The Outdoor Upgrade That Could Boost Your Home’s Value

Source: realtor.com

When selling a home, real estate agents emphasize curb appeal, including lawn care. Luckily, with an outdoor sprinkler system, you can keep your grass lush and healthy automatically without constant watering.

“The system operates most commonly from a timer or smart controller and can be zoned to deliver different areas of the yard the right amount of water,” says Matt Moniz, landscaping expert and gardener at Maverick Landscaping in Toronto.

No matter where you live, an outdoor sprinkler system can take your yard to the next level, which is great for curb appeal. But even better still, a sprinkler system can increase your home’s value.

Sprinkler System Costs

According to Moniz, installing an in-ground sprinkler system will run you anywhere from $2,500 to $5,000 for a quarter-acre lot. This includes labor, materials, and controller installation. For large lots or lots with heavily landscaped yards, the price will likely exceed $7,000. 

“If you opt for a smart controller system like Rachio or RainMachine expect to pay an additional $300 to $800 for hardware and installation," Moniz explains. "These systems typically include functionality like weather synchronization in real-time and soil moisture sensors, which reduce the total water usage."

Manual sprinkler systems with timers are cheaper but less accurate and cost-effective long-term than smart systems. Maintenance like winterization and spring activation costs $80 to $150 each. For saving on water bills, smart systems are the better choice.

Smart irrigation systems are more than just time savers. They are programmed to interface with weather forecasts and soil moisture sensors, so your lawn will only be watered when necessary. He explains that many of his clients who were unsure if they wanted to invest in a smart system were impressed at the amount they saved on their water bill.

In Wildfire-prone Regions, Sprinklers may Provide Peace of Mind 

In wildfire-prone areas, sprinkler systems help create defensible space by keeping vegetation moist around the property, reducing fire risk. They can also improve home insurability by showing proactive fire mitigation to insurers.

Does a Sprinkler System Boost Home Value or ROI? 

Outdoor sprinkler systems often provide a strong return on investment, especially in fire- or drought-prone areas. The National Association of Realtors® reports an 83% ROI and a 9.4/10 homeowner satisfaction "Joy Score." While ROI varies by location and system, these systems can boost home value and sale price by maintaining a lush, easy-care lawn.