When most people think “curb appeal”, the front yard comes to mind. But as the trend of seeing the backyard as valued real estate increases, more and more people are looking for ways to upgrade this covetable space for maximum enjoyment and return.
Whether big or small, a yard without landscaping is like a blank canvas, full of potential, but not everyone wants to invest an arm and a leg into creating the ultimate outdoor living area. When you want to create a relaxing space that\’s not hard on your wallet, here are a few things you might want to consider:
Bring In A Tree
The benefits of planting a tree are many: not only will adding a tree to a yard that has none raise your asking price – studies have shown that a mature tree can increase the resale value by 7% to 19% – trees also provide shade on a hot day, a place for children to play, a home for local wild life, and the list goes on.
If you buy a home with a bare yard, it\’s recommended you plant as soon as possible, as in some cases it can take up to seven years for a tree to reach its mature height. Make sure you do your research in advance, and ask advice from a professional landscaper or gardening shop for the type of tree to plant and where.
Add A Fire Pit
You can bring a little warm and cozy to your backyard with fire pit. There are a handful or portable varieties and chimneas, but if the goal is to add value for when you eventually sell, a custom-built permanent pit is a better option.
Build A Deck
With more and more people realizing the value of a well-appointed outdoor space, it should come as no surprise that adding a deck will add value to your home. In fact, HGTV claims that homeowners can recoup from 65% to 90% of their investment.
Building a deck is a lot of work but it\’s definitely do-able. The DIY Network has a step by step tutorial to help you construct a simple but beautiful deck on your own time. A good way to keep costs down is by borrowing or renting equipment. If you don\’t want to do it yourself, you can bring in a contractor, but it\’s highly recommended to shop around for quotes that suit your financial situation.
Put Down Some Mulch
Your backyard changes don\’t need to be complicated. Something as simple as laying like-coloured mulch on all flower beds and exposed soil can make a world of difference. In addition, mulch blocks weeds and holds onto those much-needed nutrients your plants crave.
