You’ve purchased your dream home, settled in, and can’t wait to make your backyard a space to entertain in and unwind. Before the renovations begin, it’s time to decide the scope of the project and get a design plan in place.

While you may plan to enjoy your new space for a long time, it’s natural to ask yourself “What’s My ROI?” With so many different options for updates, it’s not always easy figuring out what’s right for your home and what might give you the best return on your investment down the road.

There’s no doubt that landscaping and hardscaping are an investment, but one that’s worth the price for how much time you’ll spend enjoying your space and creating new memories there.

If you’re unsure where to start, we’re listing a few outdoor projects that will yield the biggest return on your investment!

Add Outdoor Lighting

There’s nothing worse than upgrading your entire outdoor space, only to find out you can’t see the person sitting across from you at night. Adding outdoor lighting may be the most cost-effective outdoor project you can do this year, with the biggest impact. Outdoor lighting is a quick upgrade that adds value without requiring much planning time or demolition. It can showcase your home and landscaping, while also providing added safety from intruders or icy sidewalks, and on average 28% return.

Upgrade the Deck

Adding or upgrading an existing deck has the potential of a 68%-80% return depending on materials. This can be done on a variety of budgets and timelines based on the materials used. While adding a new composite deck can give you a lower maintenance decking option, just adding some new stain to a wood deck will also do the trick! A new stain will also preserve your wood deck and prolong its lifetime.

Plant Wind and Sun Blocking Trees

An environmentally friendly option that also has the possibility of lowering your energy costs, you can guess we’re all about planting trees! They enhance your landscaping while also upgrading your property value. These trees can also provide shade on a sunny day and just add some nice levels to your landscaping. Just make sure you’re watering them properly!

Add an Outdoor Kitchen

While adding an outdoor kitchen is probably the costliest option on the list, it also has the possibility of the highest return. Who doesn’t love dinner on the patio, or grilling outside with your family gathered around? Of course, we always recommend doing some research on your neighborhood to make sure you can get the best return in the long-run.

If you’re interested in moving forward to get the highest return on investment but are unsure of the financial commitment, take a look at our blog to explore your financing options!