7 Ways Using Concrete Can Increase Your Home’s Value

Many people think of concrete as sidewalks and driveways and don’t think beyond these basic uses of concrete. Your home has value, and you can increase this value by using concrete around your home. 

There is more to concrete than a simple slab made for walking or driving. It can be decorated or used in imaginative ways to increase the curb appeal of your home and go past functional into beautiful. 

Concrete contractors are experts in combining style and function with concrete. If you are looking to do a large project, such as repave your driveway or add a patio to your backyard, you should hire a contractor to make sure it is done correctly. Poorly laid concrete will likely puddle and can crack more easily. 

Here are 7 ways you can use concrete to increase the value of your home:

Driveways:

The simplest solution is to resurface or repave your driveway. From years of driving and exposure to the elements, your driveway could use some attention. It is one of the first things people notice when they walk to your front door. If your home has an asphalt driveway, you should consider replacing it with concrete. It has a cleaner look and doesn’t melt in the heat.

If your driveway is stained with oil from the car or hard water deposits from the sprinklers, you can most likely resurface the slab rather than redoing the entire project. This will give your driveway a fresh look and keep the costs more manageable. 

Pathways:

Pathways leading to your front door are often made of concrete as well. If the path has large cracks or is crumbling on the edges, it can lower the value of your home. A solid slab of concrete is not desirable for a front walkway as it is too plain. Add interest by having it poured in a pattern or create a stepping stone look to your path. 

In addition to patterns, pathways can be stamped to add texture or more complex patterns. This will add a design element in a place you never thought possible. Stamps aren’t the only method of changing the look of concrete. There are paints or acid washes that can dramatically change the look of dull grey concrete. 

Sidewalks:

If you are responsible for the sidewalk in front of your house, you may want to look into sidewalk repairs. Sidewalks often belong to the city or your neighborhood’s owner, and you should check with the rules before you do any work on the sidewalks. 

Cracked or uneven sidewalks are not only unappealing, but they are a potential risk as well. Someone could trip on the uneven sidewalk, and you could be responsible for the damages. Once you’ve checked with the city or your homeowner’s association, contact a concrete contractor to assess what needs to be done. 

Curbs:

Adding a simple curb to your landscape can create a separation between grass and flower beds, making the space look cleaner. These clean lines break up your space and make it easier to mow the grass without harming any flowers or shrubs. 

A small curb can also elevate the planting space and create a simple raised bed. When planted, these add a form look to the garden space and add to the value of your home. 

Patios:

The most common addition to a backyard using concrete is a patio area. Many surfaces can be used to accomplish a patio space, but concrete is likely the easiest to install and the simplest to maintain. Bricks add a different touch to the area but can be challenging to clean or shift over time, making the surface uneven. 

If you love to entertain in your backyard, consider adding space for your barbecue and some patio furniture. This will create the perfect environment for lounging in your backyard or throwing family parties. With concrete, you can also add a portable fireplace without worrying about it damaging the surface of your patio. 

Countertops:

If you are interested in a unique look for your kitchen and love taking risks with design, ask your contractor about concrete countertops. One of the most popular uses of concrete currently is to create stunning countertops. It may seem counterintuitive to use what is thought of as an outdoor material in the kitchen, but it adds an industrial feel to the space. 

Before installing these counters, examine the rest of your home to ensure the industrial design matches the rest of your home. Countertops made out of concrete are a bold statement. But you should educate yourself on properly maintaining them so they last for years to come.

Polished Concrete Floors:

Similar to the countertops above, polished concrete floors are becoming more popular as an industrial design element. They are simple to clean and create a blank canvas for the rest of your space. 

These floors are durable and are relatively inexpensive. They can be stained to a warmer brown color or kept a dark grey, depending on your design style. Think about the look you want to create before installing concrete floors and ask your contractor for ideas. Area rugs can also add an extra element of style and design.

From Drab to Fab:

The first impression of your home often comes from the look of the concrete in front of your house. If you have kept up with the maintenance and repairs, it can have a positive impact. When selling your home, it may seem insignificant to assess the state of the concrete around your home, but it is worth it in the long run. 

Concrete does not have to be boring as it can be used in patterns or stamped to give it texture. There are also paints that can be used to change the color of the concrete to match the current style of your home. 

Patios are an excellent addition to almost any home and can add extra living space to your backyard. There is nothing like a backyard barbecue on a warm summer evening with a fire and s’ mores afterward on your new concrete patio.

About The Author: Gabe Nelson is a content specialist of over 7 years of experience, currently working with omegaindinc.com. Just out of high school he set off crab fishing on the Bering sea in Alaska. From there he went back home to finish his college degree at the University of Montana. He has a passion and keen understanding when it comes to Commercial Painting inside and out. He has written hundreds of content pieces in numerous niches. Currently, he lives in Missouri with his wife and kids.  

Image by Paul Brennan from Pixabay