Lee Morof's Real Estate Blog

Value is defined as the importance, worth or usefulness of something; to estimate the monetary worth of something. When the subject is a home, and what adds value to it, then breaking it down into its most common denominator is necessary.

A family looking for a home decides that it has enough space, that there is room to expand perhaps, and that the home would be handy for entertaining guests. Adding a pool to the mix greatly improves the form and functionality of a home. Below, we’ll explain why there are few home renovations or additions that add more value than a swimming pool.

Pay Attention To The Area

Both HGTV and Better Homes and Gardens agree that homeowners make an error in adding a pool when the area or region is not supportive of pools. Homeowners living in hot humid climates and with pools all around them will benefit from the addition of a pool – but would you install a swimming pool in Alaska? In warmer climates not only will a pool be cool and fun on a hot summer day, but it will be worth something to the next buyer.

Those living in areas not so warm and muggy would only benefit from the addition of a pool if the neighbors had one – a phenomenon known as the ‘social proof’ effect. Regardless, the National Association of Realtors, or NAR, reports that pools add 7.7 percent to the average property value. The figure jumps to 11 percent for hot humid areas, so if you’re in a humid area, installing a pool might be a worthwhile expenditure.

Outdoor Renovations Are A Hot Trend

The outdoors has made a comeback whose scope is unbelievable. The popularity of outdoor rooms, cascading decks, patios with pergolas and landscaped walks bears this out. Homeowners are adding trendy outdoor rooms in addition to lush landscape, hardscape and water innovations for many reasons:

– Enjoying nature reduces stress

– Families are spending more time together

– Networking is more fun over a burger than over a phone

– Many outdoor rooms are sustainable

Few will argue that these points are important. A high-quality pool can serve as the focal point for a yard or greenscape. Many homeowners build pools to highlight the architecture, for example, with stones and waterfalls to complement the landscape. The object is to make the whole package useful and worthy to the next buyer.

In Short: A Pool Will Lead To An Increase In Value

Factors vary in calculating the pool’s effect on property values. The size, a diving pool vs. a play pool, the configuration, (i.e. square, oval, kidney-shaped, etc.) and the extent of the landscaping and decking are such factors. Appraisers reflect that a pool will add between 10 and 30 percent to the home’s resale value.

Folks love a pool for swimming any time they wish, in the privacy of their home. For some, that alone is the only impetus they need to add a pool. Other buyers appreciate a pool because of the enjoyment it brings their children. Thus, value and applicability are much the same.

A qualified real estate agent can help you determine how much value a new pool will add to your home. Contact your agent before making this investment to ensure it will prove worthy.

The decision to install a pool is generally one that is applauded by at least certain members of the family. Whether you have children or not, however, having a pool at home is certainly something you can enjoy for yourself.

But what if you don’t think your yard is particularly suited to a pool? Don’t rule out the idea just yet; instead, consider some of these different pool designs to suit different sizes and styles of backyards.

Make The Most Of Your Small Backyard

For a relatively small backyard, you should always choose the right pool design that will ensure you make the most of the space.

A particularly good option for a smaller backyard is opting for an above-ground pool and having a custom wood deck built around one side of it, while leave the opposite side open for the kids to play in.

The addition, the wood deck will offer easy access for the kids to get into the pool, and will also give you a place to sunbathe while watching the kids splash around.

Single-Use, Modern Yard: Fiberglass Pool

For an ultra-modern backyard that is relatively small, and especially for a single-use backyard that is going to be dedicated to your swimming pool, a fiberglass pool might be your best option. Since the pool arrives in one single piece, already fully finished, the installation process is very quick and efficient.

Offered in a variety of different shapes, sizes, and styles, you can surely find a fiberglass pool that fits your single-use yard, and you could even have it ready to use within one week. You’ll find that the smooth surface of a fiberglass pool is appealing. These pools are also easy to maintain as only a few chemicals are required for cleaning.

With this type of pool that you’ll commonly find in vacation homes with modern, polished concrete backyards, you can turn your home into your favorite holiday destination, and much quicker than you might have guessed.

Customizable Concrete Pool For A Large Yard

If you have a large yard and aren’t concerned about using up too much space by having a swimming pool put in, why not opt for the most customizable concrete variety? A concrete pool can be constructed in virtually any shape or size you choose, allowing you to put your best creativity to use.

You can opt for texturized pool surfaces as well as well as plenty of add-ons and built-in features, such as a custom entry or a ledge for sunbathing. Customized concrete pools usually take about 12 weeks to build. You can also opt to have a concrete or tile surface installed around the pool, while still leaving plenty of grass and gardening space in your backyard.

These pools are also a great option for irregular backyards, as they can be customized to fit into virtually any shape, just as long as your yard is large enough.

When it comes to house shopping, you can opt to buy a house that already has a pool. Or if you’d prefer to be more involved in the process, you can simply look for a house with a suitable yard. For a list of suitable homes in your area that you can view today, get in touch with your real estate professional and get closer to that at-home dip you’ve been dreaming of.