The possibility of renovating your home is one of the great benefits of owning a property. Expertly done, property renovations can improve your lifestyle, add to your property value, and provide a great sense of satisfaction. While some are motivated by the need to add space, others simply want to restore an older home to its former glory.

However, lately, many homeowners embark on renovation projects in order to maximize their property’s value ahead of the sale, or in the case of investors, to be able to command a higher rent. Still, so many homeowner-renovators unfortunately overlook the yard, which offers almost infinite possibilities for improvement and can offer many great memories in the future. Let’s look into some of yard renovations with the highest ROI.

Upgraded landscaping

Landscape design is an essential element of every outdoor renovation project, and provides softness that eases the visual transition from structure to nature. Start with basic landscaping such as popular eye-catching plants, herbal gardens, and climbing vines like jasmine or moonflower. The next step are hardscape projects like a meandering flagstone walkway to the back door, or a landscape structure such as a gazebo with retaining walls and built in planters. With professional landscaping service you can add up to 20% more value to your home.

New front door

This is probably the only house improvement element that is always worth more money the moment you install it. A new solid steel door guarantees a return of more than 100%. Although it’s hard to believe at first, it perfectly makes sense. Nobody buys a car because of the wheels, but everybody check the wheels before buying a car. It’s the same with the front door – it doesn’t sell a home, but it’s the first thing a potential buyer checks upon walking in. If the front door is solid and in a good condition, the buyer cannot assume other than that the entire home is up to the expectation.

Durable concrete patio

It hard to argue that of all materials suitable for patios, concrete is not the most traditional yet it’s the most versatile choice. Not only it is smooth and clean, but it can be formed into curvilinear and geometric shapes, and with a drop of tint, it can take any colour apart from the classic light grey. On top of it, concrete offers performance, durability, and above all, low cost. If you plan to DIY, keep in mind it’s not an easy project for first-timers. However, with a help of a useful online concrete calculator, today it’s much easier than when your old man did it back in his day. While pouring a simple concrete slab is a straightforward process, if you want to add texture or pattern, you can apply a few techniques, the simplest one being applying a stiff broom in each direction to create some traction and avoid the slippery surface.

Homely wooden deck

As a great alternative to a concrete patio, a wooden deck immediately expands your living space into the backyard. With a bit more than 80% return on investment, the key to adding a deck is to make it look as if it had been there all along. This means that an extravagant deck is not a guarantee that you’ll recoup the cost while selling. Make sure that the upgrade is appropriate to the size, value and the neighbourhood of your home. Traditionally, cedar has been the timber of choice due to its best perceived value for money, but because of the rising costs, homeowners are now opting for pressure treated wood alternatives such as MicroPro Sienna, with the same rich look of cedar.

Dramatic outdoor lighting

Lighting is one of the best ways to accent your property in the evening. Since many home-buying guides prompt buyers to visit the potential property in the evening as well, strategically placed outdoor lighting creates a jaw-dropping ambiance that can truly transform the exterior of your home. Landscape lighting also expands your living areas by allowing outdoor areas to be used for dining, entertaining or simply relaxing when the sun sets. The wide choice of lighting elements such as deck lights, accent lights, and path lights allow you to accentuate specific elements of your hardscape, while providing a safe passage and deterring trespassers.

Although you may not be purchasing a home with the goal of increasing its value, down the road, when you think about selling in the future, it would be nice to know that your home is worth more than you bought it for. 

About the Author

Mike Johnston is a Sydney based blogger. Passionate about home improvement, decor, DIY and house maintenance topics. He also loves History, Architecture and Photography which compels him to go out there, explore and take lots of pretty pictures of old buildings in the process.