Roger Morph 
Thinking about transforming your outdoor space? Whether you’re considering adding a sunroom or embarking on an extensive landscaping project, there are numerous ways to enhance your outdoor living area. While these improvements have the potential to enrich family time outdoors and increase resale value, it’s crucial to be mindful of potential costly mistakes. Let’s take a brief look at certain backyard renovations that may warrant reconsideration when investing in your family’s future.
First and foremost, it’s essential to recognize that home upgrades involve a delicate balance. Some upgrades typically add value, while others may yield minimal return on investment (ROI). You can even take help from an ADU builder for this.
Additionally, personal style is subjective, and what you perceive as an improvement might be viewed differently by someone else.
One upgrade that may not provide a significant return on investment is an outdoor kitchen, despite a homeowner’s personal affinity for it. While gaining popularity in some regions, creating a backyard kitchen for al fresco dining comes with a considerable price tag. HomeAdvisor notes a starting price of around $2,700, but costs can escalate to $16,000. Whether this addition is worth the investment depends on whether the overall value justifies the expenses.
Maintenance is another crucial factor to consider. Similar to an in-ground pool requiring regular upkeep, an outdoor kitchen also demands attention. One approach to balance costs with the enjoyment of open-air cooking is to opt for a high-quality gas grill with advanced features instead of installing elaborate appliances and tabletops.
Another renovation that may not offer a substantial return on investment is a three-season porch or sunroom addition. While desired by many prospective buyers, such a remodeling project can cost approximately $70,000 but may only add $33,000 to the house’s value. It’s prudent to carefully evaluate the pros and cons before committing to this costly alteration.
Finally, an enticing but potentially undesirable backyard revamp is an over-the-top landscaping project. While a backyard oasis filled with trees, comfortable seating, and natural elements may be a homeowner’s dream, it can appear as unwanted maintenance to potential buyers.
Decorative landscaping, especially if it’s costly, might not align with a buyer’s preferences. If you plan to sell your house soon, it’s advisable to maintain a beautiful but simple garden, featuring easy-to-care-for vegetation and removable decorations.
While making your outdoor space your own can be a gratifying adventure, it’s essential to conduct thorough research before diving into the world of DIY home improvement. To explore more examples of costly backyard mistakes, please refer to the accompanying resource.
Graphic created by Pool Troopers.
