive construction project and you want to make sure you've got the best contractor available.

2. Create Pathways

In your backyard, pathways help define the regions of your yard and create an invitation to delve deeper into your natural setting. In the front yard, a maintained pathway is an invitation inside. Create visual interest with slates or sandstone. Create edges so the pathway has some height. That could be a planting bed along each edge, raised bricks, or prefab landscape edging. Whatever you choose, make sure it is a material that lasts well and won't be affected by settling or extremes of weather. 

3. Extend Home Space Outside

For yourself and others, you always add value by extending your living space into your outdoor environs. A beautiful back deck, outdoor kitchen, covered pergola or even a luxurious outdoor bed add space and luxury to your home. Buyers are looking for these extra touches for the same reasons you want them in the first place; your home is your refuge, a place you can get away from it all and not feel like you have to look outside your house for the calm and relaxation you need. 

Well-designed outdoor spaces are the settings for your spring al fresco family meals, your moments of gardening zen and your reading relaxation. Time outside means less anxiety, increased immunity and relief from stress. It can help focus your household on family time away from screens. If you think about what you want from a resort, it's seldom the room, but the outdoor spaces that define the difference between a hotel and a resort. Make your own resort at home by focusing on your outdoor spaces.

4. Focus on Lighting

You've installed pathways but if you have guests or potential homebuyers driving by at night, the front of your property can look like a dark and scary place. Even if you don't remember to turn on your porch light each evening you can lighten up the front and back of your property and increase your safety by focusing on lighting. Install solar lights along your front and back yard pathways. Install motion-activated safety lighting and smart lighting that responds to cars arriving and your usual schedule. 

Lighting that highlights your landscaping makes all your hard work in installing feature elements visible around the clock. It also stops those features from being safe places for burglars to hide. Make your home a welcoming and safe place to come to at night. 

With planning and an eye to what makes you comfortable, you can invest in a landscape that pays off now and in the future.