With spring coming to an end, it is  time to prepare your home for all things summer. Whether you want to play host to summer barbecues or just want a place to relax in the sun, there are lots of options for outdoor recreation spaces. Working to build a premier outdoor area can not only serve as the ideal place to spend time with family and friends, but it can also add value to your home. Here are some ideas for equipping your ultimate summer backyard:

Let There Be Light

Light up your outdoor space by installing lights along walkways or on tables, or stringing lights around a seating area. This lighting not only creates a relaxed atmosphere, it’s also great for night-time showings when it’s time to sell.

Create an Outdoor Kitchen Area

While only about 4 percent of affluent households had outdoor kitchens in 2015, with 13.6 percent planning to add one. A 2015 study by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) found that outdoor kitchens can add to a home’s value. Upgrading your standalone grill to a built-in grill with additional counter ­­space can go a long way.

Cozy Up 

Adding outdoor couches, throw pillows and rugs creates the perfect ambiance for entertaining and invokes a feeling of comfort and serenity, according to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). These additions also provide value for staging and help potential homebuyers visualize themselves in the home.

Bug off

There aren’t many downsides to the summer, but one of them is the return of the insects. To make your outdoor space critter-free, make sure you have citronella candles handy.

Photo courtesy of Dillon Scheps