Many people bought their first homes after the US Federal Reserve lowered interest rates to boost the economy during the pandemic. And some of these new homebuyers will likely look for ways to improve their backyards to make them more livable.

This is particularly true among people who have work-at-home arrangements with their employers. They’ll find solace in their backyards after spending most of the day in their workspaces inside the house. You’ll likely do the same after becoming weary of staying indoors due to the health crisis.

Here are a couple of ways that help improve your backyard to increase the value of the home.

Privacy Fence

Making the backyard livable means homeowners want to have a place where they can relax after a stressful day at work. And nothing is more relaxing than having the backyard to yourself without anyone disturbing you. To ensure this, you should set up a privacy fence around your backyard.

But before setting up the fence, you should make sure to check local ordinances or homeowners’ association rules on these structures. If there are no issues, you can opt for decorative fences that combine different materials, including wood and wrought iron.

Another option is using greenery to provide privacy while adding color to the backyard. These fences are not only designed to provide privacy, but they also prevent unauthorized persons from entering your property.

Swimming Pool

Another option to make the backyard look better is to set up a swimming pool. While it requires a considerable investment, a swimming pool allows you to relax under the sun on a lazy weekend afternoon. It also increases the value of the property.

You have the option of setting up an above-ground pool or an in-ground pool. A lap pool is also a good way for you to exercise after working the whole day. But if the area in the backyard is limited, you should set up a swim spa. A swim spa uses a resistance swimming apparatus to allow you to swim in place.

Setting up a swimming pool requires specialized skills and equipment. Due to this, you should hire reliable general contractors that have the equipment and experience to set up a swimming pool in the backyard. They should know how to create a custom pool suitable for the whole family.

Deck

A deck is another option in increasing the livable outdoor space of your home. Aside from giving you a place to relax at the end of the day, a deck is also perfect for entertaining guests over the weekend.

If you have a lot of space in the backyard, you should set up a multi-level deck, which adds to the appeal of your home. It also increases the value of your home in case you’re planning to sell it in the future. But before building the deck, you should check the ordinances in the local government to avoid issues in the future.

Outdoor Kitchen

If you are fond of cooking, you should install an outdoor kitchen in the backyard. The outdoor kitchen should be functional enough to allow you to use it for at least three seasons every year. It should have a good amount of counter space for preparing food.

The outdoor kitchen should also have a sink, electrical connections, and space to set up a television if you want to watch a game while cooking up a storm in your backyard. A fireplace in the outdoor kitchen is also a good idea if you want to hang out in the backyard during cool evenings.

Shaded Structure

If you live in an area where the weather is warm most of the time, you should set up a shaded structure in the backyard. The structure increases the usable space in the home and increases its value. It also allows you to enjoy sitting outside at the end of the day.

A pergola is an ideal option to ensure you have a shaded area in the backyard. Adding some furniture will make the backyard an ideal place to entertain friends over the weekend. Setting up a portable grill also allows you to cook some burgers while hanging out in the backyard with your friends.

Herb Garden

Gardening offers a lot of health benefits, which people need during a pandemic. So, setting up an herb garden in the backyard is a good idea. Aside from the health benefits offered by gardening, you’ll also have a regular supply of fresh herbs for your meals at home. Additionally, the value of your property will increase when you set up an herb garden in the backyard.

A lot of homeowners spruce up their backyards to increase the value of their homes. But a spruced-up backyard also provides you with a place to relax and unwind at the end of the day.