There is no doubt that the disaster of COVID-19 taught us a lot about ourselves and what we need to thrive. We learned that our homes are our sanctuary and our safe place. We also learned that outdoor living is essential and adds value to our homes and quality of life.
Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a cozy balcony, this article will guide you to create and experience the enjoyment and added value of outdoor living. As you prepare to read this article, grab a cup of coffee, step outside, and set up in your favorite chair as we delve into this week’s topic.
We have four primary reasons that you should consider having an outdoor living space at your property:
The square footage of our home and living space is excellent, but what if we could design our home in a way that extends to the outdoors? As you plan your home, consider how you will use each space. Will you entertain guests or have family dinners at your home that will require more space? If you have the exterior space to accommodate, consider installing a larger patio door that lets in the natural light and makes it inviting to flow freely between both areas.
The added benefit of an extended living space will add value to your daily life and home value. The overall design will vary depending on your area and budget, but don’t let either deter you, as you will enjoy the space you build for years to come.
COVID-19 forced us to stay at home. Most of us were in dire need of new spaces or outdoor living spaces to enjoy the house that we were living in. Remodeling numbers were up, and the outdoor living boom was in high demand, making accessing qualified contractors or materials difficult. If you were lucky and had an outdoor living space or could get a contractor to mobilize, you know how beneficial the outdoor living space was to your quality of life.
Adding an outdoor space has many health benefits to improve your quality of life. It is no secret that life can be stressful, and having a sanctuary to get away will be a benefit to reduce your stress. With a decrease in pressure, your mood will improve, creativity juices will start to flow freely, and there will be a reduction in symptoms of depression and an increase in overall well-being. So, when considering the overall cost of your outdoor living, ensure you consider the added health benefits and quality of life that come with it.
When you want to entertain and socialize with family and friends, an outdoor space is an excellent place for everyone to enjoy. Having your guests sit on the back porch to watch Sunday Night Football or a fan-favorite movie are just two ideas for which you can use your space. If you aren’t big on entertaining, you can enjoy the freedom to yourself or with a loved one. Nothing is better than sitting on your screened-in porch, sipping your morning coffee with a good book. How you use the space to entertain or enjoy is up to you, and we encourage you to enjoy it in your way.
There are many health benefits to being connected to nature. The sounds of the outdoors and the freedom a person will feel while working outdoors in their yard go beyond measure. Gardening, bird watching, or simply relaxing outdoors can ease your mind and help remove any stress you may be experiencing. Being in nature allows me to clear my mind from the hustle of the workday, and I can go into a deep focus zone. If I’m struggling with an objective at work or stressed due to life, the outdoor space allows me time to find clarity about what I should focus on.
There are many outdoor spaces to consider, and which one you choose may be the return on investment. Now, I wouldn’t suggest you only pick an outdoor space based on the return on investment, as you will gain value from the living space while you own the home, and this is an ROI you cannot quantify.
In conclusion, We hope you will consider adding an outdoor space to your home or a home you have designed to build. It will add square footage to your home, enhance your quality of life, add another location for entertaining, and increase your home value. As you consider which outdoor living space to add to your home design, consider your area, how you will use your home and outdoor space, and the added value you will receive from it. Weigh the options of each outdoor living space to determine which is the best for your family and your needs before advancing your project.
Here are a few questions you can ask yourself and your loved ones before you take steps toward an outdoor living area.
a. How will we use the space?
b. How long do we plan to remain in the home? This question is relevant as you should consider the life expectancy of your home and outdoor living space.
c. Do we want the outdoor living to be a part of the indoors? Do we want the outdoor living space to be an extension of our home or a stand-alone area?
