3 Add-Ons that Increase the Value of Your Home

Your home is your most prized asset.

It's where you spend time with your family, where you relax on the weekends, and where you eat, shower and sleep.  It provides all the amenities your family needs to live a productive, happy life.

For these reasons and for another reason we'll get to in a second, it's important to make the most of your home.  With add-on structures that provide entertainment, comfort and aesthetic appeal, your home lives up to its true potential.  It provides everything you need it to provide, plus more.  It's a place to sleep and eat, but also a place to enjoy.

In addition to improving your family's lifestyle with various additions, you also improve the monetary value of your home.  This is important for re-selling and investment purposes.  Much like how investing in a reputable stock or trade improves your personal monetary worth, investing in your home increases its resell value.  Because of your impressive home, your land becomes a highly desirable piece of real estate.

If you're confused where to start adding things, we've listed three of the most popular home add-ons people invest in everyday to increase home enjoyment and worth.

Deck or Patio

A deck is perfect if you have a house that is two stories or greater.  Adding a deck to your second or third floor gives you and your family the opportunity to enjoy the outdoor weather in the comfort of your home.  You're not technically "in" your home, but you get the point.  There are many things that a deck affords including outdoor parties, grilling, sunbathing and sun-drenched reading.

The patio achieves the same purpose of the deck, only it's no supported by beams.  It's makes complete contact with the ground and is good for one-story homes and houses with yard space to spare.  A built-in fire pit and patio roof or awning are accessories that give a patio an additional element of value.

Swimming Pool

Our natural attraction to water makes this add-on the most popular.  There are two types of pools – aboveground and underground – that appeal to families with different yard spaces and budgets.  Aboveground pools tend to be circular in shape and exposed while underground pools take many forms and are concealed.  The former are less expensive than the latter and, although exposed, can be equipped with a pool deck.

When it comes to pools, underground pools add the most value to your home. If you want a pool but can't afford an underground, it's wise to wait until you can.  They are more visually impressive and more valuable.

Gable Roof or Awning

As previously mentioned, these can be added to your patio, but they can also be added to any outdoor space or structure: the outside of your home, guest houses, horse stables and more. Roofs and awnings provide sources of shade from the hot sun and also cover from rainy days.  They allow you to enjoy the grandeur of nature while not being directly under her skies.  If implemented appropriately, these add-ons can contribute a significant source of comfort and value to your home.