Whether or not you are planning to sell your home any time soon, it is great to have additions to your property that can help boost its value. Investing in outdoor structures is a good way to do that. Many homeowners might worry that having these built would cost them a lot, but there are outdoor structures you can easily build yourself without breaking the bank, such as the following:
Deck
Building an entire deck would effectively add a whole outdoor room to your property and can count as additional square footage. Do-it-yourself decks are relatively affordable and have high resale value. Having a wooden deck can result in up to an 87% return of investment, which is often higher than any indoor home renovation.
You can install a deck even if the ground is not level. However, you might need a permit to add a deck to your home.
Patio
If you are looking for something cheap, installing a patio would cost much less than a whole deck. Stone patios in particular are very durable, so they require less maintenance and have a long lifespan. They are also easy to install and do not typically require building permits or inspections. But, unlike decks, patios are not suitable for uneven terrain.
Pergola and pergola awning
Pergolas or pergola awnings are great additions especially over patios or decks. They are very versatile and can have roofs made of wooden slats, glass, gables or they can be open-topped. Having a pergola or a pergola awning also has benefits such as better shade, opportunity for more lighting and greenery, and — if you choose to add breezy curtains — they can offer protection against bugs as well. Pergolas and awnings can be bought in DIY kits and are easy to set up on your own. Additions like light strings, vines, hanging flowers and fabric doors are very affordable too. Building a wooden pergola could also be an attractive home improvement option, since these features are very sought-after.
Gazebo
If you have enough space in your yard, you might want to consider building a gazebo. Homeowners and buyers might be more likely to find homes with gazebos more appealing, which can translate into increased property value. Like decks, gazebos also offer additional outdoor living space and add more square footage to your property. However, they can be pricier and more difficult to set up on your own.
Outdoor fire pit
Building your own fire pit can be a lot easier than most outdoor structures, and would cost a lot less as well. Fire pits are also movable, so you can set them aside during warmer seasons. These outdoor features can positively affect your property value especially if the summers in your area are cooler than usual.
Do not forget to add extra fixtures and furnishings to your outdoor structures. Not only do they add to the property value, they could also add to your comfort when enjoying these structures. Also, increasing your property value should not be your sole motivation in building these structures. The reasons for installing these additions should include making the property even more of a home for you and your family.
