Playground

grounds.

“Commonly, a well-maintained playground made from highquality materials can increase your property value. It boosts curb appeal, as well. When it’s time to sell your house, it can make it more appealing to home shoppers with kids,” Steineman said.

Of course, there are some downsides. Kids busy at play just beyond your back door can create a lot of noise, for example. Their outdoor activities could lead to a dirty or unkempt yard. And there’s always the chance that your of fspring or their friends suffer an injury while using the playground, especially if the kids aren’t super vised or cautioned about its proper use or if you don’t maintain and repair the play set as needed.

Not to mention that an ugly and poorly cared for play set can be an eyesore that detracts from your property’s allure. Or, without proper planning, all the time and money you expended in building the play set could be for naught if your child ultimately doesn’t use it regularly.

“Good candidates for a play set are homeowners with children between the ages of 2 and 12 who don’t plan on moving anytime soon and who have enough space in their yard,” said Miguelez, who notes that you probably need at least a 12-by-15foot area to accommodate most play set kits. “You also want to make sure you can either put down a mat, soft rubber mulch or well-established, thick grass beneath the swing sets and slides.”

Remember: If you opt for a different ground material than grass, you’ll need a ledge or border to contain it.

A play set is best built in a spot where children will have ample room to run around it and operate the swings and slide without obstruction. Avoid building a playground directly beneath a tree, if possible.

“Once built, plan on inspecting the play set regularly for softening or rotting wood and any affected planks that need to be replaced. Also, keep the treads in good order, oil swing sets and chains as needed, and inspect all the materials carefully for signs of dangerous wear and tear,” Miguelez recommended.

GETTY IMAGES A backyard play set should have enough space so kids can run around it and slide and swing without obstruction.