Outdoor Living Projects That Really Pay Off
Spring is here! With warm weather on the way, it’s time to think about planting, cleaning, and upgrading our outside spaces. But which outdoor projects add the most value to your home? Today we shed light on which investments in your outdoor living space return the biggest bang for your buck. A top-of-the-line outdoor kitchen for entertaining Outdoor kitchens shot to popularity during the pandemic, and they’re sticking around. Why? They’re versatile, fun, and great for entertaining. They take outdoor gatherings and backyard grilling to the next level, offering a full suite of cooking appliances, running water, and prep space in one convenient outdoor spot. Forget about running back and forth from the indoor kitchen to the backyard; with an outdoor kitchen, no one has to miss out on a minute of the party. Additionally, an outdoor kitchen can help you save money on utility bills—especially during their highest-use time in the summer. Cooking outdoors helps reduce indoor heat buildup, decreasing the need for air conditioning. For maximum value boost, think about universally usable features that every buyer will love. For example, is your outdoor kitchen easily accessible from your house? Did you opt for top-of-the-line appliances? Does it have tons of counter space for easy prep? Don’t overlook the basics like storage and functional plumbing. Opulent finishes and clever gadgets could improve your enjoyment of the space—which is important—but if your main concern is resale value, think well-designed and highly functional. A luxe outdoor living space for relaxation Build this space alongside your outdoor kitchen for the ultimate entertainment area and unequivocal relaxation. How do you do it? Many homeowners treat the outdoor living space as an extension of indoor luxury, meaning you can let your indoor aesthetic flow right out onto the patio. This creates a unified look that makes your outdoor sanctuary feel like a cohesive part of your home. It’s a good idea to cover all or part of your retreat to protect it from wind, rain, and sun—and you can screen it in to keep the bugs out, too. When you think about furniture, consider aesthetics, durability, and comfort. You can opt for freestanding patio furniture, or go with cushioned built-ins for something more permanent. Next, invest in some outdoor patio heaters to make your space usable all year long. How much value can you expect an outdoor living space to add to your home? According to Better Homes & Gardens, just a patio or deck alone can add almost $27,400 CAD in value. Boost it even more by keeping your region’s weather patterns in mind and designing accordingly. A cozy fireplace to gather ‘round Picture it: you and your loved ones laughing and telling stories around a crackling fire—anytime you want, because it’s in your backyard. Whether you opt for a built-in stone fireplace or a freestanding firepit, the ROI for this feature is great. Home renovations in general typically return 70% of their cost when you sell your home, and the ROI for this project is around 78%. Those numbers are strictly monetary, which means they don’t factor in your improved quality of life or how much more you’ll enjoy your home when the project is complete. For maximum return on your investment, go for a natural-gas-fueled firepit and stick to good-looking but inexpensive materials. Trees for shade and privacy Lush landscaping done by a professional is always valuable—and poor landscaping can reduce your home’s value by 30%. If you need to focus on one aspect, choose trees. Trees are the single most impactful landscaping element when it comes to home value, and just a single healthy tree can have a significant effect. Trees.com notes; “A tree is one of the most natural and interesting ways to add colour, texture and contrast to any home’s yard. The natural beauty of a tree can be especially powerful when it distinguishes one property from others, whether by different shape, colour, or size.” They goes on to explain that location is key—and planting a tree in the right spot will provide privacy, shade, and even noise protection. Outdoor lights to accent and dazzle Done right, outdoor lighting is beautiful, functional, and improves the security of your property—and there are many types to mix and match. Start with spotlights that produce a narrow beam of light to highlight statement features like statues, trees, and water features. Enhance flowerbeds with small accent lights, and use pathway lights to illuminate paths and walkways, making it easier to navigate in the dark. Try wall-mounted lights to provide ambient lighting and enhance the appearance of your property, and finish up with string lights in your outdoor entertaining areas to add a whimsical touch. Outdoor lighting can be installed by an electrician and wired into your property’s main electrical system—but there are also solar lighting options that are self-charging. How does outdoor lighting impact your home’s value? According to the U.S. National Association of Realtors, it can add over $3,300 CAD to your bottom line on its own—but the real value is in the saleability and the way it improves curb appeal. A recent study showed that exterior lighting is the most-wanted outdoor feature for homebuyers, with 42% calling it an essential must-have and another 45% calling it desirable. That’s a total of 87% of buyers looking for outdoor lighting in their home searches. A decadent water feature for the aesthetic (and fun!) Water features can include anything from a small, decorative fountain to a full pool and spa. Depending on what you choose, benefits can range from a nice visual focal point to protection from noise pollution to an opportunity for exercise and improved well-being. Combining features, such as a swimming pool or pond with a waterfall, will deliver maximum impact. You’ll get the beautiful aesthetic, the pleasant sound of running water, and a place of your own to swim or relax poolside. Incorporate underwater accent lighting to create the magical getaway feeling of a true backyard oasis. What kind of value boost does a water feature offer? That depends on the feature you install, where you install it, what types of materials you use, and of course, where you live. Overall, the main value of water features is the tranquil ambiance they create and the improvement they provide to your home’s curb appeal. Just remember that you have to maintain them. A damaged, dirty, or non-functioning water feature can actually devalue your home—and nobody wants that! High-efficiency irrigation for convenience and conservation While not as flashy or exciting as some other items on our list, a high-efficiency, automatic irrigation system will improve your quality of life while offering a great ROI. Installing an irrigation system saves you time and energy at home since you don’t have to water your landscaping manually—and you’ll recoup around 86% of the installation cost when you sell in the future. Buyers see the value of an irrigation system because of reduced maintenance time and costs, and the consistency of watering with an automatic irrigation system typically improves the overall aesthetic value of the landscaping. The exact value boost you’ll get depends on various factors, such as the location and size of your property, the type of irrigation system, and your local real estate market. It's always a good idea to consult with a local real estate agent to determine the specific value that any home feature can add to your home based on your location and the local market conditions. Please reach out today to see how we can help you determine which outdoor living projects will yeild the greatest return for your home.
