11 Landscaping Improvements to Enhance Your Property's Market Worth
Sprucing up your exterior digs isn't just about having a swanky pad, it can also give your wallet a boost when it's time to sell. But let's face it, you're not just investing in dollars and cents—you're investing in a better lifestyle. Well, that's according to Lisa Stryker, spokesperson for the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP). So forget about crunching numbers, and think about the enjoyment you'll get from your outdoor space.
Maybe you're longing for a yard that screams "curb appeal", or perhaps you dream of a cozy sanctuary where you can unwind with friends and family. Whatever your goal, Lisa suggests considering your outdoor space as a personal oasis, rather than a financial investment. After all, it's the enjoyment and satisfaction you get that counts.
But what outdoor projects will give you the biggest bang for your buck? We've got the lowdown on the 11 best outdoor landscape projects, according to the report from NALP and the National Association of Realtors (NAR). If you're looking for a high return on your investment (ROI), then these projects are worth considering.
Top Outdoor Projects That'll Net You A Pretty Penny
- Standard Lawn Care Service: Don't underestimate the appeal of a well-groomed lawn. Six seasonal applications of fertilizer and weed control on a 5,000-sq. ft. lawn will run you about $415, but can yield an estimated ROI of $900—that's a whopping 217%. It's not just about the cash, though—it'll also score you a Joy Score of 9.4 out of 10!
- Landscape Maintenance: Roll up your sleeves and get ready to add beauty to your exterior. This project includes an annual mulch application, mowing 2,835 square feet of lawn, pruning shrubs, and planting approximately 60 perennials or annuals. The estimated cost of $4,800 brings an ROI of $5,000, or 104%. Plus, 61% of homeowners reported a greater desire to be home after completing the project.
- Overall Landscape Upgrade: If you want to make a big impact, an overall landscape upgrade is a great choice. Think about installing a natural flagstone front walkway and adding some stone planters—it'll cost you about $9,000, but the estimated ROI matches the cost. Better yet, 72% of homeowners said they had a greater desire to be home after this project was completed.
- Outdoor Kitchen: Sick of cooking indoors? An outdoor kitchen, complete with a grill, stainless steel drawers, an ice chest, and concrete countertops, can do wonders for your home's exterior. The estimated cost of $15,000 yields an identical ROI of $15,000, or 100%.
- New Patio: A new patio is a great way to upgrade your outdoor space. Consider installing a backyard 18x16-foot concrete paver patio, which has an estimated cost of $10,500 and an ROI estimate of $10,000, or 95%.
- New Wood Deck: You'll love entertaining on your new wood deck, which boasts a Joy Score of 9.8 out of 10. It includes a cedar structure with cedar railing, stair steps, pine or fir lattice at the base, and has an estimated cost of $16,900 with an ROI estimate of $15,000, or 89%.
- Tree Care: Regular tree fertilizing, trimming, and pruning can up your property's appeal, while also improving safety and health. The estimated cost is $2,875, with a potential ROI of $2,500.
- Irrigation System Installation: Chances are, you fancy a lush, green lawn. Installing an irrigation system for a 5,000-sq.-ft. lawn with an estimated cost of $6,000 and ROI estimate of $5,000 (83% return) is a great investment.
- Landscape Lighting: Light up your life with some landscape lighting. It'll cost you about $6,800, with an ROI estimate of $4,000, or 59%. Plus, it'll earn you a Joy Score of 10 out of 10!
- Fire Feature: Cozy up with a fire feature, like a gas-powered dry-stacked stone kit and a 10-foot-diameter flagstone patio. This project comes with an estimated cost of $9,000, an ROI estimate of $5,000, or 56%, and will have you lounging by the fire in no time.
- In-Ground Pool Addition: If you're ready to commit to a more extensive and pricey project, consider an in-ground pool. Costing about $90,000, this beauty can give you a 56% ROI and has a Joy Score of 10 out of 10.
Need some budget-friendly ideas? Doing smaller projects or routine maintenance yourself is a smart strategy, especially if you're a green thumb. Keen on container plants and seasonal color? Spruce up your outdoor spaces with those! But leave tree pruning, plant maintenance, and disease care to the pros. That way, you'll have more time to kick back and enjoy your newly improved outdoor retreat.
- Landscaping projects, such as hiring standard lawn care services or investing in landscape maintenance, can offer a significant financial return upon selling properties, with estimates ranging from 217% to 104%.
- The National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) and the National Association of Realtors (NAR) recommend considering outdoor projects not just for their monetary value, but also for the enjoyment they bring to outdoor spaces.
- Topping the list of outdoor projects with high returns is a standard lawn care service, estimated to yield an ROI of $900 on a $415 investment and a Joy Score of 9.4 out of 10.
- Lisa Stryker, spokesperson for NALP, suggests viewing outdoor spaces not as financial investments, but as personal oases for relaxation and enjoyment.
