Chicago Home and Lifestyles – Backyard improvements that pack a punch at selling time
Even if you aren’t planning to sell your home anytime soon, or ever, it’s important to always have that in the back of your mind when planning home improvements. They can be costly, but if you plan well, your improvements will help pay for themselves with increased home value.
Outside improvements are just as important. Here are a few projects that can really pump up the value:
Landscaping done well can make a 5-10percent difference compared to a home without it. Of course, professional landscaping can run into thousands of dollars, but over a few years you can DIY your backyard into a very pleasant place. A nice lawn along with well placed trees and shrubs for privacy can go a long way. Flowering perennials and other accent plants will bring it all together!
Outdoor dining is all the rage now. Even in the Chicago area where inclement weather is the norm, everyone is setting up an outdoor oasis. If you have a decent amount of money to spend, an outdoor professional grill set up with stone surroundings will bring your backyard dining up several notches. Remember a quality grill set up will last upwards of ten years, versus a cheap one you’ll be replacing in five. This is especially true in climates like ours.
A dining set will make that al fresco dining more pleasant. A good sturdy table with 4-6 comfortable chairs will make your guests feel welcome. An outdoor rug underneath is a nice finishing touch. There are so many new fabrics out there to choose from. It might be wise to upgrade to the higher quality outdoor fabrics, as they will hold up in harsh weather. For the same reason, it’s important to make sure that your outdoor furniture is the same excellent quality as your indoor furniture. And don’t forget to add a nice umbrella for shade!
Fire pits are extremely popular. Fire pits do double duty as a cozy gathering place for family and friends, and offering warmth when it might be just a little too chilly to be outside. There are so many types of pits to choose from and many different fuel types too. You can choose wood burning or propane. Many put out as many as 50,000 BTUs! Of course, prices vary widely but a decent unit can be had for less than $200.00. Most are also moveable so you can set up wherever you like.
Then, we can’t forget the element that will set off our entire landscape: lighting. There are so many types of lighting, from string lights to path illumination to lanterns to tiki torches. They all show off your architectural design in addition to creating an inviting space and providing safety at night.
So how will you adorn your outdoor space? Think of it as an extension of your indoor living space. Use excellent quality materials and workmanship. It will reward you with years of use and will help with value at selling time.
Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago
