Backyard Changes That Diminish Your Property's Worth by 5
Transforming your backyard into a space you truly adore isn't a walk in the park. Before diving headfirst into revamping your outdoor haven, it's crucial to understand what truly adds value to your property and what might just turn buyers off. A well-thought-out and well-maintained backyard can significantly increase your home's appeal, whereas careless choices could make it harder to sell.
To steer clear of costly errors, we chatted with Ivana Agustina, the head of project management at ShrubHub, an award-winning online landscape design service. Here are her top dos and don'ts when it comes to outdoor features, along with some smart alternatives that can help you create a backyard oasis you'll love and that potential buyers will adore.
Skip the Concrete Jungle
Concrete ain't all that it's cracked up to be in a backyard. Not only is it visually unappealing, but it can also lead to major headaches down the line, like drainage issues and heat islands that make the space unbearable during summer months. "Too much concrete creates heat islands that make the space unusable during summer months and contributes to water runoff problems that smart buyers immediately recognize as future headaches," warns Ivana Agustina.
Instead, try mixing things up with a combination of hardscaping and greenery. This will give you a functional patio area while allowing for proper drainage and adding some visual interest. "This approach can increase your home's value by up to 12% compared to all-concrete yards," says Agustina.
Avoid the Overgrown Jungle
There's a fine line between a lush garden and an overgrown mess. The latter can signal a lack of property maintenance, which could turn potential buyers off. Additionally, untamed bushes and trees planted too close to the house could cause long-term damage.
According to Agustina, the key is to choose low-maintenance, native plants that can be arranged in a coherent design. "Clean edges, defined plant beds, and a few statement plants make a much stronger impression than dozens of random species competing for attention," she advises.
Watch Where You Place Your Fire Features
An outdoor fireplace can be a cozy addition to your backyard, but it's essential to place it in the right spot. Putting a fire feature too close to the house or greenery could pose safety hazards that buyers might not overlook, potentially leading to lower offers for your property.
Agustina suggests keeping the fire feature at least 10 feet away from any structure or overhanging branches and taking wind patterns into account. "A properly designed fire pit area with comfortable seating and appropriate safety features can increase your property value by up to 15%," she says.
Stay Away from DIY Water Features
Subpar water features can be a red flag to potential buyers, as they often require expensive maintenance and may serve as a breeding ground for insects. Many buyers may even ask for the water features to be removed before selling to avoid the additional costs.
If you still want a water feature in your backyard, invest in a timeless fountain that's professionally installed with a recirculating water system. "Modern, clean-lined water features with minimal maintenance requirements can actually add value, while DIY ponds often result in thousands being subtracted from offers," says Agustina.
Avoid Permanent Personalizations
Personalizing your backyard is cool, but it's best to steer clear of making permanent changes that might be challenging to remove before selling your home. Specialized features like built-in trampolines, elaborate themed areas, or permanent structures designed for very specific uses are likely to limit buyer interest and drive down offers.
Instead, focus on more versatile personalization like a well-designed patio, quality outdoor lighting, and evergreen landscaping that will create your very own oasis and increase your home's value when you decide it's time to sell.
- Ivana Agustina, ShrubHub's head of project management, recommends avoiding a backyard filled with too much concrete, as it can lead to issues like heat islands and water runoff problems, reducing a property's value.
- Instead of having an overgrown garden, Agustina suggests choosing low-maintenance, native plants in a coherent design to create visual appeal without signaling a lack of property maintenance.
- When considering an outdoor fireplace, Agustina advises placing it at least 10 feet away from any structure or overhanging branches to ensure safety, as potential buyers might be put off by fire features closest to these elements.
- Instead of DIY water features with high maintenance requirements, Agustina recommends investing in a timeless, professionally-installed fountain with a recirculating water system to add value to a property without the drawbacks of subpar water features.
