“54% of women and 46% of men say outdoor living spaces make them fall in love with real estate.”
Realtor.com’s Home Crush Survey
Outdoor living spaces have been the rage for a few years now, and that trend shows no indications of slowing. As a realtor in Sanpete County, Utah, I see tons of homes with large yards perfect for accommodating an outdoor living space.
Summertime is a great time to invest in some outdoor home upgrades. But, before you add a new room to your home with an outdoor space, let’s look at the benefits.
The Benefits of an Outdoor Living Space
An outdoor living space is an extension that adds usable square footage to your home. Using your yard allows crowded indoor areas to be expanded to the outdoors, accommodating more people and activities. Aside from the added capacity, the clearest benefits of constructing an outdoor living space are increased curb appeal and/or a backyard “wow factor” for visitors.
A well crafted exterior space can help a house sell faster and boost its value, but remember, the main purpose of the space is to make yourself and your family happier. Plus, it is likely that friends and family will be urging you to host more Summer BBQs, gatherings and parties.
9 Things to Consider Before You Start
There are a million ways you can create an inviting outdoor space, but keep these ideas in mind while you pin down the details.
Not to big, not to small: You want your living space to fit in with the rest of your yard. A large deck can be great for a large yard, but a large deck covering 90% of the back yard would probably be too much. Everything in moderation. You still want people to enjoy the nature side of being outdoors.
Don’t overdue your living space for your neighborhood.
Your neighborhood: Understanding what styles and amenities are consistent in your area is important for resale value. Yes, this outdoor living area is for your enjoyment, but you want to remain somewhat competitive should you ever decide to sell.
Make a room: Every room in your home has a primary purpose. Your outdoor living area should be no exception. Is it a dining room extension? A kitchen extension? A living room extension? Does adding this kind of outdoor room help solve a problem that may lie on the inside of your home? It is fairly common to want to create an outdoor living space as an extension of the kitchen and dining room to accommodate extra guests.
Use pathways to make your outdoor living space connect to the rest of your property.
Pathways: Before you start designing this area, think about how people will enter and exit the area. Will your outdoor living space lead to a garden on one side and your kitchen on the other? Use some inventive ideas to create pathways to your outdoor living area like a hallway does in your home. This can help tie indoor and outdoor together.
Seating: The most important part of an outdoor area is the seating. Make sure you plan beforehand how many people you want to accomadate.
Add fire: A fire pit is a great gathering point for conversation, but so is an outdoor stove or BBQ. Fire is also nice for warmth on cool nights.
Privacy: Don’t block the view of the great outdoors, but make sure you use a fence, hedges, trees or some combination to give you and your guests some privacy.
Natural focal points of vistas can give a relaxing feel to a space.
Focal point: Design around a focal point just like you would inside. Plants and stone can create some amazing focal points.
Make your living space pop with color!
Color: You’re outside!! Vibrant and bright colors dominate outdoors so don’t be afraid to use them.
You have the basics, so get started planning or upgrading your outside living space! Spring and Summer are my favorite seasons for outdoor activities, so I will see you out back near the BBQ.
Do you have any questions about outdoor living areas or real estate in general? I would be happy to respond in the comments.
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