Transform Your Backyard: Smart Summer Outdoor Renovations That Add Value and Joy

Summer is the perfect time to turn your outdoor space into a personal oasis — and a valuable asset. Whether you’re planning to stay in your home for years or thinking ahead to resale, investing in your yard can pay off in more ways than one. Here are some of the top outdoor renovations homeowners are making this summer and why they’re worth every penny.

1. Add a wood deck

Adding a wood deck creates a functional and inviting extension of your home. It’s the foundation for everything from relaxing weekends to lively get-togethers. Be sure to choose your wood and stain carefully, though, and keep in mind the weather and climate in your area.

Benefits for you:

• Enjoy extra space for lounging, dining, or entertaining.
• A dedicated area to enjoy the outdoors with comfort and style.

Benefits for resale:

Adds curb appeal and usable square footage (even if it’s not indoors).

According to Bankrate, a typical wood deck yields about an 82.9% return, adding approximately $14,000 in resale value.

2. Add a patio

A patio is another great way to enjoy more outdoor living space. Patios provide a sturdy, ground-level area for entertaining or just hanging out in the fresh air.

Benefits for you:

• With materials like pavers, concrete, or bluestone, they’re easy to maintain and highly durable.
• Ideal for flexible setups, like fire pits and lounge furniture. With the right lighting, you can entertain and enjoy the outdoors day and night.

Benefits for resale:

• According to HomeLight & Henderson Properties, the average ROI for patios can reach 80%, especially with thoughtful integration and durable materials.
• Like a deck, a patio adds curb appeal and usable square footage.

3. Create an outdoor dining or entertainment area

An outdoor dining setup or full entertainment area — complete with a grill station, fire pit, or even an outdoor kitchen — turns your backyard into the ultimate summer destination.

Benefits for you:

• Makes everyday meals feel like a festive occasion.
• Encourages more time spent outdoors with friends and family.

Benefits for resale:

• Buyers increasingly look for outdoor lifestyle features, especially post-pandemic.
• A well-designed setup can set your home apart in a competitive market.

3. Install shade structures: stay cool and comfortable

From pergolas and gazebos to retractable awnings and large umbrellas, shade structures make outdoor areas usable even on hot days.

Benefits for you:

• Provides sun protection and comfort.
• Helps reduce interior heat when placed strategically near windows.

Benefits for resale:

• Demonstrates thoughtful design and usability. In particularly hot or sunny climates, it’s a must.
• Adds visual interest to your yard.

4. Go for low-maintenance landscaping

Low-maintenance landscaping, such as drought-tolerant plants and shrubs, perennials, native grasses, and hardscaping, can make your yard more eco-friendly and less of a chore — along with making it more attractive to future owners.

Benefits for you:

• Saves time, water, hassle, and money.
• Keeps your yard looking fresh with minimal effort.

Benefits for resale:

• Appeals to busy, eco-conscious, and older buyers.
• Creates a clean, well-kept look that enhances curb appeal.

5. Install a pool — if it fits your market

A swimming pool can be a dream addition — especially in warm climates or family-friendly neighborhoods where pools are in demand.

Benefits for you:

• Summer fun right in your own backyard.
• Great for entertaining, exercising, and staying cool.

Benefits for resale:

• Can boost home value, particularly in areas where pools are common and expected.
• Realtor.com reports that homes with pools sell for up to 7% more on average — though ROI varies by region.

Renovate for Life Now, and Value Later

Outdoor improvements do more than beautify your home — they expand your lifestyle and offer a solid return on investment when done thoughtfully. This summer, consider how a few smart renovations can make your backyard the most-loved “room” of your home.

Want to get preapproved for a cash-out refinance to pay for your reno project? Contact an Embrace loan officer today.