Patios are a great way to grow your living space and increase your home’s value. A patio is a much less invasive project than an in-home addition, and it can also improve your quality of life at home. You can add furniture or a mini-kitchen to entertain guests, and a covered patio can be an excellent gathering place in cold or unfriendly weather. Read below to learn how a patio addition can improve your life now and add resell value later.

A Quick Guide to Patio Value

Building a Patio

While resell value is certainly an important consideration if you might eventually sell your home, remember that homebuyers tend to prefer a plainer patio with more room for customization. However, if you have very specific plans to customize your patio, don’t let that stop you from investing in your family’s comfort and quality of life instead.

If you want a high ROI, or return on investment, plan a small patio. Make sure there is plenty of backyard left for kids and pets to play, and don’t invest too much in outdoor kitchens, expensive furniture, or high-end lighting and sound systems. You want future purchasers to see the patio as a bonus that they can customize to fit their own lifestyles, as opposed to a bulky backyard feature. If you opt for a covered patio or a patio enclosure, you can frame it as an additional room.

Selling the Home

The numbers show that a porch offers a better ROI than a pool, standalone outdoor kitchen, landscaping, or irrigation system upgrades. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), a simple 18’x16’ paver patio can cost $7,200 to build and sell for $5,000. That’s an ROI of 69 percent.

If you add a patio primarily for resale reasons, then keep the space small and the upgrades minimal. Build a basic ground structure, and don’t worry about enclosed patio or covered patio options.

The Main Line

You should build a patio because you want it. Although a plain, basic patio can offer good ROI, you shouldn’t let this hold you back from planning a space that will create wonderful memories for your family. Consider the immediate benefits of a patio: NAR gave patios a Joy Score of 9.7 out of 10, and reported over 80 percent of homeowners felt improved livability.

It’s also worth noting that while a small and minimal patio is more broadly appealing to purchasers, a more elaborate patio — such as a covered patio with a unique furniture setup — may be just what a particular buyer is looking for, and they might be willing to spend a little more on your home.

For professional help finding the right patio for your home, reach out to Patio Solutions. Located in East Rochester, NY, they have been designing, manufacturing, and installing patio enclosure and sunroom products for over 35 years. To see some of their designs, visit their website. You can also call (585) 385-999 to set up an appointment.