6 Must-Have Features for the Best Backyard Summer Hangout

Finding buyers for your home can seem overwhelming, especially if your home can't quite keep up with the other homes on the market. One way to boost interest in your home is to improve your backyard, turning it into a great summer hangout. If you want to turn your backyard into a summer hangout, check out these six must-haves.

1. Grill

Homeowners who want guests during the fun summer months better be able to feed them, and grills are an excellent way to do that. While many people chose to purchase a grill at their local home improvement store, other homeowners prefer the benefits of a built-in grill.

Built-in grills are customizable, so you can get one that fits perfectly for your backyard, making it more unique and aesthetic for potential buyers. Plus, they have more features than just the grill, such as countertops, drawers and cabinets, which makes cooking outside much easier.

As an added benefit, a built-in grill will increase the value of your home. So when you do finally find a buyer, you recoup some of that initial investment.

2. Fireplace

An outdoor fireplace is another feature to consider, especially for buyers who want to spend time outside at night. Even summer nights can get chilly, but an outdoor fireplace will help keep guests warm. They can also provide a fun alternative to cooking, allowing kids to roast marshmallows or hotdogs.

Similar to built-in grills, an outdoor fireplace can increase the value of your home, but only if you maintain the fireplace.

3. Seating

Naturally, people will want some place to sit while hanging out in any backyard, so make sure to provide plenty of seating options. Of course, you can buy patio furniture, such as tables, chairs, sofas, etc. to show off what the potential home buyer can do, but some homeowners choose to incorporate seating into their landscaping.

Many people build seating directly into an outdoor wall. For example, if you have a tiered wall near the patio, you can turn the lower levels into seating areas. The benefit of incorporating seating into your landscaping is that you don't have to worry about protecting furniture from rain and UV rays.

4. Shade

Summer days get hot, and even when the temperature is comfortable, not everyone wants to sit in direct sunlight. For this reason, you need to provide shaded areas to attract buyers. Adding trees can help naturally add more shade, but other homeowners choose to install pergolas, awnings or a gazebo.

Awnings are connected to your home, making them a great choice for a patio right outside your house. However, if you have areas further from the home that need shade, a pergola or gazebo may be a better choice.

5. Fences

Fences are another must-have feature because they provide privacy and protection. First, if you choose a privacy fence, buyers may feel more comfortable because they can have fun in the backyard without prying eyes. In addition, a privacy fence offers some sound dampening.

Fences also offer protection, which is especially important if there are potentially hazardous areas in the yard, such as a pool. Without a fence, kids, pets and inebriated adults may fall into the pool. Fences also keep out strangers, which better protects all the great features you have in your backyard.

6. Railings

If you have a raised outdoor area, such as a deck or balcony, installing railings is another attractive and safety feature buyers will enjoy. It's best to get a railing with narrow vertical beams. If buyers have kids, they will see horizontal beams as perfect little ladders to climb.

If someone does get hurt because of a missing railing, they may be allowed to sue you, which can increase your homeowners' insurance premiums.

These features combine to make a great place to hang out. If you would like to know more about how to make your home attractive for buyers, contact us at Heritage Realty and Insurance today.