It’s getting hotter in Houston, but before you put a shovel in the ground to cool off, you may ask yourself, “will a pool add value to my home?”
Or you might find yourself asking, “should we buy a new home with a pool?” Or maybe it’s “should we buy a home with SPACE for a pool and create our own backyard oasis?”
Answer: yes. If you like pools. And you can afford it*.
*According to the National Association of Realtors, the average cost for pool construction is $30,000.
But let’s get back to the question “will this make our home more valuable?”
Answer: maybe. If the next buyer of your property likes pools. And similar properties in your area also have pools.
When I previously lived in San Antonio, I knew very few people with private pools. The cost of pool construction was significantly more expensive because ground excavation was difficult (lots of rocks in the Hill Country). As a result, people didn’t build their own pools. But when new communities were built, the builders included a massive pool facility for the entire community to use (supported by an HOA). It was a big selling point for those developments.
Depending on where you live in the Houston area, you might see something similar. While excavation isn’t the expense it is in the Hill Country, most of the new developments outside the loop include impressive common areas with pools, entertainment spaces and playgrounds.
If you are buying (or currently live) in those areas, the value of a private pool will probably* be lower since many families will just enjoy the social experience of joining their neighbors at the pool (especially if they have same-aged kids).
*People’s tastes for pools can vary widely. There are buyers that don’t even want to be shown homes that have them. Reasons include the expense of upkeep to safety concerns with children.
If you live in a neighborhood where many of your neighbors have swimming pools, the investment is more likely to be solid. In fact, in those circumstances, not having a pool might decrease your home’s marketability.
But here’s the most important factor of pools. Don’t ask yourself “will a pool add value to my home?” Instead ask, “Do YOU really want one?” Your family could get so much enjoyment and satisfaction from your pool that recouping your investment is a virtual non-factor. I’m not going to tell you what you should like or not like!