Home Additions for the Young... And the Young at Heart!

Think you’ve maxed out your home’s potential for value-adding renovations, but still have the funds and drive to do more? Maybe you pampered yourself last year by adding that back patio, complete with a hot tub; so, now it’s time to consider tricking out your children’s treehouse? Kid-driven renovations may not add immediate value to your home, but they may instantly drive up your family life.

Here are a few of our favorite kid-friendly home renovation projects:

1. Outdoor Playhouse – You know, like a swing set x 1000! An outdoor playhouse can be great for children of all ages and it is a creative way to allow your little princesses and soldiers to let their imaginations run wild. Depending on how wild you want to let your budget run, an outdoor playhouse can cost anywhere from a couple thousand dollars to as much as you paid for your first home.

2. Aquarium – Give your kids the wonder of the sea while teaching them a little responsibility by installing an aquarium at home. No matter what age your children are, they will love to gaze at the bright colors of the sea life you choose. Older children can learn responsibility by feeding the fish. Of course, a table-top fish tank may be more practical for you and won’t cost much, but larger in-wall aquariums can run into six figures and beyond.

3. Swimming Pool – A swimming pool can be as much of an upgrade for you as for your children and it can even add value to your home. Above-ground pools can be as inexpensive as a few hundred dollars, but if you really want to impress the kids, add a slide, rock waterfall or intricate lighting. Swimming is fun for all ages, but requires a considerable amount of supervision, too.

4. Outdoor Train – Who says you can only set up your toy train collection around the holidays? Install an outdoor train through your flower garden, around the pool or through your entire backyard. It can be small enough to admire only or large enough for your children to ride. Again, you can get away with spending only a few hundred dollars or a few thousand dollars on a backyard railroad system that will amuse toddlers to teens.

5. Rock-Climbing Wall – If your children are driving you up the wall inside, install a backyard rock-climbing wall and they’ll be begging to go outside. With supervision, they’re safe for most school-age children. For a weekend DIY project, make one yourself or spend about a few thousand dollars to have one installed in your yard.

6. In-ground Trampoline – If climbing is not your children’s favorite thing, a trampoline is sure to keep them entertained. Instead of worrying about the safety issues that surround traditional trampolines that stand on legs three feet high, bury those legs in the ground for care-free fun. They are usually safe for children six and older… yes, that includes mom and dad! You can buy and install an in-ground trampoline for a couple thousand dollars.

7. Secret Entrance – Whether it leads to a child’s playroom, bedroom or the secret dungeon, installing a secret entrance is an awesome way to inspire a child’s creativity. Most children, ages eight and older, and anyone who has read or watched Harry Potter would love to enter a room through a bookcase or under a staircase. This hefty project could cost you around $10,000 or more.

8. Treehouse – What adventurous child would not love their own backyard hideaway in a treehouse? Because of their height, they’re usually best for children who are at least 10 years old. If you’re handy, you may be able to build one yourself, but they can cost thousands of dollars, depending on how extravagant you want to make them. If you already have a treehouse in your backyard, why not add electricity, running water or even a security camera this year?

9. Skate Park – When your children outgrow their backyard playhouse or treehouse, they may love to roll around in a backyard skate park. Adding rails and ramps can cost a few hundred or a few thousand dollars; but, if you add a skate bowl that can double as a swimming pool, you could get that money back if you decide to sell someday. Plus, your tweens may even think you’re cool, if they have their own skate park!

10. Multi-purpose Court – Children of all ages love to play sports, like basketball, tennis and volleyball. If you have the space, why not put a multi-purpose court in your backyard for your children or for your personal enjoyment? It could cost a few thousand dollars, but when the court is not in use, it could be great for hosting parties, too. Now, that’s an upgrade!

Not every kid-friendly home renovation will add value to your home, but they likely will add value to your family.