Over the past year, homeowners have been staying at home more than usual, so many have focused on home upgrades and renovations. To get outdoors and enjoy the sunshine, many homeowners are tackling projects that turn their back yards into a beautiful oasis for relaxing and entertaining.

Our agents at Watson Realty are seeing many Bakersfield homes for sale with amazing back yards that create a luxurious lifestyle. Homeowners are building all types of outdoor features that boost visual appeal, comfortable atmosphere, outdoor entertaining, and home values.

• Decks and Patios
  Adding a deck or patio to a back yard increases functional space for your home. Since these features are typically attached to the house, they provide excellent spaces for relaxing and entertaining. You can enjoy your morning coffee, lounge in the sunshine, or dine with family and friends just outside your back door. For a little shade and weather protection, add a roof overhang or install a retractable awning.
  
  
• Pergolas
  Pergolas are open-air structures with corner supports and some type of roof that can be solid or slotted. While some people connect them to the house, others prefer to build them in the yard adjacent to a swimming pool, spa, or hot tub. With average costs ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, adding a pergola to the back yard is an easy, affordable way to add character to your home, increase outdoor activities, and boost your home's value.
  
  
• Outdoor Kitchens
  Over the last decade, outdoor kitchens have become a popular feature that attracts home buyers. In 2018, outdoor kitchens topped the American Institute of Architects' list for the most popular home trends. According to real estate experts, a $14,000 outdoor kitchen can recoup about 71% at resale. With components like grills, pizza ovens, side burners, coolers, and wine refrigerators, an outdoor kitchen makes backyard dining and entertaining convenient and easy.
  
  
• Fire Pits
  Fire pits are popular backyard features because they provide light, warmth, and relaxing atmosphere. In contrast to outdoor fireplaces that are expensive and require building permits, fire pits are affordable, have few regulations, and can be placed on a deck, patio, or anywhere in the back yard. Fire pits can be built in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they also come in pre-made pits available online or in home improvement stores in a variety of styles and finishes.
  
  
• Water Features
  Backyard water features such as swimming pools, jacuzzis, waterfalls, and fountains can quickly turn any yard into a tropical oasis with relaxing atmosphere. Who wouldn't enjoy a dip in the pool on a hot summer afternoon or a soak in the jacuzzi after a long, tiring day? There's nothing like the sound of running or splashing water to relax your mind and soothe your soul. If you don't have enough space or budget for a pool, consider a koi pond, small jacuzzi, rock waterfall, or backyard fountain that will still add tranquility and value to your home.
  
  
• Privacy Landscaping
  Whether your buying or selling your home, backyard landscaping can quickly make or break the deal. Homeowners want lush, green back yards with privacy and appealing features. Creating a beautiful landscape with healthy green grass, privacy hedges, manicured trees and shrubs, climbing plants, flower gardens, and outdoor lighting is certain to impress anyone who's looking for a new home.

A back yard with appealing features will significantly increase property value. If you're interested in buying or selling a home, contact us for ways we can help you maximize your opportunities.