5 Outdoor Upgrades to Boost Your Home's Value

Did you know you can use outdoor upgrades to boost home value? A well-designed outdoor living area not only enhances curb appeal, but also expands your usable living space…which leads to higher appraisal values! 

This kind of investment can make your home more attractive to potential buyers, while at the same time giving you and your family an enjoyable space to live in before you sell—and Shepherd’s Hardware is here to help. 

Today we’re going to show you 5 fun, easy-to-do, and rewarding DIY outdoor upgrades that won’t break the bank. Let’s get started.

Transform Your Yard with Professional Landscaping

Even basic lawn care can provide an immense boost to your home’s value, and this is only amplified when you decide to invest in professional landscaping. It’s a fundamental outdoor upgrade to boost the value of your home, and should be one of the first places you look when considering ways to do so. Real estate agents, for example, often recommend lawn care as the #1 priority when it comes to improving curb appeal before listing a home.

Climate Considerations

If you're based in the Okanagan area, consider the region's semi-arid climate when selecting plants to place around your property. Drought-tolerant and low-water plants will be ideal. Look for ones that can withstand hot, dry summers and cold winters, such as native plants from the Okanagan region.

Recommended Plant Types

For a vibrant and low-maintenance garden, consider incorporating drought-resistant shrubs like lavender, blue fescue, dusty miller, and mock orange. Perennials like coneflowers, poppies, bee balm, and lilies add color and thrive with minimal water. Sustainable landscaping not only conserves water but also reduces upkeep, making your home more appealing and eco-conscious.

Create Inviting Outdoor Living Areas

Outdoor living spaces (think patios, decks, and pergolas) offer both aesthetic and functional benefits to your home. These areas provide a natural transition between indoor and outdoor living, making your home feel larger and more versatile. A well-designed outdoor living space can become the focal point at social gatherings and/or during family activities—this is a great selling feature that is easy to implement, yet often gets overlooked.

Material & Design Tips

Choose durable materials that can withstand different weather conditions; composite decking, stone, and treated wood are excellent choices for longevity. Incorporate comfortable seating, shaded areas, and outdoor kitchen setups to create a space that is both functional and inviting. 

Illuminate Your Home with Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting is one of the most inexpensive and easiest outdoor upgrades you can do to boost your home’s value. Proper lighting not only highlights the best features of your home, but is a defining feature when it comes to creating a welcoming ambiance that people want to spend time in. Pathway lights, string lights, and spotlights are some of the most popular options.

Benefits of Outdoor Lighting

• Improves safety by providing visibility on walkways, driveways, and entrances
• Acts as a deterrent for trespassers; increases security
• Allows you to set your own mood and create the type of environment you want
• Saves lighting costs when you invest in energy-efficient and solar-powered options

Add Privacy and Security with Stylish Fencing

Fencing is a slightly bigger investment that you can use to upgrade the value of your property, but with bigger payoffs, as well. There are different materials to choose from: Wood fences offer a classic look that can be easily modified with paint or stain, while vinyl fences are much lower maintenance, but still offer long-term durability. 

DIY vs. Contractor Installation

Some fence projects can be completed as a DIY endeavour, but if you don’t have any fencing experience, this is one area where a professional contractor can really be worth the cost. Depending on the scale of your new fence, there is substantial upside when it comes to increasing your asking price (if it’s done properly)! 

Security, separation from neighbours, and privacy in general are all major selling points for potential buyers—and are all provided by a well-built fence.

Enhance Tranquility with Water Features

Water features, such as fountains, ponds, and waterfalls, add a sense of tranquility and luxury to any outdoor space, and are an easy-to-add outdoor upgrade to boost home value. These features create a calming atmosphere and can serve as a focal point in your garden, front or backyard.

Benefits of Water Features

In addition to their aesthetic appeal, water features can increase your property's value by creating a unique and relaxing environment. The sound of flowing water can mask neighborhood noise, providing a peaceful retreat in your own backyard. People will pay to be in a space they enjoy, and creating that vision for them might be the key to your next home sale.

Maintenance Tips

To keep your water features in top condition, regular maintenance is necessary. Clean debris from the water regularly, check the pump and filters, and ensure the water chemistry is balanced to prevent algae growth. Proper maintenance will keep your water features looking beautiful and functioning efficiently.

Conclusion

Using outdoor upgrades to boost home value is always an intelligent investment; they’re often inexpensive, and don’t take long to incorporate into a property. Professional landscaping, outdoor lighting, stylish fencing, and calming water features all serve to increase curb appeal and livability. 

‍Shepherd’s Hardware has everything for all your outdoor projects. We have the tools, the materials, and the experts to turn your home into one that future buyers will love. Come visit us today, or give us a call at 250-546-3002 to find out how we can help.