Mastering the Garden: Tips for Year-Round Harvests and Flavorful Herbs
In the realm of gardening, strategic planning is key to success, especially when it comes to maximizing space and resources. The following tips delve into the art of garden location planning, container gardening, raised beds, soil preparation, sunlight and watering considerations, as well as optimal plant placement. These insights serve as invaluable guidelines for novice and seasoned gardeners alike, offering practical advice to create impressive vegetable gardens. Gardening Guidelines: Begin with a Small Plot: Starting with a plot size is wise. This allows for better management of the consistent care required from planting seeds to harvesting crops. As you gain experience, you can gradually expand your garden according to your level of commitment and the time you have available. Prepare the Soil Thoroughly: Prioritizing soil quality is essential before planting. Utilize well-draining soil that retains moisture effectively. For containers, opt for a good potting mix, and for raised beds, consider adding compost to enrich soil structure and nutrient levels. Consider Raised Beds Wisely: When selecting plants for raised beds, consider the available space carefully. Some plants, such as tomatoes and cucumbers, tend to spread out, while others, like leafy greens, stay more compact. Embrace Container Gardening: Container gardening offers great flexibility. Opt for compact varieties of vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers, which are well-suited for containers. Ensure your pots provide enough space, especially for the roots to grow properly. Choose the Right Location and Spacing: Before setting up your garden, observe the sunlight patterns in the area. Plan the placement of your plants carefully to maximize sunlight exposure and prevent overcrowding, which can lead to reduced sunlight and increased susceptibility to diseases. Manage Sunlight and Watering: Most vegetables thrive in full sun but require careful attention to avoid diseases. Monitor watering closely, aiming for about an inch of water per week. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Utilize rain gauges and watering techniques that target the plant roots to minimize the risk of fungal issues, particularly with tomatoes. Herb Gardening Tips: Transform your backyard into a flavorful haven by cultivating herbs right at your doorstep. Whether you're a culinary enthusiast or simply enjoy the fragrance of fresh herbs, growing them in your backyard offers convenience and satisfaction. Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Consider raised beds or containers for better soil control. Mind each herb's sunlight, water, and spacing needs. Regularly harvest herbs for bushier growth. Companion planting with herbs can repel pests and attract beneficial insects. Successful gardening requires thoughtful planning and consistent care throughout the growing season. Starting with a small garden plot allows for better management and gradual expansion as you gain experience. Container gardening offers flexibility, especially for those with limited space, while raised beds provide opportunities for efficient plant selection and soil management. Prioritizing soil quality, sunlight exposure, and proper watering are essential for healthy plant growth and disease prevention. By selecting the right location, spacing plants strategically, and implementing effective gardening techniques, you can create a thriving garden that produces abundant harvests year after year.
