If you’re trying to sell your property or just want to increase its value, you probably already know all about home renovations. But have you thought of hardscaping?
Imagine pulling up to a property where the driveway is cracked, the walkway is uneven, and the backyard is just random patches of grass. Now, think of a home that has a smooth stone pathway that leads to a welcoming patio, a paved driveway, and a cozy fire pit in the backyard. Which one is more likely to sell for the asking price or even above it?
That’s what hardscaping does. People won’t just look at the inside of the house, what’s on the outside is what makes the first impression. And we all know how important that is.
However, not all hardscaping features are worth your time and money, so let’s see what to focus on for the biggest return.
If you just google “hardscaping near me” and hire a random service to do whatever they think they should, you’ll probably get expert opinions, but still, it’s important to know a couple of things yourself.
Here are features that you should focus on.
1. Patios and Decks
There are a few other things that will boost the value of your property as much as a deck or a patio will. It extends your livable space outdoors and creates a dedicated area for dining, entertaining, or just relaxing. When a buyer sees a finished deck or patio, they consider it an instant upgrade because it’s an area that’s ready to use without extra landscaping work.
Keep in mind, materials matter a lot, so go for natural stone, pavers, or composite decking. All of these options are durable and look upscale.
2. Walkways and Driveways
It might seem like a small detail, but if your driveway and walkway are nicely paved, it has a big impact on how your property looks and feels. Cracked, uneven paths make the entire property seem neglected. Driveways leave a particularly strong impression because a neat, maintained one looks clean and provides a smooth entrance.
3. Water Features
If you want something that will instantly add a custom, high-end feel to your backyard, a water feature is all you need. Fountains, ponds, and waterfalls are very relaxing to look at, but the very sound of water is super relaxing, too. Not every water feature adds a huge resale value, of course, but those that are low-maintenance and energy-efficient will set the property apart from all others on the market.
4. Retaining Walls
Retaining walls aren’t just decorative, they’re very practical and they also make your backyard look nicer. Properties with sloped landscapes usually have problems with erosion and water runoff, which can cause a lot of damage in the long run. A retaining wall that’s placed just right stabilizes the soil, prevents flooding, and defines landscaping areas.
They also add depth and dimension to the property and give it a layered, sophisticated look. If they’re made of stone or brick, they look especially luxurious.
5. Outdoor Lighting
Good outdoor lighting adds safety, functionality, and it makes your backyard look far more beautiful. Place the lights along pathways, driveways, and patients to prevent trips and falls. Motion-sensor lighting is great to add, too, because it deters trespassers.
From a design perspective, outdoor lighting brings out key features and draws attention to landscaping, architecture, patios, fountains, etc.
Naturally, you want something that looks good, but it’s also important to think about making smart investments that will add real value to your property. The materials have a big role here.
If you go with something durable like natural stone, pavers, or stamped concrete, they’ll all last longer and they’ll appeal to buyers. Everybody loves low-maintenance, high-quality materials, and these are just that. Cheaper ones will save you money upfront, but they’ll wear down fast and hurt your resale value.
You also need to find the balance between hardscaping and softscaping. If there’s too much concrete and stone, your backyard will look cold and unwelcoming, so make sure to add some greenery in there.
Hiring a professional or not is another factor to consider. Small projects like simple pathways and garden borders don’t need professional expertise, but if it’s a patio, retaining walls, or an outdoor kitchen that you want, you can’t do any of that on your own. At least not well. Remember that professionally done hardscaping looks better and increases home value more.
Good hardscape is way more than an upgrade. It’s an investment that pays off big time, especially if you’re trying to sell your property. A stylish patio, a smooth driveway, good lighting…
It isn’t just about design, these are your selling points.
