Outdoor Living Spaces: Projects to Enhance Your Home Value

Summer is here, and many of us are feeling the heat– unless we're a dad, then "it's not the heat, it's the humidity." Dad jokes aside, we can all agree that summer is the perfect time to enhance outdoor living spaces. We'll still have a month of quality summer days, so let's see what project you could complete to make the most of them!

Enhancing Your Patio or Deck

If you still need a deck or patio, that's your project. If you do, it might be time to add a little extra flair or make your patio more functional for entertainment, relaxation, or a mix of both. Here are some popular options to explore: 

Outdoor Kitchen

Adding an outdoor kitchen could be a fantastic investment– especially if you consider yourself a culinary guru or grill master! There are numerous benefits to providing a convenient outdoor space for cooking and entertaining. A big "pro" is that you have a separate cooking area that allows you to interact and socialize. You don't have to step away from the party, and you can enjoy the fresh air and your beautiful backyard. 

Additionally, you'll have added value to your property. An outdoor kitchen, grilling space, or pizza oven, for example, are all desirable features that can significantly increase the marketability and appeal of your home. It will certainly enhance your own enjoyment and has the potential to be an advantageous proposition should you decide to sell your property down the road. 

Before you create your outdoor cooking oasis, however, you will want to make some careful considerations. Safety first, as they say. You're literally playing with fire (or will be). Consider your building materials carefully. Proper ventilation of the area must be incorporated into your plan. Adequate gas, water, and electrical connections should first be established to ensure not only the function of the space but the safety features as well. 

Secondly, your materials will be exposed to outdoor elements. Select weather-resistant materials that can withstand the elements: sun, rain, and temperature fluctuations. Strong, solid materials such as granite countertops and stainless steel appliances are popular choices as they can resist corrosion and are durable. Consult an expert and make sure you obtain the proper permits needed by either your HOA or county, if necessary. 

Finally, consider the flow of your outdoor area to carefully plan the layout and design to be functional and aesthetically pleasing. There are thousands of ideas on Pinterest, in various blogs, and even on TikTok that you can explore. 

If cooking and entertaining aren't your jam, consider making your outdoor space your private relaxation station. 

Shade Solutions and Patio Lighting

Whether you're an introverted homebody who enjoys reading or bird-watching, a socialite who loves to entertain, or both– depending on the day– you can transform your outdoor patio or living area into a beautiful oasis where you can relax, entertain, and more!

There are a variety of shading solutions that could work for your outdoor oasis. Retractable awnings, canopies, and solar shades offer protection from the sun, rain, and wind. Some may even benefit from keeping bugs and creepy crawlers out, so you can enjoy your space in peace. If you're indecisive about completing closing in a porch, too, you can compromise with retractable screens and get the best of both worlds. 

By incorporating any of the above, you can add much-needed shade on those hot summer days, creating a cooler area, reducing the heat, and allowing you to spend more time comfortably in what could potentially be your new favorite spot. 

Speaking of more time, adding some lighting can keep the summer fun going well into the evening. There are many string light, LED, and lantern options to create ambiance and keep the party on your porch or patio. Illuminating your outdoor area can help with a fun atmosphere, and lighting could also be added for additional safety features. 

Additional security lights can deter potential troublemakers and also provide light for you to run and take the trash out or let the dog out during early mornings or late evenings. Solar lights placed on stairs and walkways could save you from a health disaster, in addition to looking cool and providing ambiance. 

Some DIY Ideas to Consider

While awesome, the above ideas are a little more costly. If you're looking for more budget-friendly ways to transform your outdoor space this summer, consider one of the following:

• Create a Cozy Seating Area: Liven up a dull corner of your patio or porch with a cute, cozy seating area. You could repurpose old pallets or cinder blocks, topping them with cushions or throw pillows for extra comfort. Search a local online marketplace group, your Nextdoor app, or "Buy Nothing" Groups for free or inexpensive furniture that may need a good sanding and an extra coat of paint or wood finish.

• Vertical Gardens: If your budget is limited and so is your space, vertical gardens are another fantastic way to tackle both issues and add beauty and function to your outdoor space. Repurpose an old pallet or build a simple wooden frame to attach planter boxes or pots. You can plant herbs, flowers, and even small vegetables. This idea will increase your space's aesthetics and enhance some home-cooked meals with homegrown herbs and veggies. 

• DIY Pathways: If you want to enhance your space's visual appeal, add a do-it-yourself pathway from any materials. Instead of expensive brick or stone pavers, use pea gravel, crushed rock, mulch, or another budget-friendly alternative to create a natural pathway from your patio to a corner of the yard or garden. To define the borders, you can use unique edging materials or repurpose logs, seashells, and more. 

You can transform your outdoor space into a beautiful and inviting retreat without breaking the bank with a little ingenuity and some borrowed inspiration from Pinterest, social media, or a friend.

Additional Home Value

Whatever you decide, outdoor projects always add value. You can't go wrong with a well-planned project, be it monetary with increasing your equity or simply adding the value of more time enjoying your home for all it can be. If you need help finding the right contractor or professional to help your ideas come to fruition, feel free to contact our team. We have several contacts and experts in the greater Washington, D.C., area who would love to help you make your house more of a home this summer.