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Stamped concrete is an excellent choice for outdoor surfaces, including driveways, patios, and more. Many contractors offer a range of design and color options for their stamped and stained concrete. Consequently, you might choose something that mimics stone, clay pavers, and even wood.
While stamped and decorative concrete has its advantages, homeowners might wonder if it increases property values. Note that only a real estate agent or property appraiser can answer that question directly. However, you might consider some details that an appraiser often keeps in mind when making that determination! Then, you can make the right decision about your home’s exterior spaces and paving needs.
How stamped concrete can increase property values
First, note how the many advantages of stamped and stained concrete might increase property values. Appraisers determine home values by noting its overall features including usable square footage, curb appeal, and so on. Consider how decorative concrete might fit into those details:
Usable square footage
An appraiser might not always add outdoor space to a home’s usable square footage. However, a stamped concrete patio can add to that space considerably! Many potential buyers appreciate a designated area for outdoor use.
Additionally, stamped and stained concrete provides a safe surface underfoot. With a decorative concrete installation, homeowners don’t need to place outdoor furniture directly on the ground. Also, concrete is much sturdier than gravel or river rock! In turn, an appraiser or homebuyer might include that poured concrete patio when considering a home’s overall size.
Curb appeal
Curb appeal affects property values, as potential homebuyers don’t want to come home to an ugly house every day! Homeowners also don’t want to entertain friends and family on an unsightly property.
Decorative concrete often increases curb appeal and a property’s appearance from both the front and back! A stamped concrete driveway offers a more attractive surface than a plain concrete driveway. Also, a decorative concrete patio or pool deck is always more appealing than plain concrete or dirt.
Additionally, consider that the affordability of decorative concrete allows you to use it for landscaping features. You can add a walkway through a large yard, create a decorative footing for a birdbath, and so on. In turn, poured and stained concrete is excellent for creating stunning curb appeal around your property!
Comparable properties
Appraisers consider comparable properties, or comps, when determining home values. In other words, they check out nearby homes and their features, and compare those to yours! For example, other homes in the neighborhood might have certain features lacking in your house. This might include a garage, pool, view of a nearby water feature and so on. In those cases, your home gets a lower value than those houses.
This feature works for outdoor spaces. If other homes in the neighborhood have a patio and yours does not, your property values might drop. Also, poor-quality features often affect property values. For instance, other properties might have a well-maintained deck, patio, driveway, or other such surface. If your property has a rotting wood deck or low-quality gravel patio, this might lower your home’s value.
On the other hand, consider if your house is the only one with a nice patio or painted driveway. In that case, buyers might appreciate your house over any other in the neighborhood! In turn, your property values then increase since your home is more desirable than others.
Decorative concrete versus no outdoor surfaces!
When considering if decorative concrete adds value to your property, compare its installation to a property without any outdoor spaces! A home with a stamped concrete patio, for example, is typically more valuable than one with no patio at all. Decorative concrete is also an affordable choice for homes without an adequate driveway or walkway.
Additionally, stamped and stained concrete offers an excellent alternative to properties with lawns that struggle to thrive. A concrete installer can often add concrete to your entire property, so you don’t need to worry about unsightly, withered grass. In turn, that concrete improves the view versus a property without any solid surfaces outside the home.
Is stamped concrete worth it?
Whether or not stamped concrete increases property values, its installation still offers many advantages for homeowners. For example:
- Stamped and stained concrete allows you to create a budget-friendly outdoor patio or pool deck you’ll love! Concrete’s affordability means you can enjoy your outdoor space even without facing the cost of expensive stone or other pavers.
- A contractor can pour concrete around obstacles or into rounded patterns more readily than with stone or brick. In turn, you can create a round patio or curved walkway and driveway, adding elegance to your property.
- Staining concrete allows more control over the end color than if you opted for natural stone.
- Concrete offers a stable surface under foot, more so than gravel and many pavers. You can then ensure that patio furniture or an outdoor barbecue stay level and secure when in use.
- Replacing large portions of your yard or an entire backyard with stamped concrete means no more mowing, fertilizing, or other cumbersome chores. Additionally, you don’t need to worry about whether that lawn will thrive when you opt for a concrete installation.
- Concrete installations usually last for decades before needing replacement. Consequently, your new stamped concrete driveway, walkway, or patio might be the last installation you’ll need to schedule as a homeowner!
Additionally, consider a stamped concrete installation versus no outdoor space for relaxing and entertaining! A new concrete patio allows you to enjoy your property and entertain in style. That relaxation and comfort alone makes decorative concrete worth its cost!
Is stamped concrete durable?
While stamped concrete offers an affordable option for outdoor living, it’s also very durable! Concrete typically lasts for decades, as said. Also, regular sealing helps prevent weeds from growing between concrete expansion joints.
Additionally, large concrete slabs aren’t as likely to dislodge as individual bricks and pavers. Moreover, concrete usually only needs an occasional power washing to keep it clean. Professional sealing also ensures a strong surface. These simple maintenance steps can keep that concrete durable for decades.