Simple Improvement Returns 5x

Have you ever thought, "What can I do to improve the value of my home that looks great but doesn't break the bank"? We all have ask that and I am going to tell you about one of those improvements. One thing that the Covid era has done is caused us to realize the true comforts in our homes. If it didn't feel right, we made it better because we want to feel good about where we live. Especially in our backyards, the features that allow us to enjoy the outdoors must make it easy to spend time in that space. One of those features is a gazebo. Gazebos offer shade for the space and the means to add features like hammocks, swings, tables, lights and other great accessories. Installing a gazebo is fairly simple. Before I get into how to properly install one I must first discuss the value. The cost of a quality gazebo with set you back about $1,600 plus assembly. The nice part is the added overhead roof counts in most states as a roof structure. It may not be valued as living space but like a separate garage it will add about 5x of value to the home if setup nicely. So a $1,600 improvement will help add about $8,000 of value and if you can do it yourself, the difference all goes in your pocket. Of course there are costs to footers, pavers or slab underneath and accessories. 

Installing a gazebo is relatively easy. First locating the position of the structure is key. Direction of sun, distance from other structures and adaption to other features in the yard are all important. Secondly, footers are items you must get just right or your gazebo will be difficult to assemble due to squareness. If you have ever had left over 18" tile from a floor job or just want to buy the cheapest 18" tile, that will work just as good. 18" tile makes the most perfect footer jig for a gazebo footer. The footers must be located exactly square to each other and level to one another. The squareness can be achieved by measuring the opposing outside corners . If the two measurements are within 1/8", you are good. You start by digging four holes for each footer. then using the tiles and two 20" clamps for each four tiles per hole, clamp the tiles together. The tops of the tiles should be at least 1-3" above the level ground. Preferably 3" to allow for pavers to mate up to the footer. Note: If your paver is higher than your footer, rocks can fill the space around the posts. Back to the footer, after all the tiles are clamped in place, use a 2x6x12 board to level the tiles on each side and measure the squareness. Also level the opposing corners diagonally across from one another as well. Once the footers are in the proper place, backfill the tiles with dirt on all four sides and then your concrete can be poured in the middle of the tile squares to make four amazing footers for your gazebo. You can use the tops of the tiles to level the concrete. The rest is all on you. Installing the rest such as pavers, assembling the gazebo and adding accessories all take a little hard work but in the end you will have a great new addition to enjoy for years to come.