Garden Improvements Ideas For Added Functions
We owe the sudden rise in garden spaces and garden value to the COVID-19 pandemic. Indeed, as many Britons found themselves unable to commute and socialise, the garden became their go-to mood booster. The pandemic contributed to the great exodus from urban landscapes and into the suburbs and the countryside. Away from the grey buildings and into homes surrounded by nature with a private garden.
Gardens are a fantastic tool for mental and physical health, ranging from gardening benefits to enjoying more direct sunlight. But they also tremendously increase the value of the property. For a homeowner looking to sell their property at the best price, garden improvements such as landscaping, zoning, and a seating space, can make a huge difference to the price offer.
But not every household wants their garden to be for flowers and trees. One of the most commonly overlooked advantages of having a garden is that it can act as an extension to your home’s square footage. So which popular functions do home buyers want to see in the garden?
Safe storage for vehicles
If you’ve left your vehicle parked in the street for several weeks without moving it — like during the start of the pandemic —, chances are that the brake pads will develop rust spots, and your battery will go empty. Battery and rusty brakes have been a major source of concern during the pandemic.
But, car owners who have switched to a fully remote position at the end of the pandemic are likely to experience similar issues. So, the addition of prefab garages to utilise the garden space can provide the safe storage they need for the vehicle.
A storage unit for tools
As DIY activities are now more popular than ever, Britons spent £7,565 million in 2020 and £8,543 million in 2021 on the purchase of DIY equipment and tools. The post-pandemic tool kit includes a variety of screwdrivers and hammers, chisel, paintbrushes, electric tools, car washing equipment, pressure washer, saws, and even car tools. Garden lovers use the typical gardening shed to keep their favourite tools. But, even for those who do not enjoy gardening activities, a shed with a dedicated tool rack can be a fantastic addition to the property.
Tool racks can also be added to the garage interior for simplicity. Yet, the garage may not be able to fit large units and vehicles at the same time. Therefore, a tool shed can give DIY equipment a safe place without cluttering the interior.
A hot tub and pool area
Britain is one of the top 10 world hot tub markets, according to the British and Irish Spa and Hot Tub Association. A hot tub in the garden or a heated swim spa can be used for relaxation and fitness purposes. Britons love the idea of soaking in water at the end of a stressful day!
A swim spa or a hot tub is an affordable pool option, taking up considerably less space, which makes it an ideal addition to a private garden. The swim spa typically provides a range of fitness features, such as swimming against the current, which can act as a home gym for the household.
A BBQ area
As soon as the sun is out, Britons love to grill food outside. Yet, BBQ grills come in different sizes and shapes. Many households continue to use disposable units for their BBQ days because they are reluctant to invest in equipment that will end up taking up unnecessary space at home.
Portable grills tend to be stored in a safe place at home or in the garage during the colder and wetter months of the year.
Building a grilling area in the garden with a permanent BBQ structure will prevent unpleasant clutter at home. Additionally, the BBQ area can also become home to new traditions, such as grilling marshmallows outside during winter or switching the traditional Christmas turkey dinner for a convivial BBQ meal.
More importantly, the addition of a permanent unit can encourage families to make better use of the garden throughout the year. An alternative to the BBQ structure is a safe fire pit, which can act as a heater when it’s cold outside. Typically, you wouldn’t use the fire pit for cooking purposes, so you want to make sure you pick the right option for your needs and preferences.
Do gardens need to be all about plants and landscaping to add value to your property? The answer is no. Not every home buyer seeks a blooming garden. More and more Britons want to utilise the garden as a functional extension to the house, providing cooking, storage, and fitness features.
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