5 Best Backyard Upgrades for Montana Homes That Boost ROI (and Enjoyment!)

The sun is starting to consistently shine in Billings, MT which means it’s the time of year that us residents start to soak up allll the time possible outside before we’re hit with frigid temperatures again come fall and winter.

Sometimes that means an afternoon round on the golf course, a dip in the pool, a hike on a local trail, a float on the river, or – for those of us interested in making our home the ultimate outdoor oasis for the warm months – it means a home project!

Growing up, my family counted home projects as "quality time.” Everyone had to participate and everyone had a job!

Because what greater bonding experience than landscaping the yard in the heat of summer or re-staining the house, or, my Dad’s personal favorite, hauling and splitting wood (because you can never be too prepared)?! 😂

Even though I wouldn’t describe home projects as my favorite way to spend time with my family (because let's be real, we can all get a little over it at times), I can’t deny that summer really is the best time to make some quality home upgrades that can pay off big time down the road. 

So, this summer if you’re looking for an outdoor home project that can increase your ROI, look no further – this list has you covered!

5 Outdoor Summer Projects That Boost ROI 

Build an Outdoor Fire Pit

There’s something timeless about gathering around a fire on a cool Montana night! A well-built fire pit, whether it's a simple DIY project or a custom stone installation, adds instant charm and functionality to your backyard.

It creates a cozy space for entertaining guests, roasting marshmallows with the kids, or enjoying a peaceful evening under the big Montana sky. 

Not only will you get the memories, you also have potential for a 67% rate of return according to the National Association of Realtors. It has been proven over and over that most buyers enjoy fire pits, so not only are you creating something you will enjoy as well, you’re increasing the sellability of your home at the same time!

💸 ROI Tip: Choose durable, weather-resistant materials and consider adding built-in seating or a gravel patio area around the fire pit for extra appeal to future buyers.

Update your Landscaping

When you hear “curb appeal,” you likely think about the front yard and driveway – the first thing that people see when they pull into your home. 

And while it’s true that the front-facing curb appeal is something that you want to give extra love (especially when considering the ROI on your home), it’s important to remember that buyers care about the whole property.

Thoughtful landscaping in the backyard adds beauty, increases usable space, and can even help with drainage or erosion that can occur due to unique Montana weather. 

This summer, consider planting native shrubs and perennials that are low-maintenance and well-suited to the local climate and don’t underestimate the value of a lush green lawn, defined garden beds, or even a few trees for shade.

💸 ROI Tip: NAR + The National Association of Landscape Professionals did a collaboration report and found that updated landscaping not only boosts curb appeal, but it can also warrant a 83% return on investment.

Build a Deck

Decks are a big selling point in Montana, because as mentioned, in the warmer months people want to soak up every minute of good weather.

But regardless of where you live, decks have been reported as one of the outdoor home projects with the highest "joy scores” coming in at 9.7 out of 10. A “joy score” measures how much happiness or satisfaction homeowners derive from a particular home improvement project.

In a consumer survey conducted by HouseLogic, the NAR's homeowner resource site, 77% of consumers said they have had a greater desire to be at home since completing the project!

So, if your Montana home doesn’t yet have a deck, adding one can significantly boost your home’s usability and value. Already have a deck? Summer is a great time to refinish or repair it to improve appearance and safety.

Bonus points if your deck captures a mountain view or creates a seamless indoor-outdoor flow!

💸 ROI Tip: A well-constructed wood deck can recoup 65–75% of its cost at resale. Consider adding built-in planters, rail lighting, or a pergola for an even more enticing outdoor living space.

Install Outdoor Lighting

If there’s one outdoor project that I feel is incredibly overlooked, it’s outdoor lighting! Not only does it enhance safety and security, but it also creates ambiance and extends the usability of your space into the evening hours.

String lights, path lighting, uplighting on trees, and motion-sensor lights all help to elevate your yard’s vibe while adding value.

💸 ROI Tip: Solar-powered lights are an energy-efficient option and appeal to eco-conscious buyers. Just make sure fixtures are weather-resistant and strategically placed to highlight your home’s best outdoor features.

Create an Outdoor Dining or Kitchen Area

Lastly, if you’re going to upgrade your outdoor space for your Montana home, consider creating a space where you can cook and eat outside. This option can seriously boost a home's appeal, especially for buyers who love to entertain!

Whether it’s a full-blown outdoor kitchen with a built-in grill, mini fridge, and countertops, or just a simple dining area with a pergola and patio furniture, this upgrade enhances both form and function.

💸 ROI Tip: If you go with a more elaborate outdoor kitchen, keep materials consistent with your home’s style. Even smaller upgrades like a built-in grill or bar cart setup can offer strong returns and wow potential buyers.

Overall, backyard upgrades aren’t just about creating your own slice of outdoor paradise – they’re also smart investments. With Montana’s stunning natural setting, outdoor spaces play a big role in a home’s overall appeal.

By making thoughtful improvements during the summer months, you can enjoy your yard while you’re living in the home AND boost your home’s resale value in the future.

Looking for more summer home maintenance tips?

Click here to explore the full list OR download the entire seasonal checklist here. 

And if you're thinking about selling your Billings home in the near future and want help choosing upgrades that make the most sense for your specific property, I’d love to help! Click here to get in touch and let’s talk strategy for making the most of your outdoor space.