Investing In An Outdoor Renovation.

INVEST IN THE BEST.

ITALTILE’S RENOVATION CHRONICLES.

#4 HOW TO ELEVATE YOUR OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT AREA AND UP YOUR ROI.

WHAT TO PRIORITISE WHEN INVESTING IN TOP-TIER OUTDOOR RENOVATIONS.

Ah, the great South African outdoors – where braai smoke mingles with laughter, and sun-kissed skin tells tales of lazy afternoons spent poolside. But let's be honest, not all outdoor areas are created equal. And when it comes to your precious outdoor oasis, skimping on quality when investing in a renovation can leave you with a burnt-out wallet in the long run.

Your outdoor space is an extension of your home. It reflects your style and becomes the centre of countless priceless happy memories. It should also add value to your property. Investing in top-notch materials for your patio, pool deck, garden or braai area can pay off handsomely in the long run. But when it comes to renovating these precious havens, a tricky question arises: cheap and cheerful vs. top-notch investment? We're here to tell you: go premium, and thank yourself later.

Here's why dialling up the quality of your outdoor oasis isn't just about bragging rights (although, the envy of your braai-loving neighbours is a definite perk). It's about smart, long-term thinking that benefits you, both while you're basking in the sunshine and when it's time to put "Sold!" on the sign.

Built to outlast the elements. Let's face it, South African weather can be a fickle beast. One minute you're basking in golden sunshine, the next you're bringing the washing in off the line and dodging hailstones the size of frikkadels. Harsh extremes that can cause incalculable damage. Investing in durable, weather-resistant tiles, paving tiles and pool finishes from Italtile ensures your outdoor space will withstand the elements; not just for a season, but for years to come. Let’s not be having any more flaking, faded pool decks, cracked pavers, or sun and water damaged pool mosaics turning your oasis into a fixer-upper's nightmare.

Our hardy, slip-resistant INOUT tile collections are beautifully functional and impeccably eco-chic. Then, for even greater durability, consider our exclusive, must-have 600 x 900 2cm Paving Tiles in gorgeously earthy tones and a safe, slip-resistant finish. These resilient pavers offer uncompromising quality and durability. Perfect to create steps, extend your patio, elevate your pool area ... or transform your thirsty lawn into a waterwise checkerboard interspersed with low-maintenance indigenous planting.

The Return on Investment. Your outdoor renovation should be a sensible, well-planned, smart investment, not just a fun splurge. Research by privateproperty.co.za shows that homes with well-maintained outdoor areas can fetch a great deal more than other homes in the area that are perhaps not quite as ‘cared for’. And according to leadhome.co.za, buyers are increasingly prioritising attractive outdoor spaces in their search for dream homes. Imagine the potential return on investment when you showcase a stunning, durable outdoor oasis pulled together with top-quality Italtile products.

Eco-Chic Meets Value Chic. Sustainability is no longer just a cool hashtag, it's a smart choice when creating a future-facing home. Italtile offers a range of LiveGreen outdoor solutions, from 100% recycled glass mosaics to local EcoTec porcelain tiles. Not only do Italtile’s sustainable home improvement products align with your values, but they will also resonate with eco-conscious buyers, potentially boosting your home's appeal (and price tag) in the future.

Quality Speaks Volumes (And Whispers Luxury). There's a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ about a carefully considered and well-designed outdoor space. From our sleek Porcelain Paving Tiles to the timeless elegance of our beautiful slip-resistant, INOUT stone-look tiles and wood-look tiles, Italtile products instantly elevate an outdoor area.

Peace of Mind. No more nagging worry about cracked tiles or tarnished outdoor showerheads. When you invest in Italtile's superior quality and craftsmanship you are protected by our guarantees and warranties on products backed by after sales service. You can relax, knowing your investment is protected and your outdoor space is built to last. Now, that's a recipe for a stress-free outdoor lifestyle.

When it comes to prioritising outdoor renovations for maximum resale value, it's all about striking a balance between eye-catching curb appeal and functional living spaces that resonate with potential buyers. Here's a breakdown from curb to shower:

Curb appeal. You may have heard this term from real estate agents? It’s the first impression you make on guests and house hunters. Often ignored as less important. But take it from us ... you never get a second chance to make a powerful first impression. Knock ‘em dead with a scrupulously clean, well-swept, prettily planted verge. If it’s on a slope, ensure you have safe access with slip-resistant tiled steps.

Front yard/garden and entrance. Invest in low-maintenance landscaping, attractive paving, a stylish and durable front door, and well-maintained walkways. That front door should be beautifully oiled if it’s gorgeous wood, or gleaming with fresh paint. Outdoor walls should be impeccably painted or tiled. Pay attention to window frames.

