Imagine you’re trying to find a new home. You hire a realtor to take you around and look at your various possibilities, and after many hours of looking, all of the prospective houses start to look similar. When you sit down at the end of the day and look back at each home, some may stand out in your mind much more than others — not because of the inside of the house, but more so what was on the outside. Landscaping can make a big difference in the home-sale process, and it can even lure in homebuyers who did not originally intend to look at the house. Unique and interesting landscaping designs can add a great deal of value to a home, and it can be the determining factor that closes the deal on the home. If you’re a current homeowner looking ahead to the future, consider some of these landscaping ideas to help add value to your home:
- Decorative Stones – Decorative stones are a versatile landscaping tool that give homeowners a number of ways to make their backyards more interesting and organized. One way to use them is to create a pathway into the backyard or throughout a garden to avoid stepping on plants. Decorative stones can also be scattered around various hardscape structures, such as a pool or birdbath, to add more interest, and they can even be used for a driveway as a unique alternative to asphalt or cement. Whether using them as borders or pathways, decorative stones are a handy landscaping technique that can increase the value of your home.
- Pool Landscaping – If you don’t already have a pool in your backyard, having one installed can greatly increase the value of your home. If you do have a pool, there are some ways to make it even more valuable. The first thing you can do is to take good care of the pool. A pool that is often ignored will start to show signs of neglect, such as dirty water, debris covering the pool and unsanitary conditions. Another way to improve your pool is to add a heater. This makes the pool available more often throughout the year. It is also a good idea to have certain safety measures in store, such as a fence around the pool, as this will be more attractive to home shoppers with children.
- Patio – Patios are another great feature to put in your backyard to add value to your home. Patios give homeowners a place to hang out in the nice weather, entertain guests and grill over the summer. Typically made out of stone pieces, patios can be designed in a number of ways. They can have more than one level, be combined with a deck and come in whatever shape is desired.
Decorative stones, well-kept pools and patios can all catch the eyes of prospective homebuyers, and they can be the one feature that seals the deal. For a more attractive and valuable home, landscaping is the way to go. Read more.