How to design an outdoor entertainment space that adds value to your home
Lifestyle
Audio By Carbonatix
11:00 AM on Friday, April 24
By Mer Norwood for Wildfire Outdoor Living, Stacker
How to design an outdoor entertainment space that adds value to your home
When you’ve decided to build an outdoor living space, you make the decision to invest equity into your home. Outdoor living spaces can yield an ROI (return on investment) from 60% to 600%, depending on the features you equip it with, according to Extra Space Storage. Whether you decide to install a patio or outdoor kitchen or both, Wildfire Outdoor Living is here to guide you every step of the way to create the ideal outdoor living space.
The first step in creating your outdoor living space is establishing areas, or “zones,” that serve a specific function, and including backyard amenities that ensure an increase in home value and higher return on investment.
The Cooking Zone: This is where you take on the role of outdoor chef with a luxurious outdoor grill to cook your favorite meals while hosting. The outdoor kitchen can be expanded to include a sink, storage, an outdoor refrigerator, and a griddle — all dependent on your budget. According to Halligans Hearth and Home, an outdoor kitchen typically adds 5% to 20% to a home’s value. Make sure to design your outdoor kitchen around your outdoor grill and include plenty of counter space to get the best return on your investment.
The Dining Zone: Play host and entertain at this designated zone that includes a dining table, chairs, and possibly a pergola for shade during those hot summer months. Apollo Opening Roof reports that a well-installed and well-designed pergola can increase home value by 10%-20%. Before installing your pergola, measure the covering height and width and ensure that it can accommodate a good number of guests and that everyone can comfortably move around.
The Lounge Zone: Imagine a big comfy outdoor sofa set with fluffy pillows where you and your loved ones can converse and relax with glasses of wine around a fire pit. Firepits Direct estimates that fire pits can increase home value from 67% to 78% of their installation cost. Location is important for fire pits, as you want to make sure it’s out in the open to maximize safety.
The Entertainment Zone: The pool is usually the focal point, with lounge chairs set up nearby for lazing about, while lawn games and a TV may also be included in this area. Redfin reports that, depending on the location and climate, in-ground pools typically increase home value by 5% to 10%, especially in warmer climates. Adding underwater lights is a small detail that goes a long way in ensuring you have a higher return on your in-ground pool investment.
Keeping the blueprint above in mind when you design your dream backyard living space is key to increasing your home value and return on investment. This is your home, customize it the way that you want to, but be mindful of the elements that will capture the next homeowner’s eyes.
By taking a more comprehensive approach to due diligence, buyers can identify potential issues before they become costly problems. Even a small amount of additional research upfront can make a significant difference in protecting a long-term investment.
This story was produced by Wildfire Outdoor Living and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.