Outdoor Projects That Offer the Best Bang for Your Buck

November 10, 2020

Fixing up the exterior of your home is a great way to add to the visual appeal of your home, as well as increase its value. With many possible projects and a limited budget, it can be hard to choose the right one to invest in; however, if you are looking to make a change, big or small, the potential return on your investment is a great way to narrow down your options. Outdoor renovations that make home maintenance easier, are more environmentally conscious, and more cost effective, are projects that will offer great return on your investment. From new windows to residential turf, home improvements that improve the functionality of a home are always a good idea.

Residential Turf

This may not seem like an obvious one, however a well-manicured lawn can add a ton of value to your home, while patchy dead grass will detract from it. Residential turf is virtually maintenance free, requires no fertilizer, weeding, seeding, mowing, or watering, and has a life expectancy of 15-25 years. Residential turf suppliers estimate that, depending on the type and quality of residential turf purchased, the investment can pay for itself within 2-8 years, based on lawn maintenance cost savings. This ROI does not include the value added to your home to potential buyers, which some residential turf suppliers estimate to be between 100% – 130% of the initial cost.

Softscape and Hardscape Upgrades

Softscape and hardscape elements add a great deal to the exterior of your home, and if you are considering selling, making a good first impression could have a big impact on potential buyers. In addition to new residential turf, you may want to consider planting trees, tending to garden beds, and mulching. These small jobs can net over 80% ROI and make your home stand out. Hardscaping is an equally profitable endeavor, as jobs like paved walkways, planters, and patios can all add significant value to your home and return over 80% on your investment.

Window Replacement

Replacing all the windows in your home with energy efficient vinyl windows is a large project, however it also offers a large ROI. If your home currently has older, single pane windows, which were very common in new builds prior to the late 2000’s, then you could save a significant amount of money on your home heating and cooling costs, as well as benefit from a government rebate, from the installation of new double or triple pane windows. Professionals estimate that the energy savings and added value to your home can bet between 70%-76% ROI on new windows.

Garage Door Replacement

Perhaps not the most exciting addition to the list, however a new garage door can add a great deal of visual impact to your home and has been estimated to offer up to 98% ROI. If you have been considering updating your garage doors, now might be the time to do it.

Whether you are selling or staying, making smart investments in functional outdoor improvements not only adds value and comfort to your home, but also offers a great return on your investment.