Most people enjoy living near a body of water where they can swim and otherwise recreate. For some people their preferred body of water is a lake or the ocean. However, these days more and more people are developing ponds on their property so they can get in the water without ever having to leave their land. While this trend appears to be a worthwhile investment, most landowners will want to know how much value a pond adds to a property before digging up their land. Therefore, this guide will take a look at the factors surrounding the potential value a pond can add to a property. If you are a landowner who is thinking about developing their land with the addition of a pond, you should continue reading below to make sure that decision is best for you and your land.
How Ponds Add Value to a Property
The simplest way ponds add value to a property is by creating idyllic scenery and recreation opportunities on a property that is otherwise devoid of these characteristics. If your property has a large portion of acreage that is undeveloped and situated where a pond can be dug, then developing a pond on your property may be a great idea. The majority of ponds that have been developed in recent years are about one-half an acre to two acres in size.
If your property is smaller or significantly developed with a home or other buildings, you may not want to develop your land any further. Digging a pond close to your home or other buildings could lead to foundation issues.
Maintenance Costs Associated with a Pond
While in most instances, installing a small pond on a well situated property can add some value to the property, any pond will also require continued maintenance. The most common maintenance costs associated with owning a pond are attributed to:
- Vegetation removal
- Water quality monitoring
- Flora and fauna health studies and treatment
While all ponds will need some kind of continued maintenance after they are established and developed on a property, significant maintenance costs can be avoided with proper planning and design.
Consult a Professional
Given the invasiveness of having a pond developed on your property, you should always consult a professional to get their opinion on if a pond is a good idea for your property. This professional will be able to take a look at your land, its soil, and provide more information on the development process. Once a professional appraises your land and gives the okay for you to move forward in the pond process, you will want to sit down with the professional and take significant time to design and develop the exact pond you want.
An experienced professional will be able to anticipate any issues they may come across when developing the pond. They will also be able to tweak your design ideas to make sure the pond is well suited for your property.
Installing a Pond on Your Property
In summary, when considering installing a pond on your property, you will want to make sure your property can support a pond. If your property can support a pond, most likely installing a pond on your property will increase its overall value. This overall value is mostly increased by the addition of a pond, because a pond will provide additional recreation opportunities that attract additional buyers to your property when it comes time for you to sell. Of course, a pond will also require continued maintenance. However, these maintenance costs can be diminished significantly through effective planning and design.