With temps rising and more time outside, many homeowners are considering ways to increase the value of their home now and into the future. Beyond basic maintenance of the property and any structures that sit on it – home, garage, or shed – what outdoor living trends can add value? Or even take value away?
To answer these questions, we turned to Realtor.com’s new News & Insights section: Living. With great tips for updating your home and the latest housing trends, this page is a great resource for ideas. Recently they’ve had several posts focusing on outside living, including:
While relaxing on an outside deck is at the top of many peoples’ summer to-do list, decks are not for everyone and require work. This article focuses on those pros and cons and whether a deck adds value during a potential home sale. Considering decking out your home? You’ll want to read this post.
Should I Add an Outdoor Kitchen: Pros and Cons?
Outdoor kitchens have been trending since COVID, when people were looking to expand their living space. This article looks at what makes up a true outdoor kitchen – hint, it’s not just a grill! It also looks at some pros and cons that come along with planning, paying for and adding this space. Think high cost without a huge return on investment, particularly in New England with our short summers. Love entertaining outside and dreaming of an outdoor kitchen, read this post as your decision simmers.
Prior to COVID, a pool wasn’t considered of really any value, particularly in New England. The pandemic brought a demand for pools. The main reason for this: it gave a homeowner a swimming hole in their own backyard, when they couldn’t go anywhere else. With increased demand came higher prices and long waiting lists for installation, so it is still important to weigh the decision before diving into the deep end. One big consideration – the appraised value of the pool will not be equal to the cost of the pool. With this in mind, think about how long you plan to stay in your home and enjoy the pool. After that, read this post for yourself and consider the pros and cons carefully.