Does the summer air have you itching to spruce up your outdoor spaces? Outdoor additions and renovations can really set your home apart and provide a space for great memories. But at the same time, the costs can really add up. Try out some of these projects, which can be done on both the low and high ends of the budget spectrum.
Add a firepit (cost $300-$5,000)
Firepits truly bring people together (spooky stories and s’mores anyone?), and they’re a great focal point for your backyard. Wood-burning pits will be on the lower end of the budget spectrum because you just need to buy the pit and the wood. Propane fire pits will take more work, usually from a professional, to install and get going. Don’t forget to add some outdoor chairs around the firepit for maximum cozy.
Add a porch or patio (cost $1,000-$10,000
A porch or patio can provide your backyard with more usable space, which can definitely increase your home’s value when you sell. Plus, you’ll have more room for outdoor dining and sunbathing! The cost of adding a patio can change drastically depending on the materials you use and the size of the space.
A simple poured concrete porch will be on the lower end while a stone patio will be way more pricey. If you want a pergola to cover your new patio, plan for another $1,000-2,000 on top of the patio’s cost.
Add landscaping (cost $200-$5,000)
Flowers, shrubs, trees, and grass will bring your outdoor space to life and can help absorb some of that summer heat. To keep the costs low, plant some annual flowers and smaller ornamental plants to add some visual interest. If you want to add sod or bigger plants—like trees or shrubs—plan to spend a little more. And if you’ve been dreaming about a rolling green lawn, plan to spend $1,000-3,000 on sod, depending on the kind of grass you want and the size of your yard.
Much like home values, the costs of outdoor renovations tend to increase over time. So when you have the budget, just go ahead and do the renovations rather than putting them off. And because curb appeal and outdoor spaces get buyers excited, you’ll make back the money you invest when it comes time to sell your house.