Elevate Your Outdoor Oasis: Redefining Pool Water Aesthetics
Your pool is more than a mere water feature; it's an expression of your lifestyle and a sanctuary for relaxation. Among its many elements, the color and visual appeal of the water stand out as pivotal in shaping the atmosphere. In this guide, we delve into innovative ways to transform your pool's aesthetics, ensuring it becomes an eco-conscious, family-friendly, and visually captivating centerpiece of your outdoor space. Harmony with Nature: Embracing Eco-Conscious Designs Crafting an environmentally friendly pool not only reduces its ecological footprint but also offers long-term cost savings. Consider incorporating these sustainable practices: Utilize recycled or locally sourced materials during construction. Opt for energy-efficient lighting solutions both inside and around your pool. Harness the power of solar energy with heating systems and covers. Implement solar panels to illuminate and heat your pool in an eco-friendly manner. By embracing these practices, you can bask in the joy of your pool while minimizing its environmental impact. Creating Ambiance: For an enchanting atmosphere that transcends day to night, consider adding some plush cushions, throw blankets, and decorative elements like lanterns, candles, firepits or torches to enhance the ambiance and create a cozy atmosphere for lounging and socializing. Sleek Sophistication: Minimalist Designs for Modern Pools In the realm of pool design, sleek lines and minimalist aesthetics reign supreme. These contemporary pools not only require less maintenance but also seamlessly integrate with any landscape, creating a harmonious outdoor sanctuary. Inviting Spaces for the Whole Family Sun shelves provide a safe and enjoyable environment for relaxation and play. With their shallow design, they offer an ideal space for children to splash around while eliminating the need for constant supervision. Additionally, tanning ledges can accommodate pool-friendly lounge chairs and umbrella stands, creating a resort-like experience in your own backyard. Unveiling a Spectrum of Hues: Playing with Color Palettes The color of your pool water sets the tone for your entire outdoor space. While traditional options like white or blue are timeless, modern innovations provide a vast array of colors to suit every taste and preference. Explore a diverse spectrum of hues to create a unique and captivating ambiance for your pool area. Soothing Aquamarine: Opt for shades of aquamarine to evoke the tranquil beauty of the ocean. Light blue-green tones can create a serene and calming ambiance, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation. Warm Sunset Orange: Infuse your pool with the warmth and vibrancy of a sunset by incorporating shades of orange. Whether through vibrant orange tiles or subtle hints of peach, this color palette can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere reminiscent of summer evenings. Earthy Rustic Red: Add a touch of rustic charm to your pool area with shades of red. Rich, earthy tones like terracotta or brick red can create a warm and inviting ambiance, complementing natural surroundings and creating a cozy retreat. Cool Arctic Blue: Embrace the cool, crisp beauty of arctic blue tones for a refreshing and invigorating pool experience. Light shades of icy blue or frosty teal can evoke a sense of freshness and purity, perfect for hot summer days. Elegant Silver Gray: For a timeless and sophisticated look, consider incorporating shades of silver gray into your pool design. Sleek and modern, gray tones can create a chic and understated backdrop, allowing other elements of your outdoor space to shine. By harmonizing your choice with the surrounding landscape, you can elevate the allure of your pool area to new heights. Customization for Your Lifestyle: Tailoring Depth and Features Tailor your pool to suit your lifestyle and preferences by customizing its depth and features. Whether you prefer uniform water levels, extended tanning ledges, Infinity edge designs, or vanishing edges, seamlessly merge water with the horizon or patio, imbuing pools with a luxurious resort ambiance. This opulent feature adds elegance while zero-edge designs offer gradual slopes into deeper waters, catering to sunbathing and easy accessibility, exemplifying both luxury and inclusivity in pool experiences. Illuminating the Night: Versatile Lighting Solutions Extend the enjoyment of your pool beyond daylight hours with a variety of innovative lighting options that enhance visibility and ambiance: Fiber Optic Lighting: Install fiber optic lighting around the perimeter of your pool to create a stunning visual effect. These tiny lights can change colors and patterns, adding a dynamic and mesmerizing element to your pool area. Fire Features: Incorporate fire features such as fire bowls, torches, or fire pits around your pool to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The flickering flames provide both light and ambiance, making them perfect for evening gatherings or relaxing nights by the pool. Projection Lighting: Use projection lighting to cast images or patterns onto the surface of your pool water. This unique lighting option allows you to customize the look of your pool area and create a whimsical or romantic ambiance. Glow-in-the-Dark Accents: Add glow-in-the-dark accents to your pool area, such as tiles, rocks, or floating decorations. These glowing elements absorb sunlight during the day and emit a soft glow at night, creating a magical and ethereal atmosphere. Some of these features can even be controlled from your phone! Bioluminescent Lighting: Incorporate bioluminescent organisms or materials into your pool water to create a natural and enchanting glow. These living organisms or materials emit light when disturbed, creating a magical ambiance in your pool. Transforming the aesthetics of your pool water involves a blend of creativity, sustainability, and functionality. By incorporating these elements into your pool design, you can create an outdoor oasis that reflects your style while prioritizing eco-conscious practices and family-friendly features. By incorporating these illuminating elements to your outdoor oasis, you not only get to enjoy your newly created ambiance, you are making a long term investment into the value of your home, and when it's time to move, you may even enjoy a healthy return on your investment too!
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