Why Backyard Upgrades Pay Off in Today’s Market
Curb appeal might start at the front yard, but the real value lies in your backyard. Homeowners in St. Francois County and surrounding areas are increasingly turning to outdoor spaces to increase home value and livability. Whether you’re planning to sell your home soon or simply want to enjoy a higher-quality outdoor lifestyle, strategic upgrades can deliver a strong return on investment (ROI). At Revolution Landscapes and Construction, we’ve seen firsthand how specific backyard upgrades can transform not only a property’s look but also its appraisal value.
Let’s explore five of the most impactful backyard upgrades that homeowners in St. Francois County should consider.
1. Build a Custom Patio or Outdoor Living Area
A well-designed patio instantly creates more usable square footage—just outdoors. Custom hardscaping, including pavers, stone seating walls, and even a built-in firepit, adds visual interest and function.
Why it works:
Outdoor living spaces are a top priority for today’s buyers. They provide a place to entertain, relax, and dine, making your property stand out. A basic paver patio can yield up to a 60–70% ROI.
Local Tip:
We recommend using natural stone or concrete pavers that match the aesthetic of homes in areas like Farmington and Park Hills.
👉 Explore our Hardscaping Services
2. Add Landscape Lighting for Style & Security
Exterior lighting is one of the most overlooked but impactful upgrades. It not only extends usability after dark but also improves security and highlights your home’s best features.
Best Options Include:
- Pathway lighting
- Uplighting for trees and architecture
- Deck and stair lighting
- Motion-activated floodlights
Why it’s valuable:
Professionally installed lighting enhances curb appeal, safety, and resale potential, particularly in neighborhoods where showcasing outdoor beauty matters.
3. Install a Pergola, Pavilion, or Shade Structure
Outdoor structures like pergolas or pavilions provide shade, visual interest, and defined “rooms” in your backyard. They also serve as the perfect foundation for outdoor furniture, kitchens, or lounging areas.
Why buyers love it:
In the warm summers of St. Francois County, shade is a must. A professionally built pergola can boost your home’s desirability while allowing you to enjoy your space longer.
📌 See Our Outdoor Structure Projects
4. Invest in Native Landscaping & Low-Maintenance Design
Missouri-native landscaping is not only eco-friendly but also marketable. Native plants like coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, and ornamental grasses thrive in Missouri and require less water and maintenance.
Benefits:
- Lower water bills
- Improved biodiversity
- Attractive, evergreen visual interest
- Higher appeal to eco-conscious buyers
🌿 Browse Our Landscaping Services
5. Upgrade Lawn Health with Sod or Aeration
First impressions matter, and your lawn is often the largest feature of your backyard. Whether it’s laying new sod, correcting soil issues, or aerating and overseeding, improving turf health dramatically boosts perceived value.
Our top lawn upgrades:
- Power seeding
- Core aeration
- Soil testing and amendments
- Sod installation for instant results
📍 Popular in areas like Desloge, Bonne Terre, and Leadington where terrain varies and soil conditions benefit from expert care.
What Our Clients Are Saying
“Revolution Landscapes and Construction gave us the backyard of our dreams—deck, patio, lighting, and more. They were professional, fast, and creative.”
— Lauren S., Farmington, MO
“The new retaining wall and landscaping boosted our home’s value just in time for our appraisal. Worth every penny!”
— Brandon K., Desloge, MO
Start With the Right Plan
Not all backyard upgrades are equal when it comes to ROI. That’s why at Revolution Landscapes and Construction, we offer free consultations to help you prioritize the right improvements based on your budget, goals, and property type.
Whether you’re looking to sell soon or invest in long-term comfort, these backyard upgrades are proven to make a difference in both livability and market value.