Summer Backyard Makeovers

to Boost Property Value

Summer tops most people’s lists of favorite seasons. It is a time to get outdoors, enjoy the warm weather, and create unforgettable memories with friends and family. In order to enjoy summer to the fullest, however, it is critical to have the backyard in top condition. Not only will this add to your enjoyment as a homeowner, but it will catch the eye of prospective buyers on the resale market. With this in mind, keep reading as we explore summer backyard projects that will give your property a boost in value. 

Transitional Spaces

One of the hottest trends in backyard design is creating functional exterior spaces that blend seamlessly into the home’s interior. Whether it be a porch, patio, deck, or lanai, these transitional areas enhance the sense of spaciousness in the property and get residents more in touch with nature. 

Some ways to smooth the transitions between interior and exterior spaces is through the use of sliding glass pocket doors for enhanced light flow, natural wood or stone walls/siding, and low-maintenance greenery. However, one of the most impactful moves is to employ the same flooring, such as 12x12 deck tiles, inside and out. These heavy-duty tiles provide interior elegance and exterior durability for seamless integration of spaces. 

Outdoor Fireplaces

An outdoor fireplace serves many purposes. It creates a statement piece in the backyard. This creates a focal point that enhances aesthetic appeal. It can also serve as a gathering point around which the whole family can congregate. This makes it an ideal spot for enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning or telling stories in the evening. When the weather becomes brisk, a fireplace can ensure the ongoing functionality of the exterior by space heating the area. This can help homeowners enjoy their backyard long after other households have gone inside for the evening. 

Gravel Walkways

Concrete landscaping looks good when new but can quickly lose its luster. Erosion can cause buckling and lead to surface stains from standing sediment. Concrete is also porous, with cracking common during the freeze/thaw cycle. Therefore, gravel walkways and patio floors are a trending option for ongoing aesthetics. Modern gravel sidewalks use a series of permeable pavers in the substrate to hold the gravel in place. This ensures that the gravel does not rut in the face of heavy loads. Permeable gravel walkways also provide elite drainage. This protects the backyard from flooding and moisture damage. 

Pergola Addition

Without the proper sun protection, backyards can quickly become relegated to mornings and evenings only. As such, a pergola immediately boosts the functionality of exterior spaces by providing shade and weather protection. They integrate seamlessly with decks, patios, and any other outdoor living areas. Pergolas also provide an element of architectural intrigue. This helps define an exterior that feels like it is missing something. Many modern pergolas come in easy-to-assemble kits that can be erected in as little as a few hours, making for an impactful transformation that does not involve more time consuming renovation. 

Outdoor Kitchen

An outdoor kitchen is a premier backyard addition for entertaining guests. On top of providing more elbow room when mingling, cleanup is streamlined in an outdoor environment. There are also some energy efficiency benefits, as you do not have to constantly open and close windows/doors to bring food outside. The key to building a functional and stylish outdoor kitchen is choosing the right materials. They must be able to withstand heavy foot traffic, incessant UV exposure, and inclement weather. Some ideas include nonporous quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, PVC cabinets, and stone pizza ovens. It is also important to install outdoor drainage grates around the kitchen floor. This will ensure that water does not stand in the kitchen and prevents stormwater runoff from becoming an issue. 

Water Features

There is something innately soothing about watching water flow in an outdoor environment. It really is the missing ingredient that makes summer relaxation complete. The good news is that you do not have to install a swimming pool to add water to your property. Fountains, stock tanks, and rain chains are a few ideas that keep water flowing without taking up a ton of space or guzzling precious water resources. 

Landscaping and Greenery

Sometimes, the smallest efforts can make the biggest difference. Simply performing basic landscaping can transform a property from “rundown” to “eye-catching. Raking leaves, pruning dead tree branches, xeriscaping dead areas of grass, and adding some potted plants are some practical means of quickly transforming your backyard with minimal financial commitment. 

Boost Property Value Today with Impactful Backyard Projects

Functional and stunning exterior space is critical for enjoying the warm summer weather at your home. Not only this, but it can do wonders for boosting resale value of the property. If you live in southern Indiana or northern Kentucky and are looking for more insight on impactful exterior renovations, explore the content at Coldwell Banker McMahan for the leading resources in the region. 

Author Bio

Andrea Erickson is a freelance writer who loves sharing her knowledge and expertise in renovation and Interior Design. She lives in her hometown of Austin, Texas where she enjoys spending time with her husband and decorating with her children. Andrea’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a construction industry resource site.