1. Redo your walkways. Unfortunately walkways do not last forever. If the ones outside of your house are cracked, pitted or otherwise worn down it's time to remove them and install new walkways. Buyers and other visitors will notice right away if the walkways are in good repair, greatly affecting how they view your house. Not only that, but walkways in poor repair present a huge risk that someone will fall and get hurt.

2. Install a fire pit. Any yard can be improved with a permanent fire pit. A fire pit provides an area for people to gather outside while roasting marshmallows, cooking food over an open flame or just enjoying the warmth from the fire. Installing permanent seating around a fire pit in the form of large stones or cement benches helps enhance the space.

3. Install an outdoor kitchen. Many people like to spend significant time in their yard during the summer months. This often includes cooking on a grill. But installing a sink, countertops and even a small refrigerator in a designated area makes preparing food outdoors that much easier. A high-quality, large outdoor kitchen will make your house stand out from the crowd and will make outdoor entertaining much easier.

4. Build a large deck. Decks are elevated off the ground and provide a level space for setting up a table, chairs and anything else you need for your outdoor living space. Most home buyers consider a deck to be a huge asset, as long as it is in good repair. If you have an old deck that shows its age, perform the necessary work to get it back into good condition.

5. Build garden terraces for dramatic effect. A terrace is a great way to tackle a sloped area of a yard with a decorative feature. Even if you do not have a slope to your yard, you can create terraces by buying extra dirt. Terraces add interest to a yard and make it look more expensive. Just remember to build the terrace walls correctly, including drainage that will not promote soil erosion.

6. Construct a pergola. Whether you leave it bare or you allow vines to grow on it, a pergola is an excellent way to improve a yard. Not having enough shady spots during the daytime hours can be a problem in any yard, and a pergola addresses that need. Also, pergolas feel open and airy, so having one installed does not ruin that outdoor feeling. Plus you can hang string lights from a pergola to make a cool nighttime hangout.

7. Install a water feature. Water features like waterfalls and fountains provide an excellent focal point for a yard space, creative definition and a feeling of style to the area. Another plus is that water features provide a relaxing sound to listen to as you sit in the yard, helping you feel more at peace and immersed in nature.

8. Buy some sculptures. You don't have to go with garden gnomes in your outdoor space. There are plenty of sculptures, both at big box stores and made by local artists, which you can install in your yard. Art adds a dramatic flair and interest to your outdoor space you cannot get in other ways, plus it gives the space more of a customized feel. If you plan on selling the house, choose a sculpture that is appealing to a wide variety of people to avoid offending or turning off anyone.

9. Install high-grade fencing. Having a fully-fenced yard will appeal to buyers who have small children or dogs. Both groups of house shoppers often forego any properties without a fully-fenced yard. Fencing can also create definition for a garden area or allow you to set up a dog run. Just remember to go with higher-end fencing materials such as cedar or vinyl to give the yard a nicer look.

10. Add a pond. Ponds installed with stone walls around them can add a tranquil and high-end touch to a yard. People can sit in the yard near the pond and stare at the water. You can add fish to the pond or place some aquatic plants in it to add even more interest.