Do you know that old saying "April showers bring May flowers"? Nothing like this old saying best describes the weather and the dreaded yellow pollen we will soon have covering everything here in North Carolina. Spring weather is welcoming and brings people outside to spend more time working in their yards and evaluating new outdoor home improvement projects. If you are considering revamping your outdoor living spaces, here is how to add value to your home with an outdoor renovation.
Create the Ultimate Backyard
An outdoor renovation can add significant value to your home, especially if you live in a region with pleasant weather year-round, like the south. Planning for a renovation is a sensational experience. It's exciting to think about all possible changes to your home's exterior, especially regarding updates to entertaining spaces. Since the pandemic, homeowners have significantly demanded more outdoor entertaining features. People want the comfort of indoor conveniences like soft furniture, TVs, and full-sized kitchens outdoors. Adding an outdoor living space to your backyard can include endless options, and we are here to give you some of our favorites that will also add value to your home.
A Functional Outdoor Living Space
One of the best ways to add value to your home is by creating outdoor living spaces that are both functional and attractive. Start by defining the entertaining spaces within the backyard. Patios, decks, a pool, a fire pit, or an outdoor kitchen will define those areas. You will also want to decide where specific amenities, such as a spa, fireplace, built-in grill, or bar area, will be placed. These amenities will also increase your property value in the long run and attract buyers who want that trending indoor-outdoor living experience.
Choosing the Right Outdoor Design
Homeowners know that with any upgrade, the most high-end and extravagant upgrades won't increase the value significantly more than middle-range upgrades. When deciding whether to install a patio versus a deck, consider both pros and cons, such as upkeep and cost. If a sunroom addition is something you are considering, you may be deciding between a four-season room or a screened-in porch which both offer great additional space to entertain guests. Here are some things to think about with each one.
Patio
Patios are a great way to define your space, and don't feel like you are limited to just one. Patios are made from materials such as concrete, decorative stone pavers, flagstone, tiles like travertine tiles, or bricks. Using multiple patios throughout your backyard gives you more places to add amenities like the outdoor kitchen, fire pit, or cabana off a pool deck. Freestanding pergolas, gazebos, and awnings over a patio also offer shade and protection from the sun.
Deck
Another popular choice for gathering is on a deck either attached to a home or freestanding. Decks increase the value of your home and are versatile. They can be designed and built to fit any space, shape, or style and offer customizable options with features such as built-in seating, planters, lighting, and more. Another benefit to a deck is that decks can require very little maintenance with suitable materials, like composite decking. With composite materials, there is no staining or sealing required. It will only need to be washed occasionally and deters insects and rotting, making them a long-lasting addition to your home.
An elegant railing on your deck also gives your home a sophisticated look and an added layer of safety for friends and family. Choosing the proper porch railings depends on various factors, such as the architectural style of your home, personal preferences, and budget. The standard deck railings are wood, composite, and metal. A metal railing is becoming a more popular choice as sleek and modern aesthetics are coming into style. They are durable, require minimal maintenance, and come in various types.
Four-Season Room
One of our favorite home additions is a four-season room. This addition offers the outdoors without being bothered by the elements and is within steps of the inside of your home. This sunroom is an enclosed room designed for year-round use, regardless of the weather outside and is fully insulated and often includes plumbing, HVAC, and electricity. It has the highest ticket costs but is the closest to a full, conventional home addition, complete with walls, flooring, lighting, windows, and more.
Screened-In Porch
A screened-in porch is a favorite of many and can be a worthy investment. The many advantages of a screened-in porch are that you get protection from the elements and pesky bugs, offer excellent privacy, reduce glare, heat, and UV rays, and lower energy costs. Typically a standard screened-in porch costs considerably less than a traditional sunroom. However, there are options for retractable screens that automatically move up and down, allowing for versatility that provides an attractive, modern look and comes with a higher cost.
David Rogers Builders recently installed remote-controlled, motorized screens from Screen Enc. This local Charlotte, NC, business offers the perfect customizable screen enclosures, motorized screens, and glass railings. We love their easy use, and the remote control provides convenience.
Landscaping, Hardscaping, and Outdoor Lighting
Landscaping enhances your home's curb appeal and adds value to your property. Consider having native plants and adding trees to bring vertical height. Adding hardscaping features like stone walkways, retaining walls, or decorative fountains to your landscaping design will make your outdoor space more intimate and serene. Using outdoor lighting also makes your home safer and more attractive at night. Consider adding landscape lighting to highlight your home's landscaping and architectural features or install pathway lighting to make navigating your property at night easier.
Ready For A Backyard Renovation In Charlotte?
Overall, an outdoor renovation can add value to your home by creating functional living spaces, enhancing your home's curb appeal, and providing a relaxing oasis for your family and friends to enjoy. At David Rogers Builders, we offer custom home building and professional home remodeling services from entire homes to decks, four-season rooms, pergolas, screened-in porches, and more. Give us a call to make your dream outdoor space a reality! 704-400-3936
The Latest Outdoor Project By David Rogers Builders
Take a peek at one of our latest custom home projects in Weddington, NC. The retractable screens covering the back porches and railings add a layer of safety for small children and keep out pesky critters from their wooded property. The main-level porch offered outdoor living solutions to the homeowners, with an oversized sliding door connecting the living room to the outdoor space and boasting a large fireplace and plenty of room to add furniture and spend time with family and friends. It wraps around to another entrance through a dining room sliding door that genuinely captivates the feel of indoor-outdoor living and a view of the backyard inground pool. A third entry point from the butlers' pantry is also connected. We added a sleek black railing that tied in with the other black accent features in the home's design; This was the seamless choice for an upgraded porch entertainment area. You can find more about this project HERE.