In recent years, outdoor living space has become a higher priority for homebuyers than ever before. Porches, patios, and decks have become places to work, party, or relax—with the landscaping and lighting of an outdoor space set the mood. Regardless of your plans to sell or stay, upgrading the exterior spaces of your Westport home can provide beauty, function, and a high return on investment (ROI).

1.  Install an outdoor fire pit

Westport's homeowners know how cold the winter months can get in Connecticut. By the time fall rolls around, your outdoor space may be rendered useless by cooling temperatures and variable weather—going into hibernation until late spring. To help warm up your patio and keep it usable for more months out of the year, consider building an outdoor fire pit. A fire pit will not only allow you to enjoy your patio in the colder months, but it adds a bit of luxury and ambiance to your summer nights, as well. You and your guests can roast marshmallows, sip wine, and enjoy each other’s company gathered around a cozy fire. If you want a fire pit with a gas burner, you can expect to spend anywhere from $300 to $1400.  

2.  Level-up your landscaping

Landscaping and curb appeal go hand in hand. Consider investing in projects that give clean edges to your lawn, trees, and shrubberies. Stone walkways, rockeries, and water features are all popular aesthetics in Westport. Landscaping projects can vary widely in cost and maintenance; however, they also have a very high ROI if you choose to sell your Westport home. When done correctly, a landscaping project can offer a return on investment of up to 400%.

3.  Add a deck

If you don’t already have an outdoor living space, adding a deck will greatly increase your home’s outdoor appeal and resale value. A high-quality deck is perfect for entertaining, grilling, or relaxing on a warm summer. The amount you’ll spend on a deck will depend on how large it is, what it’s made of, and what amenities you want it to feature. For reference, Remodeling Magazine estimates that a 16’ x 20’ wood deck with railings and stairs will cost around $13,000 and that you’ll get $10,000 of that back when you sell. Synthetic decking products can reduce a deck’s annual maintenance cost and increase resistance to Connecticut’s harsh winter weather—but these typically cost more upfront than wood products. 

4.  Create an outdoor kitchen

Outdoor kitchens have become one of the trendiest outdoor remodeling projects for Westport homes. The typical outdoor kitchen includes an inset grill, ice chest, concrete countertop, steel drawers, and a sink. For additional luxury appeal, upgrade your outdoor kitchen to include a party pavilion, wood-fired pizza oven, stone fireplace, or refrigerator.

5.  Enhance your outdoor lighting

Get more out of your deck or patio by installing smart outdoor lighting. The right lighting will help you enjoy your yard at night with additional technological convenience and ambiance. Consider installing motion lights, path lighting for walkways and stairs, waterproof string lighting, and low-voltage lanterns as accent lights. Comprehensive, efficient, and technologically convenient outdoor lighting can set you back up to $5,000—but you’ll recoup it in added enjoyment and resale value.

6.  Choose quality outdoor furniture

It’s difficult to relax and enjoy your outdoor space if you furnish it with uncomfortable benches or unstable lawn chairs. Opt for high-quality brands that offer a blend of functionality, style, and comfort. Enhance your outdoor furniture with comfy pillows and cushions that can withstand the weather.

7.  Install a water feature

If you don’t own a waterfront property in Westport, you can mimic the relaxing ambiance of moving water by installing an aquatic feature in your backyard. Options include ponds, fountains, waterfalls, garden creeks, fishponds, and more. Before choosing a water feature, speak to a professional with experience installing and maintaining these types of landscaping features. A professional can give you more information about arranging your water feature, and how much you should expect to spend on both installation and maintenance.

8.  Create a sunroom

If you want year-round access to your yard’s views of Westport, consider transforming your deck or patio into a sunroom. If you install heating and cooling, you can even include the square footage of your sunroom into the livable square footage of your home.

Any of these outdoor upgrades will add to the appraised value of your house and can deliver worthwhile ROI as well as personal enjoyment. If you’re ready to take the next step in renovating, staging, and listing your Westport home for sale, reach out to the customer service experts at The Local Realtors for trustworthy guidance through every step of the process.