Yes, pavers can add value to your home. That's the simple anwer. But this very much depends on whether or not you invest wisely and make the right choices when it comes to paving for your property. Here's all you need to know...
What are pavers?
Pavers, or paving stones, are flat material constructions usually made out of stone, brick, or concrete – normally used as exterior flooring. They're the go-to choice for most people when it comes to creating beautiful driveways, walkways, patios, and even pool decks.
Pavers are highly durable and low maintenance – particularly when compared to concrete slabs. And they're usually more visually appealing.
How do pavers add value to your home?
The size of the paved area will influence how much value pavers will add, as will how they are used. For example, adding a nicely paved patio to the average home could add as much as £10,000 to the value, but using pavers as an integral part of an attractive, brand-new large garden plot could add as much as 20%!
Converting a neglected front garden into a hard standing for additional parking is highly desirable in many instances, and can again add 10% to a home’s value.
That said, whether a seller should invest in pavers depends on the property and the market. For example, a big, expensive home packed with desirable features but with a cracked driveway might sell for top dollar regardless of whether the driveway is re-paved or not. On the other hand, a property with limited selling points might boost its appeal and value considerably with a smart newly paved driveway and patio.
Real estate industry commentators, Inman, stated that, on average, homeowners can expect a return on investment of anywhere between 30% and 60% on a paving project.
If you're unsure whether pavers will add value to your home, why not have a chat with a couple of local estate agents? After all, they'll have a good feel for the property and the market.
A paved patio can lead to a quicker sale
Now, more than ever, people value outside space, and a decent paved patio is bound to impress. Your home’s value is likely to increase as a result, and you stand a better chance of selling more quickly. A paved patio is seen as an extension of the interior, seamlessly opening up the indoor space and bringing elements of the outdoors inside.
A major plus point is that patio paving doesn’t require planning permission, so you can upgrade your patio without any hassle. Contrast this with building an extension, and patios are a far easier way of adding value.
Pavers for life
Large concrete slabs have a tendency to crack over time, whereas smaller interlaced pavers will allow for greater flexibility and develop a stronger foundation resistant to cracks. That means, when the time comes to sell your home, your external flooring will be in tip-top shape and represent value for the long term.
Home buyers value complementary styling
You’ll find that pavers are available in all sorts of sizes, shapes, colours and styles, but when potential buyers view a home, they're often seeking a cohesive look – one that complements the colours, textures and styles found in the home interior.
Try to select pavers that reflect a natural extension of the interior home style. Well-maintained paved patios that have been in place since a home was built are often preferred to out-of-character, garish updates.
Pavers can boost kerb appeal
Kerb appeal – the attractiveness of a property when viewed from the street – is REALLY important when you’re selling a home. Estate agents consider enhancing kerb appeal as a no-brainer. An industry survey reported that 76% of estate agents felt that kerb appeal was the number one thing you could do to make your home more appealing to buyers.
The first impression is all important, says top estate agent Anthony Navarro: “It’s not just cutting the bushes and mowing the grass (though those make a big difference). A simple walkway adds character and functionality. Pavers are a good option for that."
Three paver projects that add value to your home
1. A simple patio
Building a simple paved patio is a relatively quick and easy way to add value to your home. This could be a DIY job, but if you're inexperienced, hire a professional to make it a worthwhile job. You’ll need to make sure the area is graded and level, and that a base has been evenly applied and compacted. The base needs to be at least four inches deep and compacted, and a layer of sand then covers the base. Ensure the base grades away from the house and consider drainage issues. Once the pavers are laid firmly, top with more sand and fill in the cracks. Voila!
2. An inviting walkway
Investing in a nicely paved front walkway will tick the kerb appeal box, and leave visitors with a positive first impression. Choose materials wisely. Stone is more expensive than concrete or brick, but will look fab and last longer.
3. A paved driveway
The number of UK households with more than one vehicle has increased dramatically over recent years (26M in 2020), and residential parking is at a premium. So, it's estimated that investing in a well paved driveway can add as much as 10% to your home’s value.
Should I invest in a paving project to increase my home’s value?
In summary, there's no guarantee that pavers will add value to your home, but if you consider the style and placement (and tradesperson!) carefully, they certainly can. If you want to maximise your return on investment, weigh up all the options and do consult with local estate agents before ploughing money into a paving project.
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