SPECIAL SECTION : HOME & GARDEN RENOVATION GUIDE
A Few Key Upgrades Can Really Pay Off
Pittsburgh is considered one of the most affordable U . S . metro areas to buy a home , according to the National Association of Home Builders / Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index . In addition , millennials — falling in the prime first-time homebuying age of mid-20s to late 30s — are the largest generation in America and looking to make their next move with growing families . If you ’ re planning to sell your home now or in the not-too-distant future , you might want to check out the following upgrades that can help make your house more attractive to potential buyers .
Adding Square Footage or the Appearance of More Space
Many companies are offering remote work opportunities , reaffirming the need for a home office — a room that often went unused prior to 2020 . But adding square footage of any kind is looked at as an upgrade . There may be unused or misused space just under your nose !
• Create home office space . A dedicated space for working could prove valuable for any number of buyers . Whether it ’ s a family with a parent ( s ) working from home , or a family with kids who could use the space for virtual learning , the area could function in a variety of different ways . A home office could even be used for hobbies . This versatile room gives buyers space for their specific needs .
• Spruce up or add outdoor entertaining space . The percentage of homes with patio space is on the rise , proving that an outdoor entertainment area is in high demand . Whether you have a little space or a lot , the opportunity to tidy up outside could pay off . Having your outdoor space set up to give potential buyers an idea of what it could be may be a selling point .
• Finish your basement . Basement space isn ’ t just for storage and should be taken full advantage of if you ’ re looking to sell . Even just adding insulation , drywall , and flooring to create a finished look could interest buyers . Unfinished rooms may look like more work to potential buyers , so putting some funds toward finishing them prior to placing your home on the market may be a good investment .
Lush Landscapes
If you ’ ve ever attempted to transform your backyard into a beautifully designed paradise , then you have probably planted , trimmed , and dug your way into a few minor frustrations along the way . While good landscaping can vary by degrees , including budget , skills and climate , there are a few easy things you can do to be proud of your landscaping without paying an expert . The following tips will guide you on the right path to do-it-yourself landscaping :
• Always layer your planting beds . Layering in three rows , begin with your tallest plants in the back row , next tallest in the middle and shortest plants in the front . And don ’ t just plant one bed — put another elsewhere in your yard to help provide a sense of harmony .
• Calm your yard with water features . Providing focal points in your landscaping is a must , and one great way to do it is incorporating water features such as ponds and simple waterfalls . They both look appealing and add an attractive element to your yard — the calming sounds of moving water .
• Utilize retaining walls . If you are planning on protecting the fragile landscaping work around your home , it ’ s imperative to construct a strong retaining wall . Erosion-prone areas in your yard will benefit greatly by incorporating segmental retaining walls constructed from concrete masonry . Using concrete not only provides the best value for the investment , but also
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