Why a Pergola or Gazebo Will Increase the Value of Your Property

When it comes to creating a beautiful backyard garden, a Pergola or Gazebo is the perfect design element. I remember five years ago when my husband and I bought our family house, we were looking for a home with a gazebo or enough space in the backyard to build one. 

We understood that we needed time and a place to rest, relax and catch our breathe once in a while so having this space was very important to us. Well, it took us some time but we finally found a home with the best space to build a gazebo, and within our first month we had it up and checked off of our to-do list.

So why put up a gazebo? Our choice of the gazebo came down to one specific thing – gazebos add beauty and value to your property.  Understanding why provides you with a great opportunity to increase the value of your home. In this post, I have chosen to show you how a gazebo or pergola will add value to your property.

Location

Let’s cut to the chase – the one thing that we can all agree on is that outdoor home improvements actually tend to get much more use in warmer climates or during the summer months. In areas such as California or Florida a pergola will be used much more as we look for ways to escape and take shelter from the heat.

This means that anyone who is looking for a home in warmer regions will be ready to spend more on purchasing your home if you already have a gazebo or pergola. The structure is likely to add additional value.

Cost

The cost of putting up a gazebo or pergola will vary from location to location. The cost of the materials will be different in Minnesota compared to California due to different types of demand. 

Adding such home improvements in high end property markets such as New York City will mean you spend more but you will easily recoup the costs. It’s a great way to achieve the best Return on Investment (ROI) in relation to the demand of such home structures in a booming market by region and in terms of the installation cost versus value.

Type

The style and type of gazebo/pergola you choose can also determine the value added. There are several types of gazebos and pergolas.

These types range in size and design, and also the type of material used, and will affect the cost of installation and maintenance. The cost of putting up a pergola will vary depending on size, style and type of material used.

More durable materials will add more value, style, and class.  Some of the most common gazebo and pergola building materials are as follows:

• Cedar
• Teak
• Fiberglass
• Aluminum

Some common pergola and gazebo designs are:

• Pergola with retractable canopy
• Pergolas with a pitched or gabled roof
• Bayside panelized octagon gazebo
• Open-topped pergolas (flat or arched)
• Penthouse cottage or garden shed

NOTE: Wooden pergolas are some of the most sought after designs. They are aesthetically pleasing and will blend in with any style of home, however they do require more maintenance as time goes by – they may need to be resealed or repainted. Proper care and maintenance will ensure a long, happy life span for your pergola. Wooden options might cost more to purchase, but still have one of the best resale values.

Fiberglass and aluminum on the other hand are strong, long lasting, and easy to maintain, but they lack the beauty and style of cedar.

Size

Keep in mind that when it is time to sell your home, the value will be greatly determined by how large the gazebo or pergola is. In many instances, it follows that the larger the gazebo, the greater its appeal, and the more value it holds.

It is very important to remember that the structure of the gazebo is properly scaled with the other elements of the backyard, and that it blends well with the landscape surrounding your home. Outdoor structures that have a unique appeal will add character to outdoor spaces and structures like gazebos and  pergolas offer a lovely, romantic charm, and awesome architectural interest.

Such styles, when chosen with care to fit in your backyard will easily provide an appealing look and great style. And remember, the more stylish your home is, the more valuable it becomes.

Additional Tips

While outdoor structures such as a gazebo or pergola don’t technically add to your home’s total square footage, they provide a great functional outdoor getaway space for you and your family to enjoy.

Many people crave a quiet, peaceful retreat and are willing to pay for it. Properly fitting the gazebo or pergola with the right furniture, music systems, lighting, and any other entertainment extras you require will provide you with countless hours of family time with your loved ones or a romantic evening with your spouse.

Considerations When Putting Up a Gazebo

While you are the only person who can decide if the new outdoor structure you want to install is the right choice for you, it is important that you understand the other implications that might arise. It is very important that you have a well thought out plan and design.

To ensure a successful project consider the following:

• Determine your budget
• Choose the style and design of your outdoor structure
• Decide the best material for your area and design
• Decide on the correct measurements
• Decide what you want to use the structure for and choose one to fit your needs

NOTE: Based on your budget, style, and priorities, it’s a good idea to have a well-built structure that will offer good value beyond simple enjoyment. This means that it will add to the value of your property.

Regardless of the gazebo style that you choose, having a beautiful outdoor structure in your backyard will enhance not only your living space but also the value of your property. It will encourage you and your family to spend more time together and to enjoy the outdoors more often, and when the time to sell comes around, it will boost your overall home property value. Make sure that you keep it in a great shape so that it retains its original unique appeal and prospective buyers will easily dream of get-togethers, summer barbecues, romantic nights under the stars, and all sorts of entertaining ways to use the gazebo. These additions make homes more appealing, welcoming, and leave you with more usable outdoor space to create the best atmosphere for your dream lifestyle.