Many homeowners will jump to adding an extension or renovating their entire home to increase its value. While this can be an effective way to add value to your property, it is not the only one. In fact, a significant amount of value can be added to your home with a landscape design project. The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) estimates that the right landscape design project can increase your home’s sale price by 15-20%, and create a return on investment (ROI) of 20-30%. 

The amount you will need to invest, and the ROI will depend on the value of your home, the current market trends, and which areas of your backyard you choose to invest in. Fortunately, there are many ways that you can improve your backyard to increase the overall value of your property. 

To get the most out of your landscape investment, ensure that you choose the right features and spend the right amount of money. 

Benefits of using landscape design to increase the value of your home 

Customize your home

Many people are now investing in adding value to their homes, without the intention of moving. Resale of a property is not a prerequisite for adding value to your home, instead, it is a great way to customize your home, create features that reflect your family’s needs, and future-proof your property. 

Create a more functional space

Recent years have seen an increase in popularity for outdoor spaces as a way to add value to your home. By improving your backyard, you can enjoy it more, relax, and entertain guests. Moreover, it can provide a much better view of the interior. 

Enjoy the hot weather

The Southern California climate provides residents with bright and hot weather – all the more reason to spend time outside. And what better way to have an oasis right on your doorstep? A landscape design project will enable a more comfortable and functional extension of your home. With the addition of features such as trees, pergolas, decking, and a pool, you can have fun, stay cool and relax in your own oasis. 

Appreciate nature

There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has left a lasting impact on our appreciation for nature in addition to its immediate impact. Many lockdowns changed society’s behavior and relationship with nature, with our very own backyards becoming the perfect refuge.  

The lockdowns encouraged everyone to spend more time in their backyard, and appreciate the space that we may not have utilized before. This new appreciation for backyard space has only increased since. But it didn’t just start there. It was proven long before the pandemic, that nature is important for mental health. This has resulted in the growth of homeowners seeing their backyards in a new light, and are ready to invest in customizing the space for themselves. A professionally landscaped outdoor space has also become attractive to buyers, increasing the demand and house prices for those that can offer it. 

Important things to consider when using landscape design to increase the value of your home

How much money you should spend 

For a good ROI, spend between 5-20% of your home’s current market value. However, this depends on many factors, including trends and consumer behavior, your personal finances, and your future goals. Increasing the value of your home to live in is different from preparing to sell it for a profit. Set a budget based on your personal circumstances. 

Seek professional advice 

You may choose to speak to a realtor, or a professional landscape designer, to help you better understand what is trending, how you can obtain your personal goals, and what investments are worth the money. From changing your grass to adding a pool, there are a plethora of ways to increase the value of your backyard with landscaping. 

Having the right goals

Consider that certain upgrades you may prefer may not be everyone’s taste and buyers may not be willing to pay a higher price for your home if you plan to sell. Consider upgrades only if they will reward you financially. 

On the other hand, if you wish to stay at your home, then you should upgrade and enhance your backyard to your heart’s content. This is your space to enjoy now and in the future, so you must customize it to your specific taste and needs. You may consider using Pinterest, magazines, and books for inspiration, and begin to write a list of what outcomes you hope from the upgrade. 

Consider the maintenance 

If you are not selling your home, you must consider the maintenance of the landscape project you wish to embark on. This will ensure that you make the upgrades that suit your personal situation. The last thing you want to do is upgrade your backyard to increase its value, and then lose that value as you cannot keep up with the maintenance. 

Backyard improvements that will give you the most value and ROI in 2023

Backyard improvements have become a very popular way to enhance the appearance and function of your home’s outdoor space. Aesthetic upgrades, as well as expansions including decks and patios, are trending for 2023 and beyond. 

Planting trees and shrubs

It’s a great idea to plant trees and shrubs in Southern California to provide shade and cooling. You can also enjoy the colorful and diverse nature in your backyard with them. Trees and shrubs can be used to create structures, organization, and even privacy in your outdoor space. These features will create instant and continuous value for your home. Make sure you seek professional advice, to ensure the right plants are used for the Southern California climate, the shape and theme of your garden, and avoid mistakes such as overcrowding.

Driveways

Old and worn-out driveways not only create a safety hazard but also an eyesore, providing buyers an easy way to lowball your listed house price. A quick and easy way to increase the value of your home, and create ease in your daily life, is to install a new driveway or upgrade your existing driveway. 

A stamped concrete or paver stone driveway will create luxury and texture, whereas an asphalt driveway will create a sleek and modern look for your home. 

Entertaining spaces 

Outdoor kitchens, firepits, and seating areas are an excellent way to add value to your home. They attract potential buyers and give you an edge over other properties. In addition to adding value to your home, it can also provide you with a great space to host social gatherings and extend your house without building an extension. Choose a large, luxury outdoor kitchen space or a small, patio-based unit for a higher ROI. Everything depends on your budget. 

Pool addition or upgrade 

Homes with pools are known to be worth a significant amount more in Los Angeles, than those without. Pools are a popular backyard feature in hot weather, and will add value to your home. In the heat, they can provide your family with hours of fun and socializing in your backyard. Whether you install a pool for your enjoyment, or to add value to your home, swimming pools are a great investment. Landscape designers can help you come up with a design that suits your budget and garden size.

Landscape design can add value to your home in many ways. If you plan to live there for a long time, the right investments can yield a good return on investment. Investments in your home add value. Before making any final decisions, do your research and speak to a professional.