When the pandemic hit, people found themselves staying at home more than ever before. The practical reason was to avoid crowded places where they might catch the virus from asymptomatic individuals. However, this sudden shift brought unexpected benefits.
Many homeowners discovered that working, cooking, and entertaining at home could be quite enjoyable. It’s convenient, cost-effective, and healthy, especially when activities move outdoors. This newfound appreciation for home life led to a surge in interest in purchasing or remodeling homes to include outdoor entertainment spaces. These spaces often feature cozy nooks, fire pits, fireplaces, and outdoor kitchens equipped with all the necessary appliances.
Outdoor Entertainment Spaces: A Hot Commodity
The demand for outdoor entertainment areas with fire features is skyrocketing among both homebuyers and current homeowners. Climate plays a role in determining how often families can enjoy their outdoor spaces, but a warm fire always adds a charming ambiance to any evening spent outside.
Adding Value with Outdoor Spaces
Navigating the real estate market can feel like solving a complex puzzle, especially with fluctuating mortgage rates, limited housing inventory, and shifting population trends. As a Forbes real estate writer notes, the selling price of a home is influenced by various factors, including location and comparable homes. Amanda Pendleton, a home trends expert at Zillow, points out that many desirable home features are actually found in the backyard.
Here are some popular outdoor features that can increase a home’s value:
Outdoor Television
Zillow reports that a home with an outdoor TV can sell for 3.1% more, which adds an average of $10,749 to the home’s value. An outdoor TV bridges the gap between indoor and outdoor living, making it a highly attractive feature.
Outdoor Shower
An outdoor shower can boost a home’s price by 2.6%, depending on its setup. Simple rinsing stations are less impactful than well-designed, private outdoor showers.
Pizza Oven
While a backyard pizza oven can help a home sell for 1.9% more, its appeal is more niche. Brick ovens that are built into the landscape offer the best return on investment.
Outdoor Kitchen
Outdoor kitchens are extremely popular and can increase a home’s value by 1.7%. These kitchens can range from simple grill setups to fully equipped culinary spaces.
Choosing the Right Fire Feature
Humans have always been fascinated by fire, a trend that continues with the popularity of fire pits and outdoor fireplaces. Before installing one, homeowners should consider several factors, as outlined by Houzz:
- Check Regulations: Ensure compliance with HOA rules, building codes, and fire regulations.
- Budget: Fire pits cost between $1,500 and $6,500, while outdoor fireplaces range from $10,000 to $25,000.
- Style: Choose a fire feature that matches your home’s aesthetic—fireplaces are more formal, while fire pits are casual.
- Convenience: Gas fire features are easy to use and maintain, while wood offers a unique flavor for cooking.
- Capacity: Fire pits accommodate more people, making them suitable for larger gatherings, whereas fireplaces are better for intimate settings.
- Warmth: Wood-burning features provide more heat, crucial for colder climates.
A portable heat source, like the Bromic outdoor heater, can also enhance comfort during cooler months.
Conclusion
The pandemic has changed how we live and entertain at home, with outdoor spaces becoming a significant selling point for homes. By adding features like outdoor TVs, kitchens, and fire pits, homeowners can not only enjoy their living spaces more but also increase their property’s value.
