Can a Stylish Outdoor Space Add Value to Your Home?
Most people recognise the benefit of installing a new kitchen or bathroom in order to add value and make a property more sellable, but not everyone recognises the advantages of creating an attractive outdoor space.
Landscaping a front garden adds instant kerb appeal, but when the majority of your outdoor space is at the back of the property and therefore out of sight, it might seem like a waste of money doing it up. However, it is always a good idea to put some effort into improving your garden if you are planning on selling the property, and if you are able to create a stylish outdoor space, it will definitely add value as well as making your home easier to sell.
Planning Your Garden
Landscaping is not something you should jump into, feet first. Instead you should think carefully about what type of space you want and how best to go about it. Sunlight and shade will play a key role in what plants grow best where, and depending on how much space you have, hard landscaping areas such as pathways and patios need to be tackled first.
Landscaping can be planned on paper. Draw the garden and work out where you envisage things such as sheds, patios, BBQs and outdoor seating areas to be located. Once you are certain the plan is going to work, it is time to begin.
Low Maintenance Gardens
A lot of buyers are looking for homes with low maintenance gardens. They don’t have time to cut grass or pull up weeds, so an attractive outdoor space that requires very little effort to maintain is going to be a major selling point. To achieve this, plant flowers and shrubs in tubs and pots, or use weed membrane on flower beds, and replace lawn with areas of gravel and paving stones.
Outdoor Living Space
A well designed outdoor living space should be an extension of the home, the idea being that you can walk out of your living room straight into the garden, to entertain, relax, or play with the kids. The best way to achieve this is to have a decking area or patio directly outside the living room, which can be accessed via French windows or a patio door.
If you install outdoor lighting, a BBQ cooking area and a fire pit, the area is perfect for outdoor entertaining on warm summer evenings. Creating such a stylish outdoor space will add value and attract couples and families.
Working from Home
Another useful way to add value to a home is to use the space outdoors to construct a small studio. This can be used as an outdoor office or hobby room and as long as you include heating as part of the design it will be suitable for year-round use. The best designs come from reputable companies such as Gardenspaces.co.uk, but don’t forget that you many need planning permission if the building exceeds a certain size.
Giving the garden a makeover is a good way to add value, but don’t make it too personal or you will alienate a lot of buyers.
