{"id":11712,"date":"2019-08-29T09:49:50","date_gmt":"2019-08-29T16:49:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/?p=11712"},"modified":"2023-03-27T10:26:39","modified_gmt":"2023-03-27T17:26:39","slug":"do-pavers-increase-home-value","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/do-pavers-increase-home-value\/","title":{"rendered":"Do Certain Projects Using Pavers Increase Home Value?"},"content":{"rendered":"

According to the International Concrete Paver Institute\u2019s annual report, more than 750 million square feet of concrete pavers were sold<\/a> in the U.S. and Canada in 2018, and nearly 78% of that went toward residential projects. So, what\u2019s all the rave about pavers?<\/p>\n

In a nutshell, they\u2019re versatile and add functionality to outdoor spaces. Nicole Cook, a landscape architect<\/a> of 11 years who owns her own business in California, describes them as flat materials used for exterior flooring. So simple, but pavers easily transform just about any corner of your yard and put an end to drab curb appeal.<\/p>\n

As for whether pavers actually increase home value, it\u2019s not the pavers themselves that matter. It\u2019s what they create; their sum is greater than their parts. Invest in the wrong paver project and you could be throwing money out the door. You may want to revamp your driveway or build a retaining wall for your garden, but these projects may not be necessary to sell your home.<\/p>\n

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Source: (Shane McKnight\/ Unsplash)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

So, do pavers add value or not? There are a couple ways to look at it.<\/h2>\n

\u201c[Pavers are] more of a nice-to-have than a must-have to get maximum value,\u201d says Anthony Navarro<\/a>, a real estate agent in San Francisco who performs in the top 1% of realtors internationally.<\/p>\n

For example, San Francisco is a competitive market, so buyers are more willing to overlook certain scars that a structure may have. He recalls a recent sale where the house had a cracked driveway and still received offers $300,000 over asking price. The buyer could have added a new paver driveway, but it wouldn\u2019t have been necessary.<\/p>\n

In another market or for a different house that lacked other selling points, fixing the driveway may have been a smart investment. That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to have an informed local real estate agent<\/a> to guide you through your options and the potential outcomes.<\/p>\n

On another hand, a paver driveway may appeal to younger buyers who value sustainability.<\/p>\n

“Pavers can be used to create a more sustainable, permeable driveway,” says Cook, pointing out that it keeps rainwater from washing into the road and allowing it to soak into the ground instead. \u201cI would suggest a concrete option over natural brick or stone.\u201d<\/p>\n

While not every paver project has a cha-ching effect on your home\u2019s value, there is a case to be made for them. They do create a certain upscale ambiance, and the right vibe makes buyers feel at home.<\/p>\n

Consider these scenarios:<\/p>\n

When pavers give you a patio:<\/h3>\n

The National Association of Realtors surveyed homeowners, landscape professionals, and Realtors to evaluate how certain outdoor remodels contributed to resale<\/a>. Upgraded hardscape and landscape design both placed in the top four projects that buyers find appealing and that Realtors agree can add resale value. With that in mind, a simple paver patio may be just what your backyard needs. Keyword: simple. Don\u2019t get fancy and your ROI won\u2019t be in jeopardy<\/a>.<\/p>\n

According to Remodeling Magazine\u2019s 2019 Cost vs. Value report<\/a>, an elaborate backyard patio only recoups about half of the cost. So skip the expensive flagstone, custom fire pit, new sliding glass door, outdoor seating, outdoor kitchen, and outdoor lighting.<\/p>\n

Data from HomeLight\u2019s Top Agent Insights Survey, on the other hand, showed that on a mid-scale patio where you spend an average $3,269, you\u2019d get a $3,563 back at resale for a 9% ROI. Add a simple fire pit, something millennials appreciate more than a pool<\/a>, but there\u2019s no need to pay for anything overly customized.<\/p>\n

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Source: (JPL Designs\/ Shutterstock)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When pavers revive your curb appeal:<\/h3>\n

Curb appeal is a no brainer. HomeLight data shows 76% of agents felt curb appeal was the No. 1<\/a> thing you can do to make your home more appealing to buyers.<\/p>\n

\u201cCurb appeal is important for a home,\u201d says Navarro. \u201cIt\u2019s our first impression for a buyer.\u201d But it\u2019s not just cutting the bushes and mowing the grass (though those make a big difference). A simple walkway adds character and functionality. \u201cPavers are a good option for that,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n

According to the NAR, adding a walkway with a couple planters<\/a> and handful of shrubs recoups more than 80% of the value. Out of the 27% of Realtors who reported completing a landscape update before listing a property, 11% said it helped them seal the deal.<\/p>\n

All in all, when you need to improve curb appeal or create outdoor living space where there isn\u2019t any, pavers are a practical option. They are more attractive than a rock path and help to create functional spaces with minimal materials. Just take a minimalist approach to make sure your project adds value.<\/p>\n

When pavers improve the flow of indoor outdoor living:<\/h3>\n

Flow is everything. \u201cIt’s all about how the buyer feels when they walk into the house and then how they feel when they’re going to the backyard and how it flows from a living room or dining room,\u201d says Navarro.<\/p>\n

Even if your home has a patio currently, does it allow for adequate outdoor living? Is there enough space for a table that guests can gather around? What about lounge chairs? Or is your hardscape too big and awkwardly takes over the yard?<\/p>\n

In that case you may want to remove sections and revamp the portion you\u2019re going to keep. \u201cBalance is always preferred and there are always ways to soften the hardscape with plant materials,\u201d says Cook.<\/p>\n

With these recommendations in mind, here are 3 paver projects worth your time and money:<\/p>\n

1. Build a simple patio to extend your outdoor living space.<\/h4>\n

Depending on the size of the patio your yard needs, it may be worth it to hire a professional. It\u2019s a tedious job to lay pavers. That said, it\u2019s not impossible to DIY a small area. “If homeowners have the time and are good at following the process, it can be done,” Cook says. \u201cMy suggestions would be to make sure the area is graded and level and that the base has been applied evenly and compacted.\u201d<\/p>\n

You can also find a detailed tutorial here<\/a>, courtesy of Oregon State University’s extended education service on gardening and landscaping. It breaks down each and every detail. Here are the highlights:<\/p>\n