With the Ides of March upon us (and let's be honest, tax refund season), now is a great time to start thinking about any outdoor renovation projects that we might want to tackle this spring.  We came up with five that we think you might want to consider adding to your property, many for their form and function, attractiveness and usefulness.

5 Outdoor Upgrades To Add To Your Home

Pool

If your property doesn't feature a pool, you might want to consider adding one this year.  There are many benefits to owning a pool--from keeping cool in the heat of summer, to exercise and even psychological health, that adding a pool should be a serious consideration for any homeowner.  It doesn't have to be a pricey endeavor; it could be a simple above-ground model that works for your family.  If you do want to go for the gusto and add luxury to your home with a  concrete pool, research your options and plan for your budget, because an inground swimming pool is a true investment. 

Patio

I can't even begin to tell you the amount of time I spend on the patio.  From just relaxing, to dining to even working outdoors, the patio is where you'll find me during the warmer months.  You don't need a huge, fancy deck to achieve an outdoor patio space; you can add brick or stone pavers and carve out a spot alongside the back of your house.  Add a sizeable dining set with comfortable cushions and an umbrella for shade, planters full of attractive flowers and shrubs and even a fire pit, and you have the perfect spot for entertaining your friends, family...and even yourself!

Water Features

Adding a water feature to a beautifully landscaped yard is like adding a cherry to the top of a delicious ice cream sundae.  There are so many varieties of water features to choose from, like large koi ponds, stone fountains and even cascading fountain walls.  Even a simple birdbath can be enjoyable, as it will add not only a water feature but a touch of nature too.  Ultimately, what you decide to add is up to your aesthetic and budget. 

Privacy Fence

If your property abuts others in your neighborhood, you might want to consider adding a privacy fence.  A standard 4' - 6' privacy fence helps to keep your home safe and secure and away from any nosey neighbors.  According to securefenceandrail, wooden fences or other solid fences like cast iron could potentially net at least 50% of the cost of materials and installation on resale.  And if you have an active pet who tends to randomly get the zoomies, a fence provides added safety.  

Landscaping

Keeping your home's landscape neat, clean and attractive should be a no-brainer, and doing a spring clean-up this time of year should be on every homeowner's list.  While you're out there, take note of some of the spaces you might want to upgrade this year.  Are there dead or dying trees that could be pruned or removed?  Does your fence need a fresh coat of paint?  Maybe you've been thinking about adding a raised flower bed or vegetable garden.  Now's the perfect time to take stock of your landscape and make plans to upgrade and improve it.

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Outdoor upgrades not only improve the appearance of your property, it can increase your home's resale value exponentially.  Of course, personal preference is always numero uno, so give serious consideration to what you'd like to see in and around your property, plan for it and, above all, have fun with it.

Infographic courtesy of Natalie Locke

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