Installing a pool is an improvement option almost every homeowner has considered, especially during the warm season or when they want to sell their properties. So, do pools increase the value of your home? Yes, they do. However, while it may increase the value of your home, that doesn’t automatically guarantee good returns on your investment.
At Homeowner Funding, we know how important it is to consider every factor before making major renovations to your property. Here are some things you should keep in mind when deciding if a swimming pool is the best way to add value to your home.
Cost of Installation
Installing a pool in your property requires a lot of financial commitment. The installation cost depends on the size of the pool, the designs, and the material used matters.
According to Forbes, inground pools cost around $50 to $125 per square foot. Depending on the size you are going for, the total cost may be around $28,000 to $55,000. If you are doing above-ground pools, you spend a lot more.
Also, HomeAdvisor gives an average cost estimate of installing an inground pool. For a fiberglass pool, you spend $20,000 to $60,000 on average. For granite or concrete pools, you spend up to $35,000 to $100,000. However, you can get special funding programs for much-needed home improvements from NRIA authorized contractors.
Apart from materials, pool accessories such as diving boards, pool covers, enclosures contribute to cost. Also, installation labor by professionals and other customized luxury features affect the total price of your pool installation.
Cost of Maintenance
Another thing to consider is the cost of maintenance. Just like everything in your home, your pool needs constant maintenance.
The annual maintenance of your pool is not cheap. Firstly, you have to maintain the water flow and quality. Depending on how regularly you plan to use your pool, you must arrange for a constant water supply.
You have to keep the water pure by adding chemicals to kill germs and prevent microbial growth, such as algae. You also have to repair the pool heater, water pumps, and other pool accessories.
Inability to maintain the pool means an automatic waste of the Installation fund. You can perform the maintenance and repairs yourself, or you can hire pool experts.
Maintaining and repairing yourselves will reduce the maintenance costs. However, you may still need to hire experts to handle certain repairs. You can spend more than a thousand dollars annually on pool maintenance.
Pool Insurance Cost
Pools are fun and beautiful additions to your home. However, they can be dangerous, and they have insurance implications. Once you install a pool in your home, your homeowner’s insurance premiums will increase.
A lot of home accidents can happen in a pool. There may be cases of falls, drowning, or death. Although your home homeowner’s insurance covers the pool, you are held responsible in the event of a severe occurrence such as serious injuries or death.
If the investigation concludes that you didn’t provide a safe and accident-free pool environment, or your poor maintenance policy led to the incident.
On the other hand, you can purchase an individual insurance policy outside your regular homeowner insurance for your pool. This has its own financial implications, but it does provide more risk coverage. That is why you have to factor in risks and insurance costs before you decide to install a pool in your home.
Location
The area your home is located should also contribute to your decision. The first factor is climate; installing a pool may be a good decision if you are in a warmer environment. You get good use of it, unlike in cold areas where you only use it periodically.
Also, if other homes in your neighborhood have pools, you should consider installing one. It is because your home will have a lesser value if other houses in your area have a pool. Buyers will most likely prefer to buy from them.
In addition, if your pool is located at a separate corner of your property, leaving enough space for other activities, and outdoor siding options, buyers will have more interest. A properly maintained pool will add value to your home.
Get Financial Assistance Through Homeowner Funding
If you live in a warm climate or a high-end environment, or you just want to make your home more luxurious, a swimming pool is a great addition. Suppose you are installing a pool primarily to increase the value of your home. In that case, you have to compare the installation and maintenance cost with the highest returns you will get after a specific period.
There are other options for increasing the value of your property, too, such as adding a home sunroom. The expert consultants and contractors at Homeowner Funding can help you to gain more insights and make better decisions, as well as help you find financial assistance so to help pay for your home improvement projects.
Contact Homeowner Funding today for more information.
