Most homeowners desire some form of outdoor living space, as it allows them to enjoy the natural world. Moreover, these exterior areas can work well as an extension of your home. It’s therefore no wonder that about 74% of Americans use their patios to unwind, relax, entertain, and spend quality time with families and friends – without having to leave their houses. If you’re thinking of adding some outdoor living space to your home, here are some tips to help you out.
- Budget
The internet is full of stunning photographs of outdoor living spaces that you may want to draw inspiration from. But before settling on a particular theme or concept, you must decide on your budget that accounts for supplies, labour, design, and other additional costs. It’s important to set a budget that is reasonable; as a tip, make a list of everything you want in your outdoor living environment and then adjust it based on what your budget allows. If you want a lavish patio, shed, and playhouse, you must be ready to spend a lot of money on it.
- Materials
Regardless of how big or little your outdoor living space project is, it is vital that you pick materials that not only offer visual appeal to the environment but can also endure day-to-day exposure to severe weather conditions. To ensure your external area’s stability and structural integrity, you should consider installing items like shed bases, which will prevent your structure from sinking or shifting over time. You’ll find it helpful to consider your financial strength, space limitations, and maintenance when selecting materials for your outdoor living space. You should also note that stone, PVC, brick, aluminium, iron, and wood are some of the most common outdoor materials that are also noted for their durability.
- Purpose
The function of your outdoor area is also something you should consider while designing it. Will you be hosting visitors on a regular basis? Will it primarily serve as a place to unwind? These questions can help you figure out what you will need. For instance, if you want it to be an additional living area for your family, you may incorporate an outdoor dining area or fireplace.
- Lighting
You should consider how much lighting you will need based on how often you will hang out in your outdoor space at night. Will a few lights for security and safety be sufficient? Or do you want some garden areas to be extra-lighted for nighttime gatherings? It is critical to anticipate the time change in the fall since you want to be ready for earlier sunsets.
- Facilities
If you want a functional outdoor area, you should also get the right facilities. For example, you can hop on the trend of building patios featuring an outdoor kitchen and refrigerator heating equipment for the winter season. Prior to starting the design project, you must decide which features will go there and where the utility lines will go. This is because making the wiring and plumbing alterations would be complex and expensive after completing the project.
