How Outdoor Living Spaces Improve Your Home’s Value
Contact UsJanuary 23, 2025
Renovating your outdoor living spaces is an underrated project for increasing your home’s value. Here’s how outdoor living spaces increase property value, including a review of which outdoor features do the most legwork for ROI.
Why Outdoor Living Spaces Matter
Outdoor living spaces are becoming a must-have in modern home design. As homeowners seek balance between work, play, and relaxation (especially in the new world of remote working schedules), backyard retreats have become the perfect antidote to the chaos of daily life. More homebuyers than ever before are considering this to be a fundamental feature; therefore, outdoor living spaces immediately contribute to subjective value.
When properly designed, outdoor living spaces can actually encourage a healthier lifestyle—think outdoor dining, exercise in the fresh air, or even gardening for stress relief. Added beauty and general quality of life improvements are obvious benefits as well, but well-designed outdoor spaces also add impressive objective, monetary appreciation. Adding functional, stylish features like outdoor kitchens or shaded patios can make your home stand out in a competitive market, and buyers’ will notice that the usable space is extended beyond the home’s footprint, leading to higher selling prices. Buyers are drawn to these areas because they offer versatility for entertainment, relaxation, exercise, and more.
These spaces are also surprisingly energy efficient which add to their value. A shaded patio, for instance, can cool your home on those hot Colorado days by reducing direct sun exposure, lowering air conditioning costs in the summer (we say summer, but you probably know that our lovely state can turn up the heat at just about any time of year). And let’s not forget curb appeal—homes with carefully planned outdoor areas instantly capture attention. With all these factors working in your favor, it’s clear that investing in an outdoor living space is a luxury for your enjoyment, yes, but a savvy way to increase your home’s value while you’re at it.
Features that Improve Home Value
In over 30 years serving Colorado home owners, we’ve taken note of certain features of outdoor living spaces that tend to have a comparably high ROI. Here’s a breakdown of some of the best options.
Patios and Decks
A professionally designed patio or deck is a goldmine for equity, with most homeowners recouping 70-90% of the investment when they sell. These spaces create a perfect transition between indoor and outdoor living, boosting appeal to buyers. Materials like stamped concrete, composite decking, or natural stone add durability and visual impact, signaling quality while simultaneously guaranteeing longevity for a safe long-term investment. Plus, the versatility of patios and decks for lounging, dining, or entertaining (making the most of Colorado’s year round sunny days) makes them a top selling point in any market.
Outdoor Kitchens and Dining Areas
Outdoor kitchens and dining areas are luxury upgrades that pay off in both lifestyle and resale value. When they are designed and equipped with high-quality appliances, built-in grills, and durable countertops that are built to last the test of time, these spaces can yield an ROI of up to 200%, depending on the market. They’re of course particularly appealing in regions like Colorado with extended outdoor seasons and plenty of sunshine. Indeed, they offer buyers a unique perk they won’t find everywhere, and it acts as a segue into buyers’ future aspirations; they may be willing to pay more for these features upfront rather than building it themselves down the road.
Fireplaces and Firepits
A professionally built outdoor fireplace or firepit adds ambiance and boosts home value by making the space usable year-round. These features offer a modest but solid ROI, typically ranging from 50-70%. Fire elements create a cozy gathering spot, enhancing buyer perceptions of the property as a space for memorable moments—something you can’t put a price on but definitely influences offers.
Shade Structures
Pergolas, gazebos, and awnings provide comfort, usability, and visual appeal—more and more, they are becoming necessary in the eyes of buyers’ looking for a well-rounded outdoor living space. A well-designed shade structure can offer an ROI of 50-80%, especially in sunny climates where shade is a must-have. Buyers are willing to pay a premium for these features, mainly because they extend the usability of outdoor spaces while also adding style and sophistication. Once again, buyers are likely willing to pay a higher price now to get what they want right away.
Water Features
Professionally installed pools and spas can increase your home’s value, but ROI depends on the market. In sunny climates, pools can boost resale value by up to 7%, while spas add appeal across the board. The key is thoughtful design and energy-efficient systems, which make these features both visually stunning and practical. Buyers are more likely to splurge on a home with a dreamy pool or relaxing spa already in place.
Landscaping Enhancements
Professional landscaping is one of the best ways to see an immediate bump in your home’s value. Studies show that a well-maintained yard can add 5-15% to your property’s worth. Native plants, stone accents, and lush greenery create an inviting first impression, making buyers more likely to fall in love before they even step inside. For maximum ROI, pair landscaping with lighting and irrigation systems to showcase its beauty day and night.
Why Professional Design Matters
There’s more to outdoor living spaces than just throwing down some stone or grabbing a few plants from the hardware store and calling it a day. Working with expert landscapers ensures that your design is seamless, functional, and beautiful, all while maximizing your home’s value. Professionals understand how to balance aesthetics with practicality, crafting spaces that flow naturally, serve your needs, and add curb appeal—making sure your investment pays off in the long run, instead of amateur, surface-level landscaping that causes more problems than it helps.
Outdoor Living Spaces in Fort Collins
Incorporating thoughtfully designed outdoor living spaces can significantly enhance both your home’s value and your lifestyle. Let Lindgren Landscape transform your outdoors into something extraordinary. Give us a call today to schedule a free consultation.