Is Your Yard an Investment or a Money Pit?

If you’re thinking about upgrading your outdoor space, you want to know, is this adding value to my home?

Maybe you’ve watched a few home makeover shows or scrolled Instagram and seen jaw-dropping backyards with massive fire pits, bubbling waterfalls, and lush gardens that look like something out of a resort. It all seems exciting—until you realize just how much time, money, and effort go into keeping up those features.

As a homeowner on the Kitsap Peninsula, you don’t just want a pretty yard—you want a smart investment. You want an outdoor space that makes your home more enjoyable now and more valuable when it’s time to sell.

We get it. At Brookside Landscape and Design, we’ve spent years helping homeowners like you create stunning, long-lasting, and serviceable outdoor spaces. And we’ve seen what works—and what doesn’t. We are constantly trying to maintain industry standards and educate our customers on the hows and whys.

That’s why we put together this list of the five best outdoor features that actually increase home value—and a few that sound good in theory but could cost you more in the long run. So let’s dive in!

5 Best Outdoor Features That Increase Home Value

If you’re looking for projects that boost curb appeal, improve functionality, and give you the best return on investment (ROI), these are the top five outdoor upgrades to consider.

1. A Well-Designed Patio (Not Just a Slab of Concrete)

Let’s be real—nobody wants to hang out on a sad, cracked concrete slab. But a well-designed, properly installed patio? Boom! That’s where the magic happens.

A patio extends your living space and gives buyers a low-maintenance (not maintenance free) outdoor area to relax and entertain. And if you choose durable, high-quality materials like Belgard pavers or natural stone, your patio can last decades with minimal upkeep.

Why it’s worth it:

Patios have an average ROI of 55-75%, depending on materials.
Low-maintenance patios are a huge selling point for buyers.
Well-placed patios make a yard feel bigger and more usable.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re adding a patio, make sure it flows naturally from your home’s layout and is big enough to be functional.

2. A Fire Pit or Outdoor Fireplace (If Done Right)

There’s something about a fire feature that makes an outdoor space feel cozy and inviting. Whether it’s a built-in stone fireplace or a simple fire pit, this upgrade adds warmth—literally and figuratively—to your yard.

Why it’s worth it:

Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits can boost home value by 10-15%.
They make your patio usable year-round, even on chilly Kitsap nights.
Gas options offer a clean, hassle-free alternative to wood-burning pits.

🔥 What to watch out for: Skip the oversized, high-maintenance fire pits that require constant cleaning or expensive upkeep. Stick to practical designs that fit your space and needs.

3. Functional Outdoor Lighting (Because Nobody Likes a Dark, Uninviting Yard)

A beautiful backyard isn’t much use if you can’t see it at night. Strategic outdoor lighting doesn’t just make your space more inviting—it also boosts security and safety, which buyers love.

Why it’s worth it:

Professionally installed lighting can add up to 20% to home value.
Well-lit paths and patios make outdoor spaces safer and more usable.
LED landscape lighting is energy-efficient and low-maintenance.

💡 Pro Tip: Focus on pathway lights, uplighting for trees, and soft accent lighting to highlight key areas of your yard.

4. A Smart Irrigation System (So Your Landscaping Doesn’t Die Before You Sell)

Nothing drags down curb appeal faster than a dead, patchy lawn or sad-looking plants. That’s why a smart irrigation system is a solid investment.

Today’s irrigation systems adjust automatically based on weather and soil conditions, so you’re not overwatering or underwatering.

Why it’s worth it:

Homes with healthy landscaping sell for 5-10% more than neglected yards.
Smart irrigation systems save water and reduce utility bills.
They keep your yard looking fresh and vibrant—even if you’re not a plant expert.

💡 Pro Tip: If you already have an irrigation system, upgrading to a smart controller can be an easy, cost-effective way to add value without too much renovation depending on your current system.

5. Low-Maintenance, Native Landscaping (Because Nobody Wants a Yard That’s a Full-Time Job)

Buyers love a beautifully landscaped yard, but they don’t want one that requires constant pruning, watering, and upkeep.

Native plants and low-maintenance landscaping not only look great but also thrive in Kitsap’s climate with minimal effort.

Why it’s worth it:

Native plants require less water, fertilizer, and maintenance.
A well-landscaped yard can add up to 15% to home value.
It boosts curb appeal without adding a huge workload.

💡 Pro Tip: Swap high-maintenance flower beds for drought-resistant plants, ornamental grasses, and native shrubs that stay healthy with minimal effort.

Outdoor Features That Sound Great—But Often Aren’t

Now that we’ve covered the best outdoor features, let’s talk about the ones that seem like a great idea but don’t always pay off.

❌ 1. High-Maintenance Water Features

A pond or waterfall looks nice in photos, but it can quickly turn into a mosquito-breeding, algae-covered headache. However, we at Brookside Landscape and Design focus on building: ✅ Thoughtfully Designed Water Features

“While some water features can become high-maintenance, requiring constant upkeep, a well-designed water feature from Brookside Landscape and Design is different. We specialize in creating sustainable, low-maintenance water features that enhance your outdoor space without becoming a burden.

Expert Design: We carefully plan and construct water features to minimize maintenance and prevent common issues like algae growth and mosquito breeding.
Quality Materials: We use durable, high-quality materials from Aquascape that are built to last and require less frequent maintenance.
Eco-Friendly Solutions: We incorporate Bio-filtration systems, natural planting, and other eco-friendly solutions to keep your water feature clean and healthy.
Customized to Your Needs: We work with you to design a water feature that fits your lifestyle and maintenance preferences.

A professionally installed and thoughtfully designed water feature from Brookside Landscape and Design can add a unique and beautiful element to your yard, increasing its appeal and value.

❌ 2. Oversized Outdoor Kitchens

A small grill area? Great! A massive, fully-loaded outdoor kitchen that rarely gets used? Not so much. If you love to cook outside, keep it simple and functional.

❌ 3. Swimming Pools(In our area)

In the Pacific Northwest, pools have limited use for much of the year, and they require constant upkeep. While some buyers love them, others see them as high-maintenance money pits.

Ready to Make the Right Upgrades?

Your outdoor space should be a place you love—but it should also be a smart investment. Whether you’re planning to stay for years or sell in the near future, the right upgrades boost value without creating unnecessary headaches.

At Brookside Landscape and Design, we help homeowners in Kitsap Peninsula create beautiful, lasting outdoor spaces that add value, not stress. If you’re ready to transform your yard the right way, let’s talk!