Homeowners are becoming increasingly interested in creating outdoor living
spaces and beautiful backyards for their homes, according to the 2013
Residential Landscape Architecture Trends survey by the American Society of
Landscape Architects. Ninety-seven percent of participants rated fire pits and
fireplaces in high demand, followed closely by grills, dining areas, lighting,
and outdoor kitchens. Patios and decks are also close behind at 96 percent by
the same respondents.
While the state of our economy could lead you to
believe that these luxury amenities are not a priority for many homeowners, it
is quite the opposite--due to a lack of funds for traveling and vacations,
Americans are opting to stay home and enjoy their homes instead. While outdoor
remodels can be expensive depending on the extent of the project, they can also
yield long-lasting results and will be enjoyed for years by homeowners and their
guests.
Patios
Designing the perfect patio is an integral part of your outdoor
remodel--it is the center of relaxation and socialization at any backyard party
or gathering.
- Materials
Your patio can be constructed from concrete, wood, stone
or bricks--but one of the most popular materials for patios right now are
pavers. Pavers are interlocking tiles typically manufactured from concrete and
installed over a compacted stone sub-base and a leveling bed of sand. While
pavers may cost a bit more to install, they can be more cost-effective in the
long run due to the low maintenance they require.
- Lighting
To continue enjoying your outdoor living space after dusk
arrives, you will need to devise a lighting scheme. You can install landscape
lighting around the perimeter of your patio by running the wiring under the
ground fairly easily--kits are available for purchase at most hardware
retailers. For a more ambient atmosphere, hanging garden lanterns will create a
soft glow on your patio. Lanterns are battery-powered and are a simpler and more
cost-effective method for lighting your patio--choose weather-resistant nylon
lanterns for outdoor use rather than paper.
- Covering
If you are seeking some shade from the sun, you may opt
to fully or partially cover your patio. An awning, pergola, or portico overhang
can shade your entire patio or simply offer slight relief from direct sunlight.
Landscaping options such as trees or climbing vines on a trellis can also be
effective.
- Furniture
Your patio furniture is the essence of your outdoor
living space, and you will want to consider comfort just as much as style.
Tables, chairs, benches, couches, and even area rugs can all give your exterior
living room the comfort of the interior while you enjoy the beautiful weather
and atmosphere of the outdoors. Remember that any furniture you purchase should
be made of weather-resilient materials--if you opt for wood furniture, you can
protect it by painting, sealing, or varnishing the pieces to limit water
damage.
Fireplaces
An increasingly popular trend in outdoor remodeling is the
installation of fireplaces and fire pits. These atmospheric additions can add
value to your home as well as create a cozy outdoor setting. While a built-in
fire place can cost thousands of dollars, a portable fire pit is a much cheaper
option. They are also easier to maintain and can be relocated anywhere in your
yard for your convenience.
Outdoor Kitchens
While barbeque grills have long been a backyard
staple, homeowners are going the extra mile and creating an entire outdoor
kitchen for their home. Besides your grill, you can install countertops, a
hearth, a pizza oven, a sink, a stove, a bar or a refrigerator outside so that
cooking and preparations can become a part of your entertaining. Be sure all
materials are outdoor-friendly and weather-resistant, such as granite
countertops, stainless steel sinks and brick ovens. Keeping your outdoor kitchen
in a shaded area is optimum to minimize damage from sun exposure and other
elements.
Pools/Hot Tubs
A beautiful pool can be the perfect focal point
for any backyard--it doubles as a place for relaxation and recreation, can be
enjoyed by children and adults alike, and is both entertaining and luxurious.
However, a pool can be quite costly to install and maintain, and it can either
increase or decrease the value of your home. A pool should not necessarily be
looked at as an investment--while it can greatly appeal to some buyers, there
are others that consider inheriting a pool a burden due to the upkeep.
A
less permanent and more affordable option than a pool is a hot tub. Unlike a
pool, a
hot tub
can be relocated with you if you move or it can be left behind. While a hot
tub still costs money to maintain, it is certainly a more cost-effective option
than digging an in-ground swimming pool.
Outdoor Remodeling Tips
- Check zoning laws and regulations. Before you begin designing your
dream backyard, check your town's rules to find out if any permits are required.
Certain outdoor structures may be susceptible to regulation by the city. For
example, many zoning laws require a built-in fire pit to be installed at least
25 feet away from the home.
Hiring professionals. Some aspects of your outdoor remodel may
require the aid of professionals. Depending on the intricacy of your project,
you may require the assistance of a landscaper, a plumber, an electrician, a
mason and a general contractor to organize and oversee your entire remodel.
Before choosing any hired help, read
this guide for tips on how to find the best person for the job.
- Consider the purpose of your project. It's essential that your
outdoor remodel reflects your tastes and interests. You may be spending a
significant amount of money, so you want to ensure that your ideas are practical
and your outdoor space is one that you will use frequently. Before you begin
purchasing materials or hiring help, establish what you hope to accomplish with
your outdoor remodel. Will the space be primarily used for parties and
entertaining guests? If so, you may desire attention-getting luxury items such
as a fireplace, hot tub, or a full bar. Would you prefer an understated area to
enjoy intimate meals with your family? In that case, an easily-maintained patio
with comfortable, practical furniture and beautiful landscaping may be better
suited for your needs.
- Design your budget. Depending on the extent of your remodel, it can
cost you from under $100 to tens of thousands of dollars. Depending on your
finances, it may be logical to plan your project in stages, adding a new element
each year. Create a rough plan of what you would like to accomplish, calculate
the total costs, and devise a schedule to get the project accomplished according
to your available budget.