The most common question Oklahoma homeowners ask before starting an outdoor living project: “Will I get my money back when I sell?” The honest answer: almost certainly yes — and for the right projects in the right markets, you may come out ahead. Here’s what the data actually shows for northeastern Oklahoma.
National vs Oklahoma ROI Data
The Remodeling Cost vs Value Report consistently shows outdoor living improvements among the highest-returning remodeling categories. For 2023–2024:
- Wood deck addition: ~50–70% ROI nationally; Oklahoma’s outdoor lifestyle pushes this higher
- Concrete patio: ~47–65% ROI nationally; premium paver patios typically return more
- Outdoor kitchen: ~65–150% ROI; highest when paired with covered structure
- Landscaping improvements: Up to 200% ROI when dramatically improving curb appeal
Oklahoma’s long outdoor season (March through November is genuinely usable with shade) and strong housing market in the Tulsa metro mean these returns are at or above national averages for comparable improvements.
What Broken Arrow and Tulsa Buyers Actually Want
We stay in close contact with local Realtors who report consistently that the following outdoor living features generate buyer excitement and speed up sales in the Broken Arrow and south Tulsa markets:
- Covered patio with outdoor kitchen — One of the top buyer-attracting features in premium price ranges ($400k+)
- Premium paver or travertine patio — Buyers can immediately see the quality difference vs. cracked concrete
- Built-in fire feature — Gas fire pits and outdoor fireplaces generate emotional responses from buyers
- Outdoor lighting — Properties with landscape lighting photograph dramatically better and show better at evening open houses
- Privacy and landscaping — Mature trees and designed landscape beds significantly increase perceived value
Projects with the Best ROI in Oklahoma
1. Covered Patio Addition
In Oklahoma’s climate, a covered patio is arguably the single highest-ROI outdoor improvement. It transforms an unusable afternoon yard into a functional outdoor room — something buyers immediately recognize as valuable. In the $500k+ Broken Arrow and south Tulsa markets, covered patios with quality materials are essentially expected and their absence can reduce competitiveness.
2. Patio Replacement (Concrete to Pavers)
Replacing a cracked concrete patio with premium pavers or travertine has some of the best marginal ROI of any outdoor project — because the visual improvement is dramatic, the appeal is immediate, and the new material signals quality workmanship to buyers.
3. Landscape Lighting
Professional landscape lighting often returns 150–200% of its cost in home value because it dramatically improves curb appeal, makes the property photograph beautifully, and creates an immediate “wow” reaction at evening showings. Few outdoor improvements deliver this much value per dollar spent.
4. Outdoor Kitchen
Outdoor kitchens have high absolute cost ($20,000–$60,000) but also high perceived value by buyers — especially in the Tulsa metro’s active outdoor entertaining culture. A well-built outdoor kitchen can return 100%+ of its cost in premium price ranges.
Projects with Lower ROI
Some outdoor projects have lower ROI because they’re highly personal and specific:
- Swimming pools: Oklahoma pools return 50–70% of cost on average — high maintenance cost and not universally desired by buyers
- Very large water features: Elaborate koi ponds are personal projects that some buyers love and others see as a maintenance burden
- Highly themed outdoor spaces: Tropical or specific-aesthetic designs may not appeal to all buyers
Invest in Your Oklahoma Outdoor Living Space
VistaScapes & Design helps Broken Arrow and Tulsa homeowners make smart outdoor living investments that they enjoy today and that add real value at resale. Call (918) 779-1317 or request a free consultation to discuss your project.
