One Home Feature Houston Homeowners May Appreciate More Than They Expect

One Home Feature Houston Homeowners May Appreciate More Than They Expect

When we think about home improvements, kitchens and bathrooms usually get most of the attention, and I totally agree these are most important! But there’s another space I am always excited to see during listing appointments…a covered patio.

Turns out I am not the only one who takes notice of these spaces. A recent National Association of REALTORS® article looked at home features buyers don’t always put at the top of their wish lists—but often appreciate much more once they actually live with them. One of those was covered outdoor living.

You may think Houston doesn’t give us enough good-weather days to make outdoor living worthwhile, but buyers increasingly see these spaces as an extension of the home’s living space—not just a backyard.

In Houston, Shade Changes Everything

We have plenty of months when we could enjoy our backyards. The problem is usually the heat, direct sun and occasional downpour.

A covered patio can turn a space you only use when the weather is perfect into an extension of your everyday living area.

It becomes the place for morning coffee, dinner outside, watching the game, entertaining friends or sitting near the pool without sitting directly in the Texas sun.

And you don’t necessarily need a full outdoor kitchen or an elaborate backyard renovation to make the space useful.

A few thoughtful additions can make a big difference:

• A solid roof or well-designed patio cover
• Large outdoor ceiling fans
• Good lighting
• Comfortable, durable furniture
• Convenient electrical outlets
• A TV wall or entertaining area, if that fits your lifestyle
• Screens or shades to help with bugs and late-afternoon sun

If You’re Considering Adding One…

My advice is to think about the patio as part of the house, not just an addition to the backyard.

Ideally, the roofline, materials and proportions should look like they belong with the original home. You’ll also want to think about drainage, airflow and where the afternoon sun hits—especially if your backyard faces west.

And before making a significant investment, consider how the improvement compares with other homes in your neighborhood. A $50,000 outdoor renovation doesn’t automatically add $50,000 to your home’s value.

That’s where I can help.

Even if you’re not planning to sell anytime soon, I’m always happy to talk through an improvement before you make it. I can show you what I’m seeing in nearby homes and help you think about which projects may improve your everyday enjoyment of your home and make sense from a future resale standpoint.

Sometimes the best home improvements aren’t the flashiest ones.

They’re the ones that simply make your home work better for the way you live.