Do Pergolas Increase Home Value?
The Value of Outdoor Living Is Higher Than Ever
In today’s housing market, where people are spending more and more time at home, value isn’t just measured in square footage. Buyers care just as much about how a home makes them feel, and that includes outdoor living. From shaded patios to open-air kitchens, functional outdoor spaces have become one of the top features homebuyers want.
That’s where pergolas come in. These stylish outdoor structures add shade, beauty, and functionality. But do they add value to your home?
The answer is yes, if done right. In this guide, we’ll break down how a pergola can:
- Boost curb appeal and buyer perception
- Expand usable outdoor space
- Meet regional and climate-based demand
- Increase appeal when built with quality materials and professional installation
- Offer a return on investment (ROI)
Let’s dive into the details.
Pergolas Create Curb Appeal with Purpose
First Impressions Sell Homes
A pergola makes a strong first impression. It frames your backyard, softens the hard lines of a house, and adds structure to an otherwise flat space.
According to Zillow, outdoor upgrades, such as landscaping or adding a pergola, can increase perceived home value by 10-20% when designed and installed well.
In sunshine abundant markets like California, Florida, and Texas, where outdoor living is part of everyday life, a pergola can instantly add purpose to an otherwise under utilized space. Buyers are far more likely to pay top dollar for move-in-ready homes with already built outdoor lifestyle features that enhance a home’s functionality.
Buyers Purchase With Emotion
It’s not just about a structure, it’s about memories. When buyers see a pergola, they imagine:
- Hosting dinners under the stars
- Enjoying coffee in the crisp morning air
- Relaxing with friends on the weekend
It’s the emotional connection that makes your home more memorable, and often more valuable.
Pergolas Create More Living Space Without the Remodel
Outdoor Rooms Count!
A pergola can act like a bonus room without adding walls or messing with your home’s foundation. When built to code and permitted properly, it may even be included in the appraised square footage of your home.
“Outdoor living spaces are becoming a must-have in modern home design” (Lindgren Landscape).
This is especially important in places like Arizona, Georgia, or the Carolinas, with milder weather year-round. In these markets, a well-designed outdoor space can mean faster sales and stronger offers.
Lower Cost, Higher Enjoyment
Compared to building an indoor room addition, pergolas are:
- Cheaper to construct
- Easier to permit
- Less invasive to your daily life
And the payoff? A beautiful space that feels like an outdoor living room, perfect for dining, lounging, or working from home.
Location Matters: Pergola ROI by Region
In Warm Climates, They’re Expected
In places like Southern California, Austin, or Miami, buyers expect outdoor living features. A pergola can be the detail that tips them toward your property.
In Cooler Climates, Choose Wisely
In rainier or colder regions, pergolas need to be functional, not just pretty. That’s where louvered pergolas shine. For example, Apollo’s Opening Roof systems are designed with weather in mind, allowing users to close the louvers for rain protection or open them to enjoy the sun.
TIP: In any climate, a louvered pergola system, such as Apollo’s, adds more value than a static one.
Why Quality (and Permits) Matter
Not All Pergolas Are Created Equal
A flimsy DIY kit can actually hurt your home’s value, especially if it’s not built to code. Poor-quality materials, bad design, or crooked posts may signal neglect to buyers or inspectors. Or worse, skipping building permits can backfire during resale. If an inspector flags a non-compliant structure, it could lead to price reductions or even derail the deal.
Pro Insight: Buyers today care about quality and longevity. They want outdoor spaces that are beautiful, safe and built to last.
ROI Breakdown: What You Can Expect
A well-built pergola typically delivers an ROI of 50-80% on the cost of the project, depending on the quality, market, and region. In outdoor-focused areas, the return can be even higher, sometimes over 100%.
According to a National Association of Realtors report, homeowners can recoup more than 100% of the cost for outdoor living upgrades like pergolas and patio covers at resale, especially in high-demand regions (NAR via Ultra Patios).
So, Do Pergolas Increase Home Value?
Yes…When You Do It Right
To summarize, a pergola adds value when it:
- Boosts curb appeal
- Expands functional outdoor space
- Matches regional and client-based demand
- Is built to last with professional design and permitting
Final Takeaway: Lifestyle Now, Value Later
Should you build a pergola just for resale? Maybe.
- If you’re selling soon: A more basic, mid-range pergola can be a quick way to help your home show better and sell faster.
- If you’re staying longer: Go with a high-quality, custom build like Apollo’s, where you’ll get more value using it daily and potentially get a higher ROI when you decide to sell.
TLDR: Treat it as a hybrid investment: part lifestyle upgrade, part value booster.
Ready to Add Value? Let’s Build Something Beautiful
Explore the possibilities with an Apollo Opening Roof system, and discover how a smart, stylish pergola can transform your home, as well as its future value.
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