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When homeowners begin to consider renovating their homes, the backyard is one of the last areas that time and money are allocated to. Although we do spend the majority of our time inside the home, you may be missing out on some big bucks by leaving out your backyard from your to-do list.
Put in an Outdoor Kitchen
The outdoor kitchen is the one thing that everybody dreams of. Having a kitchen outside makes entertaining visitors a breeze. This added luxury has quickly become a desired feature for home-buyers. An outdoor kitchen patio creates an alluring ambiance that enhances your open-air experience. Investing in an outdoor kitchen can be a great idea if you live in an area that experiences a long winter season. Opt for an outdoor kitchen instead of a pool. You’ll be able to use it year-round. Just make sure that you cover it with a pavilion or waterproof awning.
Add a Gazebo
Gazebos are enchanting, practical, and visually stunning. These charming structures provide a comfortable, welcoming area to relax in, and they come in a variety of styles to suit any aesthetic. Anyone who wants to add living space to a yard will benefit from erecting a gazebo. As recreational shelters, gazebos provide countless opportunities to enjoy the wonders of nature. A gazebo is not only a functional entertainment space; it’s also an impressive visual feature for your yard. The distinct look of a gazebo can instantly evoke childhood memories or the peaceful emotions of a simpler time.
Install a Deck
Installing a deck provides your home with more space. As your family grows so should your home. Owning a deck means more space for your family to spread out without having to pay for an entire extension. Decks also act as the perfect connection between your home and your back or side yard. The most common benefit brought up around the concept of adding a deck is hosting. From BBQs, birthdays, to Fourth of July parties, the list of events goes on and on. And big parties are all well and good, but for many deck owners, a hidden benefit of owning a deck is the tranquility it provides. Some homeowners enjoy getting to leave their house without actually leaving their house for a quiet morning cup of coffee or late-night dinner.
Add a Patio
A patio is essentially a recreation area where family and friends can gather especially during Atlanta’s hot, humid summers. It’s a great place for breakfast or brunch, quiet afternoons curled up with a book or an evening of stargazing. Patios also make wonderful entertainment areas and the perfect spot for a barbeque with friends. A restful patio invites one to spend time outdoors – something health experts say people should do more of. It alleviates depression and stress, relaxes the eyes, improves concentration in children, boosts your immune system, and more. Wood furniture can get damaged in the sun, so it’s not ideal for use outdoors. A patio extends your home’s living area, especially when you add outdoor furniture or features like an outdoor kitchen or fireplace.
Add Outdoor Seating
Make sure that you don’t make the mistake to forget to include a place to sit. Whether it’s for a family gathering or hosting a birthday party, having adequate seating in the backyard is vital when creating an outdoor space that is comfortable and functional. A nice outdoor set will improve presentation when staging a home for the market. Wicker furniture, cast aluminum, and teak are all great material options when it comes to patio furniture. Furniture can be an expensive investment for backyards, but you have options for affordable backyard patio ideas that still look great. To furnish your backyard for less, rely on DIY outdoor furniture, such as benches, chairs, and tables. Toss in a glowing fire pit to spice things up!
Install a Fire Pit
A fire pit allows you to control the experience. Choose from low flames or high flames, thick flames or thin flames. Whatever type of natural lighting or relaxing ambiance you wish to create, you can do so with a custom fire pit. Enjoy warm summer nights spent around a backyard fire pit. To build your own, you’ll need inexpensive materials including angled pavers and gravel for the base. This easy DIY outdoor project can be completed within a weekend, and your family can enjoy bonfires for years to come. Make sure to check local regulations and/or your homeowner’s association regarding fire pits before installing one in your backyard.
Lighting
Outdoor lights remain a perennial favorite for porches and patios for a good reason. They’re celebratory and fun, with a warm glow that keeps the light from being distracting. For creative backyard ideas starring string lights, use them to wrap a tree or drape them down a table for a twinkling centerpiece. While a well-designed lighting plan is essential for the inside of the home, the same is often overlooked for the exterior. Outside the house, lighting improves safety and security, while enhancing outdoor living areas.
Add Water Features
If you are looking for fresh landscaping ideas, you may want to consider asking your landscape designer about adding a water garden, koi pond, fountain, or waterfall to your backyard. Studies show that being near water reduces stress levels. As little as five minutes with nature can help reduce stress hormones, but being near water may have a stronger impact. Properties that include elements installed by a professional landscape designer tend to be valued higher than properties with little to no landscape design. Installing a water feature not only increases your property’s appearance and value but makes it more attractive to would-be buyers, which gives you an edge in a competitive property market.
Remember, renovating your backyard can increase the amount of money you recoup from other renovations you’ve done inside the home. Likewise, forgetting the backyard space can limit the value that recent renovations have on your home. Not everyone has a huge backyard available for renovating, but there are things you can do to make a small backyard seem bigger.
If you’re ready to renovate your home, contact us so we can help bring your visions for your home to life!