It used to be the only backyard water feature anyone cared about was a pool. Now people have lakes, fountains, streams, splash pads and even wading pools for dogs.
But before you add a water feature to your backyard, ask yourself: is it really worth it?
Do not measure worth in added home value
While most homeowners expect their backyard water features to add value to their homes, they are not always considered as valuable as other forms of landscaping and hardscaping, because they are not universally desired.
Nearly all homeowners would be happy to have a patio or deck, but a splash pad or waterfall? Not always. In some cases, potential buyers will see a water feature as a nuisance or a maintenance problem.
Think about value in terms of how the feature benefits you
Will having this backyard water feature enhance your life? Maybe a waterfall will make you feel more at peace, or a pond will allow you to indulge your lifelong love of koi. No matter the benefits, you need to frame them in terms of how they help you, not your home value.
Do not settle for just any water feature
There are many options when it comes to selecting water features for your yard, but many homeowners settle for whatever is common and relatively inexpensive. This leads to a bevy of problems–unmet expectations, unexpected maintenance requirements and low quality hardware.
Some water features require daily maintenance, so before you choose one, make sure you are going to like it enough for the effort to be worth it. Your new water feature won’t benefit your lifestyle if it becomes a headache or unwanted chore.
No matter what type of water feature you are interested in, it’s a good idea to speak with an experienced insurance broker before you make a purchase. Many water features will increase the risk of injury or accident in your home, and your insurance policy may require additional coverage.
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