5 Home Improvements That Will Boost Your Outdoor Living Space

Your home’s exterior is just as important as the indoors, so it must receive equal attention when you plan to make aesthetic improvements. It can have a huge impact on your lifestyle, especially if you have kids and pets who are sure to enjoy spending time in the space, or if you adore entertaining guests.

With the right features, the outdoor space can become a fun entertainment area for the entire family if the weather is nice – from sunrise to sunset. Also, a beautiful exterior can increase your chances of successfully selling your house should you consider to put it on the market later on.

For these reasons, making exterior home improvements is a worthy investment that raises both the functionality and value of your property.

But not all outdoor home improvements are the same. To get the most out of your investment, experts in landscaping and swimming pool design and installation share these five ideas that can surely help you maximize your outdoor living space.

  1. Do some landscaping

Landscaped spaces can instantly boost your outdoor space. Today, soft landscaping is becoming popular. This refers to the use of plants, shrubs and trees, preferably those native to your area, because these options are low-maintenance and affordable solutions that do not require the use of construction materials. And when you plant tall shrubs and trees near your windows, they can add shade during hot months, which then leads to lower energy bills.

To ensure a well-designed landscape, it is highly recommended that you hire professionals to help you out. In fact, these pros can even design and build a swimming pool or other water features as part of your landscape. Besides, nothing beats the soothing effect of listening to the sounds of running water outdoors after a tiring day.

  1. Construct a patio or a deck

Patios or decks are great additions to your outdoor living space. Both options can be freestanding or attached to your property upon installation.

Patios are versatile since they can be built with different materials like pavers, brick, rock, tile, stone, or pebbles. Also, they don’t require any safety railings because they are often built at ground level.

On the other hand, decks are primarily made of wood and are built to get the most out of a view. Also, they usually require railings because they are built at different levels.

  1. Add a pergola

If you want to cover your patio or deck, pergolas are great options. By adding a pergola, you can enjoy additional benefits, such as great opportunities for lighting and greenery, better shade, and protection against bugs (especially during the afternoon) if you hang curtains. You can add hanging flowers, vines, fabric doors, and strings of lights to further boost your outdoor living space.

  1. Spruce up your curb appeal

Always ensure that your property looks great from the outside, and not only because you want to sell your house quickly. Take note that there are plenty of great reasons for keeping a clean,, beautiful and healthy home.

When it comes to improving the appearance of your home, most of the solutions you can try are somewhat inexpensive and simple, but the results are long-lasting. For instance, you can install a new door to boost your home’s energy-efficiency and security, revive your driveway, repaint your home, or just clean up grass and dirt from the ground.

  1. Install a gazebo

If you can maintain a large garden, installing a gazebo is the best way to enhance a key section of that space. This standalone outdoor structure can add a striking conversation piece in your yard, boost the value of your home, and create a place for fun and relaxation where your family can spend quality time together. It has a platform with a roof and railing around it. Have it professionally installed poolside or near flowering plants as an excellent viewing spot.

Furthermore, a gazebo can provide you with a great space for your fitness routine. Besides, doing stretching and aerobic exercises becomes more enjoyable when done outdoors as you can breathe in the fresh breeze. If you want to do yoga, you just have to set up candles, mats, and a water feature for a more suitable, relaxing ambience.

Your home’s outdoor area can become an extension of your family’s living space. Instead of adding a room to your house, consider creating a budget for any of these exterior home projects to boost the exteriors. Hire professionals to improve your lawn and landscape, add shade to protect your home from the damaging rays of the sun (especially during summer), or perhaps add a water feature to create a cool, calming focal point outdoors.

AUTHOR BIO

Rachel Hennessey manages the Pools and Landscaping Division of Hennessey LLC. She also works on Tender and Pre-Qualification and brings in new business to the company’s Construction, Interiors and Civils Division.