Experts say a well-landscaped home may have a 5% to 20% increase in value.

A well-designed landscape provides significant benefits. Features that enhance our outdoor living spaces enable us to enjoy the outdoors more frequently and fully. They enrich our lives and elevate our pride in ownership. This alone makes the expense worthwhile.

But, is it just an expense that encourages us to spend more time in our yards and makes us feel better about ourselves, like a newly purchased car may, or can it also make a worthwhile investment? How much of our landscape expense will we get back? Is it possible to generate more than we spend?

These questions are often not considered, but should be. The answer is that it depends on the design, the quality of the work, and how well it is maintained. Can you expect to recoup the cost of every landscape feature? Unlikely, but when you consider your landscape as a whole, if it is well-designed and constructed, the answer is a resounding, YES! 

A well-designed landscape should not only incorporate popular features but also take into account your property's topography and size. This consideration will help determine the best use of space, including the placement of walkways and stairways for easy access throughout your property. Plants will be chosen based on factors such as soil type, sunlight and shade conditions, growth rate, and mature size. When carefully combined, these elements will create a visually stunning outdoor environment.

Studies show that improving your landscaping can increase your home's value by 5% to 20%. What could this mean for you? For example, if you own a $700,000 home and invest $70,000 in landscaping with a reputable, experienced landscape design/construction firm, and after completion, your home increases in value by 15%, it would now be worth $805,000. Your return on investment would be $35,000. That's a 50% return.

What are the most significant requirements to increase the chance of a higher ROI (return on investment) for landscaping expenses?

• Design Sophistication
• Construction Excellence
• Plant Size
• Plant Diversity

It sounds complex because it is. What can you do to create your dream outdoor living space while ensuring the highest return on your investment? The answer is to hire a professional! 

Home experts recommend an all-inclusive design plan that determines the most effective use of space, useful and attractive outdoor features, the right plants planted in the right places, and the use of materials that complement your home's architecture. In addition, increased landscape spending often means greater returns because it significantly increases the perceived home value. In other words, don't cut corners. If you want to do it, spend the money to do it right.

What are the top landscape features that offer the highest return on investment?

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Money may not grow on trees, but trees can certainly earn you money. Young trees increase in size and value each year. For example, a dogwood tree that costs $500 today may add $2,000 to $3,000 to your home’s value in five years. The return on investment (ROI) will depend on the type of tree, its health, and its location. Consulting a horticultural expert is essential, as planting the right trees in suitable locations will help them thrive and enhance your entire yard. It's similar to making a high-yield, low-risk investment.

Outdoor kitchens and dining spaces are some of the most desired features! They have become a must for outdoor entertaining, however, in the northwest, because of all the rain, covering them is vital.

Due to the many options of shape and color in the hardscape materials, professionally designed patios, walkways, and driveways that fit your taste can be flat-out stunning. Today, patio size does matter. Large patios can be divided into specific rooms. This provides the space for entertaining large groups, kitchen and dining areas, and cozy conversation spaces for intimate gatherings. Driveways built with paving stones or stamped and stained concrete are the welcome mats to your landscape. Walkways that lead into and around everything give direction and connect all areas of your yard.

There is something primordial about how fire touches the human spirit. It draws us in. Opens us up. Burns away life burdens. Whether gas or wood (charcoal and gel fuel are other, less common options), a well-designed and built fire pit that blends into the general landscape design is a win-win. When you live in your home, you win. You win later when you sell.

Outdoor kitchens are highly sought after and essential for outdoor entertaining. In the Pacific Northwest, due to the frequent rain, it is crucial to have them covered.

How much should you spend on a major landscape project? Most experts suggest that around 10% of your home’s value should be expended on landscaping. If your home is valued at $700,000, a $70,000 landscaping budget is a suitable starting point. Of course, you could spend much more or less. Many elements should be considered while determining your budget. 

Your landscape is a living, growing habitat. Caring for and maintaining that habitat is the homeowner’s responsibility. Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, a well-cared-for and maintained landscape is critical to recouping the cost of building it. In a recent survey by NAR (National Association of Realtors), 99% of NAR members believe curb appeal is significant in attracting buyers. 94% suggest that sellers improve the curb appeal of their homes before listing them. In addition, Realtors said that the expense of landscape maintenance and lawn care services before selling will earn a return of more than 200% of the cost. 

The reason is straightforward: if your home is more attractive to potential buyers, they are likely to pay a higher price. How much higher? Independent studies, along with insights from real estate agents and home experts, estimate that a well-landscaped property can increase your home's value by 5% to 20% compared to a poorly landscaped one. Conversely, over 60% of real estate agents report that homes lacking appealing landscaping can lose value, decreasing by 10% to 30%. That's a significant amount of equity to sacrifice. The key takeaway is to maintain your yard and consider hiring professionals for assistance. Your efforts will pay off in both aesthetic appeal and financial returns when you sell your home.

We don’t do yard maintenance, but if you are considering a landscape design/build, contact us. We can help you determine an appropriate budget and estimate what the landscape you envision will cost. Submit our website landscape consultation form or give us a call at 425.487.6641. We are here to help. Request A Consultation