Outdoor living is increasingly becoming popular, particularly in a warmer climate. And pergolas are created to boost the comfort and enjoyment of outdoor living space. The question now is, does a pergola add value to a house? Most importantly, should you add a pergola to an investment property?

This guide will help you know more about pergolas and how they can add value to your properties.

Let’s find out what we meant by a pergola, first.

What is a Pergola?

A pergola is an open structure consisting of four support beams for supporting grid and rafters. It has no walls, and the roofing grid may be covered to provide shelter for the users or sometimes left open.

Pergola may be attached to a building or free-standing. Generally, pergolas are found in homes, parks, and gardens. Its lattice and posts oftentimes support climbing plants.

Pergolas are very common in a hot climate, and they are always covered with ivy or vines in the Mediterranean countries. But they are not too common in countries where shade is not attractive.

The origin of the pergola is traced to ancient Egypt, and subsequently became a common feature in Italy and throughout Europe.

Types of Pergolas

There are many different types of pergolas, but each adheres to the main function and form of a pergola.

Most pergolas are either vinyl or wood; however, some pergolas are fiberglass or metal as well. So, when deciding on the type of pergola you want to build, you have to consider how it looks, the cost, and how willing you are to do some necessary maintenance to help the pergola last longer.

Below are some key types of pergola;

• Wood pergola

This type of pergola provides a more natural, rustic feel and style to your environment. There are redwoods or cedar pergolas, but their prices are high.

Also, their lower price wood pergolas such as painted or stained pressure-treated wood pergolas.

The durability and the natural beauty of the hardwoods (redwood and cedar) make it worth the cost, because, they have no chemical, provide natural resistance, have some natural appealing color (but you can still stain or paint it), and have a sweet fragrance, but other timbers and pressure-treated pine are insect and rot resistance because of chemical treatment.

Hardwoods seem to be ideal for drier atmosphere, and it will eventually dry to a grayish color. Adding a sealant to them will help to maintain their natural color.

Pergolas made with pressure-treated wood are mostly preferred for a more humid atmosphere. They are better stained or water sealed to maintain their natural color.

Generally, you will try to do some maintenance for most of the wood pergolas to last longer. This implies sealing, staining, or repainting them every 2 to 4 years.

• Vinyl pergolas

This type of pergola provides a clean, elegant, and classy look for your environment. Vinyl is known to be almost maintenance-free. All you will need to do is a periodic (every 1 to 3 years) power washing to remove grass, mold, or dirt that may have appeared, particularly in a more humid atmosphere. Apart from that, good quality vinyl can last a lifetime.

Vinyl may become more brittle or gouge over the years, so it is better to spend a little extra to make sure that your vinyl pergolas are built with only high-quality materials.

One of the disadvantages of vinyl is that they are mostly available in white colors, and that will make you not have enough colors to make your choice. Nevertheless, vinyl is an affordable option for a pergola, even though the prices are a little higher than pressure-treated wood.

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• Fiberglass and metal pergolas

Fiberglass pergolas generally have a longer lifespan, they require little maintenance, and the fiberglass compound will not pit, rust, or corrode regardless of what atmosphere they are in.

Fiberglass pergolas also retain paint, and do not suck moisture (which is the main cause of paint peeling and cracking).

Fiberglass beams last longer than vinyl and wood, and they look more like vinyl. It is among the most costly types of pergolas, very versatile and sturdy material, which is reflected also in the cost.

The prices of fiberglass pergola are noticeably higher than wood and vinyl. Also, there are only a few manufacturers who produce fiberglass.

Other materials such as steel and aluminum can as well be used to construct pergolas. Aluminum pergolas have lightweight and do not rust. They are ideal for homes that are close to the ocean. But they must be properly and carefully anchored to avoid them being trusted and damaged by a strong wind.

Generally, treated steel pergolas are heavy. However, they are strong and can be able to resist elements.

Other types of pergolas include;

• Open-Top pergola

This type of pergola is designed in a way that their roots are left open for sufficient air and sunlight circulation. They are often seen in the garden and can add more beauty to the environment with the help of climbing of trees such as trailing vines.

• Sail pergola

This type of pergola uses a stretched fabric instead of the common lattice roof. This design gives a modern clean look and even more shelter and shade than the open-Top pergola.

• Gable or pitch pergolas

This type of pergola is covered with a roof to provide shelter from the rain, sun, and other elements. Going by their design, they provide enough water run-off, and they are often seen over patios or decks, usually over an outdoor dining area or a hot tub.

Benefits of a Pergola

There are several benefits of a pergola, and it serves diverse purposes depending on the owner’s preferences.

Below are some of the many benefits of pergolas;

• Pergola boosts building value

Adding a good pergola to your home can create a beautiful outdoor environment and increase your home value. But if the pergola is not well-designed, it can bring down the value of your home, so get a professional to give you a well-designed pergola on your backyard.

• Pergola upgrades the garden

Pergolas are an excellent way to upgrade the backyard garden environment. An open-top pergola design allows air and sunlight circulation, and climbing trees gives your garden an extra charming look.

• Pergola creates an outdoor extension of a home

Some homeowners use pergolas to design an outdoor extension of their home. Generally, the pergola is attached to the building for an uninterrupted movement from the inside of the house to a patio.

• Pergolas add shade and privacy

Traditionally, pergolas do not come with a roof and walls, but they still add a touch of privacy, and shade to the backyard environment. Dressing up the structure with sheer curtains, a sail-top design or vines will increase privacy and shade.