Patio or deck. Ideally, this space should be a natural extension of the indoor living space, preferably undercover (so you and your guests can be protected from blazing midday sun and occasional rain). Focus on functionality with comfortable seating, shade options, and a braai or fire pit. The fully functional outdoor kitchen is an element we’ve been recommending for an outdoorsy nation in love with home entertaining – it rose to prominence during lockdown and then became an outdoor standard for luxury living afterwards. The outdoor kitchen includes proper prep bowls and sinks, splendid waterwise taps, storage areas and stunning countertops. Ensure you have smart entertainment solutions with excellent outdoor sound, screens, lighting.

Pool. Sparkling blue pools are universally loved, but remember, maintenance costs can deter some buyers. Prioritise only if your neighbourhood and target market warrant it. We’re seeing some Italstylistas transforming their pools into more waterwise, wild-style swimming ponds ... or filling them in and turning them into  a sunken entertainment area. Very cool.

Outdoor lighting. String lights, solar lamps, and well-placed spotlights create ambiance and extend usability into the evenings.

Consider very carefully and get professional advice from real estate agents before investing in the following:

Specialised features. Tennis courts, elaborate water features, or personal touches like a pizza oven might not appeal to everyone and could limit your pool of buyers. Once again, do your research and resist the urge to over capitalise if your neighbourhood is not decked out in similar fashion!

Excessive landscaping. High-maintenance gardens with rolling lawns bordered with masses of exotic flowers and shrubs that need daily watering and replanting every season ... to be avoided. And anyway, it’s so last century!

Boreholes and wellpoints. You may be throwing good money after bad here. Latest estimates put the drilling process at around R60k. You may also have to jump through several hoops to get municipality permission and the process could take months. The Rawson Property Group say that the cost of water-saving upgrades may not always have a 1:1 return: “Buyers don’t see a home with a borehole and decide that they’ll pay R50 000 more for it, but they might see a home with a beautiful garden, in the midst of other homes with dead grass and trees, and decide that a higher asking price is fair and worthwhile.”

However, they add: “for those who prefer real grass, or have a pool, adding a wellpoint (a shallow waterhole) is an option if you have easily accessible groundwater in your area. Depending on water quality, you could use this water not just to irrigate your garden, but to top up your pool as well. Being able to maintain a pool during a drought can be an attractive feature for potential buyers”. Pros and cons which need to be weighed up.

Remote areas. Tucked-away corners or decks with limited access might not be seen as valuable additions. A deck should be an extension of your living room, which should open out onto the outdoor area. It is counter-intuitive to build a deck that requires a walk to get to it!

Bonus points for resale:

Sustainability. Eco-friendly materials, waterwise landscaping, and energy-efficient lighting all resonate with modern buyers.

Low maintenance. Features that require minimal upkeep, like porcelain tiles rather than real wooden decks which require regular sanding and resealing, are attractive to busy homeowners.

Security. It’s a no-brainer. Enough said.

Multifunctionality. Decks that can double as dining areas, patios with built-in storage and outdoor kitchens, or pools ( if already in) with a spa feature add extra value.

Outdoor shower. This adds a touch of luxury and can be appealing, especially in warmer climates. But. Evaluate it carefully.

Remember, the key is to tailor your renovations to your local target market and the type of buyer you're targeting. Researching recent sales in your area can give you valuable insights into what features add the most value. Visit your nearest Italtile showroom today and let our design-certified sales consultants help you moodboard the outdoor space of your dreams with deluxe, designer tiles, pavers and outdoor kitchen elements. Your outdoor living areas deserve the best Italtile-style touches.

Italtile’s Residential Agents for Pain Relief. An outdoor renovation is a potentially painful, uncomfortable, unhoming experience. Workmen tramping all over your lovely flowerbeds. Anxious pets. Piles of sand and rubble. For days. But fear not. In place of tissue boxes and pain pills, we offer you our Professional Residential Agent Service. This is a free, dedicated end-to-end service available to all our Italtile customers (with no hidden costs) to assist you with your build or reno so you can concentrate on keeping it together at work and at home through a very trying time.

Our Residential Agents are design-certified, with deep product knowledge and a great deal of experience in the planning of, and the processes involved in, any home build or reno project. You get the benefit of both practical and creative advice. Have a look at our completed residential projects that benefitted from the Residential Agent touch.

Loveliness in the long run. Please reconsider if you’re tempted to cut corners on your outdoor renovation. Cheaper tiles and high fashion finishes may look fab for a season or two, but you’ll be shelling out again before long. They’ll be drab, weather damaged and dated in no time at all. Avoid buyer’s remorse. Selecting top-tier materials is an investment in your enjoyment, your property value, and your peace of mind.

At Italtile, we're not just about creating superficially beautiful spaces, we're about transformational interior and exterior design that brings you a lifetime of joy, with well-crafted, hand-finished products that outlast the fashion fads and add value when you decide it’s time to put your home on the market and move on.  So, let's raise a boerie roll to smart, sustainable renovations that elevate your everyday, stand the test of time, and deliver sizzling hot returns on your investment.

Go forth, open your living room doors to the great outdoors, and Live Beautifully.

Ciao.