Will Outdoor Improvements add value to your property?
When it comes to developing your home, modifications made to the building itself will usually have an aim not just to enhance your living space, but to add value on your property. To ensure to maximise your best potential value of your home, consider the additional value of maximising your outdoor living space.
Making sure your home is looking good makes sense. That includes both the front and back of the property. Creating useable outdoor living space is a great way to maximise the appeal of your home, usability and maximise enjoyment. It has also been shown to improve your house price, but do the costs outweigh the benefits?
Over the last few of years house prices have fluctuated with increases, some downturns and larger periods of levelling off. Riding this wave of price fluctuations has been a difficult thing to do especially if you need to sell your home. Even if you’re not selling you want to know that any improvements add value to your home.
The outdoor space available at a property is high on the list of what buyers want, and maximise this space can make all the difference for those looking to invest in a new home. UK based studies over the last few years have discovered that homes that have improved their garden reap the rewards when it comes to selling. In a survey that listed the types of improvements that can be made outside, patios and decking areas came second top of this list as the most desired things that can be made. Estate agents estimate a nice garden can add as much as 20% to the value of the home.
People also like to imagine themselves relaxing in the garden during the summer and any extra room that can be utilised can only improve this vision. So adding a outdoor living space such as a patio, deck or terrace can add as much as £10,000 to the price of an average home, while a similar investment needed to create a lofty extension might add up to £25,000. This makes the investment for your outdoor space a great investment in terms of rate of return, recouping around 85% of the cost of installation. More money will also be made by considering low maintenance options.
Why add an Outdoor Living Space?
Having the ability to add the feeling of being part of the garden, has great benefits in terms of heath and the feeling of well being. Having a space that flows effortlessly from indoors to the outdoors is more popular these days. Event in the winter months, log burners, chimney’s and patio heaters extend the use of these areas throughout the year.
Your outdoor space has become an area to entertain in, especially with alfresco eating becoming more popular in the UK. Also with relaxed planning permission rules over recent years, garden structures and small extensions to properties can be built without the need to apply for permissions, that has resulted in a boom in outdoor living. Having a deck or patio added to the rear of your property, acts as a stepping stone from one environment to the other. With the addition of an awning this area can often be comfortably used even in wet weather.
What are the best options in maximise investment in an outdoor living space?
Positioning of your deck, terrace or patio can maximise the use of that space and its overall appeal. Enjoying the sun peacefully early on in the day, or to have that social space in the evening while bathed in the setting sun can dictate the positing of your outdoor living space. A well used area will help to release the satisfaction of the investment made.
The use of quality materials are also important. Any area built will need to last for years to release the value from any investment. Also you will not be happy if you spent most of your potential relaxation time, maintaining, repairing or rebuilding your outdoor living space. New modern building materials for the garden, can enhance the look and quality of your space while keeping their look and appeal for longer.
The days of crazy paving and wobbly decking are lone gone. The look of clean line, no trip hazards and materials that have that look of quality are key. Is it easy to keep clean, resistant to rotting, algae or mould growth are questions to ask. Will the materials use resist fading, UV stable and require no repainting, varnishing or staining?
SPEND MORE TIME OUTDOORS: WEATHER-RESISTANT GARDEN FURNITURE
When embarking on the investment of high-quality garden furniture, one must ponder over the longevity of their desired purchase. So which garden furniture can withstand the test of time when placed outside? Fortunately, we've compiled an array of valuable insights on the various types of garden furniture and their resilience when exposed to the harsh, unforgiving elements of nature.
RATTAN GARDEN FURNITURE
Rattan garden furniture is an excellent option for those who want to keep their outdoor furniture outside all year round. Modern rattan furniture is made from a synthetic material that is resistant to UV rays and different weather conditions, meaning it can withstand harsh elements. Moreover, rattan garden furniture requires less cleaning in comparison to other materials.
It's essential to keep in mind that soft furnishings or cushions that come with your rattan furniture set may not be as weatherproof as the rattan itself. To ensure they last it's best to store them away during the colder months.
Although rattan is weatherproof, it's still recommended to cover it during the winter months to maintain its appearance and prolong its lifespan.
ALUMINIUM GARDEN FURNITURE
Aluminium garden furniture is another great option for those who want to keep their outdoor furniture outside regardless of the weather. This type of furniture is made of rust-proof aluminium, which requires only a quick clean to maintain its appearance.
To minimize the amount of maintenance required, you may want to cover this furniture during the winter months. Doing so will protect it from bird droppings, insects, or dirt. Most of the solutions are made from coated aluminium, which makes it an extremely good choice of furniture to leave outside.
WOODEN GARDEN FURNITURE
High-quality wooden garden furniture that has been treated can be left outside, but most wooden furniture will need some ongoing maintenance to maintain its appearance.
Some wood may change colour with age. You can either allow the wood to age naturally, treat it with a stain, or even repaint it. Once again, it's advisable to keep this furniture covered when not in use.
PLASTIC GARDEN FURNITURE
Plastic garden furniture, although not always the most visually appealing, is an option that won't rust or rot, making it suitable for outdoor use. However, it's important to note that plastic furniture is typically lightweight and may need to be secured during strong winds. Additionally, when plastic garden furniture exposure to sunlight this may cause plastic to fade, so it's recommended to cover it when not in use.
Check out our full range of garden furniture to discover the right set for your outdoor living space.