Other benefits of pergola include;

• Pergola helps plants

Pergola provides support for climbing trees such as ivy, vines, and climbing flowers. When these flowers (clematis, grapevines, or even wisteria) are planted in the right place, they will find their way up the structure. Some people also hang planters on the beams. This can create a wonderful visual link between the home and the garden.

• Pergolas are affordable

Pergola is one of the best ways to upgrade an outdoor environment without spending much money. They are not too expensive and are easy to construct, but they make a huge impact on your home. Although some pergolas cost higher than others, you can surely find a low price, durable and beautiful pergola that matches your budget.

• Pergola lasts longer and does not need much maintenance

For example, vinyl pergolas do not need much maintenance, and yet it is durable. When you build your pergola with vinyl products, you need not worry about deterioration or maintenance because it doesn’t rot, fades, wrap, chip, splinter, peel, or discolor. They are always safe for the environment and your family.

How a Pergola Can Increase the Value of a Property?

Pergola is among the top valuable investments that can maximally add value to a property. They add an amazing touch of beauty to a home and at the same time, add value to it. A well-built, sturdy pergola can surely add value to every home.

A good pergola boosts your property’s value in two major ways;

• Financially

This has to do with the more money you invest in your home, the more returns you get from reselling. Many home buyers prefer to buy homes that are already equipped with pergolas. Investors earn a lot of profits by building this valuable asset in their properties. Finding a good pergola for your property is a way to boost its resale value.

• Outdoor living is extremely popular now

Many families prefer spending most of their time in outdoor activities than indoors because of the climate. So, buyers will also prefer to pay a high price for homes with already well-designed outdoor space. If you love the style, sophistication, and shade of a pergola, it means a potential buyer will like them as well.

Other Ways Pergolas Can Increase the Value of a Property

• Pergola makes a home more beautiful

Having a pergola in the outdoor environment of your property will make the home appealing to potential buyers. Generally, home buyers pay more attention to the backyard and garden area as they are worth investing in. also, it might be the first thing that impressed the buyer about the property and laid a refreshing and memorable foundation of attraction in the mind of the buyer.

• Pergola increases the living space

Even free-standing pergolas increase property value as they tend to heighten the living space amount that is considered while estimating the price of any property.

How Much Value Does a Pergola Add To a House?

How much value a pergola adds to a house is dependent on the location of the house. Where the house is located has a huge impact on both the installation cost and return on investment (ROI) of a pergola.

According to Remolding Magazine (2017 Key Trend Report), all home improvement types (both indoor and outdoor) varies by state and region, in terms of value and cost. Outdoor home improvements such as pergola are used more in hotter climates, therefore adding more value to homes in that location.

For homes that are located in climate, pergolas are profitable investment since outdoor living is too common and more popular in those areas, the value of houses with pergola is always on the increase.

A safe gauge for backyard improvement or a deck can be 50% to 80% for your Return on investment (ROI). But a pergola can add even better value when it has the necessary qualities that the potential buyer needs.

What To Do To Ensure That a Pergola Increases the Value of Your Property

One of the things that determine whether a pergola will increase the value of your property is its condition. This means if the pergola is still in good condition or not, and also the material it is built with. Vinyl pergolas look stunning for many years without any serious maintenance required. However, the polish on a wooden pergola can decline after some years, which will affect its value.

There are several levels of quality material, so make a better choice when choosing material for your pergola. Cheaper ones may not be the best option.

Pergola Return On Investment; Types and Costs

What affects the cost of a pergola most is the type of material used and its size. So, the type of material and the size you choose will determine the value a pergola will add to your property.

Types

The type and style of a pergola will affect the installation and maintenance cost. A better material adds better value, class, and style.

Here are some common materials used in building pergola;

• Cedar
• Teak
• Fiberglass
• Aluminum

Some of the common designs for a pergola are;

• Retractable canopy pergola,
• Gable or pitched roof pergola,
• Open-topped pergola,
• Garden shed pergola.

After the design, wooden pergolas are among the most desired. They are gorgeously pleasing and match with any home style, but they need more maintenance as the years go by. They may be needed for repainting or resealing. Proper maintenance and care will help your wooden pergola last longer. The cost of installing a wooden pergola might be high, but it adds a higher value to your property.

On the other hand, fiberglass and aluminum are strong, easy to maintain, long-lasting, but they lack the style and beauty of cedar.

Costs

The cost of setting up a pergola varies from location to location. That means that the cost of materials in Minnesota will be different compared to the cost in California because of demand.

Adding a pergola in a property in New York City will cost you more, but you will easily get back the costs. This is one of the major ways to get a better Return on Investment about pergolas to demand in a fast-growing market by location and in terms of setting up cost vs. value.

Other factors affecting pergola return on investment include;

• Location

We all can agree that outdoor home improvements such as pergola tend to be used during the summer and in hotter climates. In cities like Florida or California, a pergola is used more as a way to take shelter and to escape from the heat. So, anybody who wants to buy a home in these regions will be prepared to spend more on buying a home with a pergola.

• Size

How large your pergola is will also determine to a great extent, the value it will add to your home. That means, the larger the pergola, the more its appeal, and the greater value it holds. Outdoor structures with peculiar appeal add character to outdoor environments and pergola gives a romantic, lovely, charming, and wonderful architectural interest. And the lovelier your home is the greater value it becomes.

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Conclusion

Having a good sturdy pergola in your home will not only increase your living space, but it will also add value to your home. Pergola encourages homeowners to spend more time together with their families outdoor, and when it is time to sell the house, it will boost the overall property value. This structure makes your home more welcoming, appealing, and provides you with more outdoor living space.