Does A Patio Increase Property Taxes?
Patios can serve many purposes, and many people choose to put patios in for a variety of reasons. Some homeowners use patio additions to improve the look of their yards. Other homeowners simply like the practical benefits they offer, and some homeowners have simply bought homes with a patio already installed. Regardless of why or how a patio became a part of your property, people often ask, does a patio increase property taxes?
In most cases, patio additions do not increase a homeowner’s property taxes. Patios generally don’t add to the square footage of a home and are not considered an addition that improves the value of the living space. Patios that add square footage or exceed $5000, however, can potentially increase the property taxes of a home.
A patio addition to a home is an easy and quick way to beautify a house. They are also practical solutions for people who want to spend more time outside. Patios also create many options, from decor ideas to helping create a screened-in patio area outdoors for year-round enjoyment. Although patios won’t typically impact a home’s property taxes, there are situations when they can. Here is what homeowners should be aware of and what they need to know if they want to avoid raising their property tax bills.
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When Can a Patio Addition Raise My Homes Property Taxes?
While a patio isn’t normally an addition to the home that will affect your property taxes, there are some points to consider preventing an increase in the property tax bill. If you are considering putting in a patio, these are the factors you will want to pay attention to.
Size of the Patio
Patios can come in a variety of sizes. Most contractors and appraisers will categorize patios as small, medium, or large patios. The general specifications for the sizes of those patios are as follows:
- Small patios are considered as 12′ x 12′ or smaller
- Medium patios are considered as 10′ x 20′
- Large patios are considered as 20′ x 20′ or larger
If the patio doesn’t add to the square footage of the house, it isn’t likely to make a difference in property taxes. If a patio does add additional footage, an appraiser will often increase the property value of the home. Any increase in property value as a result of remodeling improvements or home additions will inevitably result in higher property taxes.
Cost of the Patio
The other major factor to consider when putting in a patio is the aspect of cost. As a general rule, any improvement or addition that is less than $5000 typically won’t cause an increase in the property tax. Here are the average prices for small, medium, and larger patio additions.
- Small patios average $1800 to install
- Medium patios average $2200 to install
- Large patios average $3700 to install
It isn’t uncommon for homeowners to put in patios without the help of a professional contractor to save money. That is also another way to help ensure that the property taxes won’t be increased as a result of adding a patio to your home.
Homeowners are additionally advised when putting in a patio, to be aware of the different types of materials used for patios. Some of these materials can have a significant impact on the cost of the patio and the installation. Here are some of the materials typically used for patio installations.
- Concrete is one of the most common patio materials
- Gravel provides one of the most affordable options
- Tile is a popular option but can be a bit more expensive
- Pavement is another common option and akin to concrete
- Flagstone offers aesthetic appeal and is an affordable alternative to tile
- Cut Stone can deliver both appearance value and less expensive options depending on how they are installed
The Other Factors that can Impact Property Taxes
In addition to the size and cost of putting in a patio, the valuation process will take into consideration a few other factors. These include the following:
Occupancy Numbers
If a home improvement or addition adds to the number of people who can reside at the property, it can be subject to property tax increases. Adding livable space to a house also adds to the property value of the home, and correspondingly will increase the property taxes. Fortunately, patio additions rarely venture into this arena. The most extensive patio projects, however, can be viewed as additional living space by some appraisers.
The Longevity of the House
Any improvement or addition to a home that extends its lifespan is also like to increase the property value. Once again, this is an unlikely effect of installing a patio, but information homeowners should be aware of.
Classification of the Patio
Appraisers can cite some renovations and additions to the home under the category of “major luxury.” Those aforementioned and more elaborate patio projects can potentially be viewed as these types of luxuries. In those cases, the property value of the home and the property taxes are likely to experience an increase.
How Long Does It Take to Install a Patio?
Another benefit of putting in a patio is it doesn’t take a great deal of time, typically between as little as a few hours to no longer than a couple of days. Homeowners who choose to attempt to install a patio themselves will often take a little longer. In most situations, experts advised having the patio professionally installed.
Having a patio installed by professionals actually won’t change the cost of the patio that much. Additionally, professional and reputable patio installers will ensure their work, a bonus for homeowners. Determining how long it will take to put in a patio, however, will depend on several variables.
Concrete, for example, will require time to set up and often relies on more favorable weather conditions. Other considerations, such as how much leveling is required, will also impact the timeline.
What are the Benefits of Putting in a Patio?
Adding a patio does more than add to the appearance of a home, it also adds to its functionality. Patios additions allow more room for entertaining guests and a different venue outside the home as well. Another benefit of patios, is the added storage area. Many outdoor items that might normally need brought inside can be stored on the patio.
For homeowners thinking about selling their homes, the patio can also be an added selling point. Although an appraiser won’t normally adjust the property value as a result of putting in a patio, patios do afford more value to potential buyers. That is also a reason to consider a patio as an investment.
The other benefit of putting in a patio is the option to do more things outdoors, even during inclement weather. Many homeowners dine on the patio. Homeowners with children can also feel more secure about allowing their children to play outside, in particular when a patio is screened in.
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How Much Does it Cost to Enclose a Patio?
Patios can be enclosed using a prefabricated pop-up patio enclosure for less than $500. These types of enclosure options are also easy to put up and take down and are not counted when valuating a patio. That is also a good option for homeowners wanting to avoid an increase in their property tax bills.
More extensive and elaborate enclosed patios can also be built. These types of enclosures are more permanent and can cost upwards of $3000. Generally built into or at the same time as the patio, these types of patio enclosures are more likely to increase the valuation of your patio. That will also put homeowners more at risk of incurring increased property taxes.
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