Did you know that adding an outdoor kitchen to your home can increase your home value? On average, you can expect to see about a 70% return on investment for adding an outdoor kitchen.
Outdoor kitchens aren’t the only outdoor spaces that increase home value. If you are willing to invest some time and money into your outdoor space, you can increase home value, have a great place to invite friends, and create a space to relax after a long day.
Are you interested in building outdoor spaces? Keep reading to learn about 8 considerations you should make before upgrading your outdoor space!
1. Determine Your Budget
If you want to renovate your outdoor space, the first consideration you need to make is your outdoor living space budget. Your budget will help determine how much you are realistically able to do with your outdoor space.
It’s important to determine your budget before getting started to have clear expectations. If you don’t, you may overspend and regret your decision later.
If you have a high-end budget, you can install a swimming pool, hire a designer, and add beautiful Pergolas. Having a higher budget will allow you to completely redo your outdoor living space.
If you don’t have a large budget, you can add some outdoor seating, plants, and lighting. You can design your outdoor space in small steps over time. Even small renovations have a huge impact on home value and will allow you to enjoy your space.
2. How Do You Want to Use the Space?
Once you have determined your budget, you can decide how you want to use your outdoor space. Do you want to build an outdoor kitchen? Would you prefer to build a nice seating area in the middle of a flower garden?
There are different outdoor space ideas for everyone, so how you decide to use your outdoor space is up to you. Determine if you want a space to entertain guests, a space for kids to play, or just a peaceful spot to relax.
3. How Much Space Do You Have?
While it may be tempting to think big, remember that you only have a certain amount of space in backyards. How much of your outdoor space is actually available for you to design?
If you know how much space you are working with before you get started, it can help you avoid disappointment in the future. If you are thinking about installing an outdoor kitchen or adding furniture, you should take measurements before you make any purchases.
4. Do You Need a Permit?
Did you know that building an outdoor space may need special permits? If you hire outdoor space builders, they should take care of the permits for you.
If you plan on doing the renovations yourself, be sure to reach out to your city, county, and state to ask about permits. If you decide to build without getting the proper permits, your structures may need to be torn down.
5. Do You Need Utilities?
If your outdoor space requires utilities, it is best to figure that out before you start building your space. If you plan on making an outdoor kitchen, electric fireplace, a hot tub, or adding an outdoor television, you will need utilities.
To figure out where your utilities need to go, start by creating a rough design of your space. For example, if you want to add a wet bar, determine where you are going to place it and then install pipes for the water.
If you wait until your outdoor space is complete to add utilities, it will take longer and be more expensive.
6. Will Your Space Need Maintenance?
Before designing your outdoor space, you should determine how much maintenance you are willing to do. If you want to add outdoor furniture, you will need to bring the furniture inside during severe weather, but that is all you will have to do.
If you want to add a swimming pool, you will have to clean it and add chemicals regularly. Adding a garden will require weeding it and making sure your plants stay healthy.
7. Determine Your Style
The most fun part about creating an outdoor space is determining your style! If you want to create a cohesive look, you should try to match your outdoor space to the exterior of your home.
For example, if you have a beach-themed house, you can create a beach-themed outdoor space with seashells and different shades of blue. If you live in a rustic home, use wood, metal, and even old farming equipment to decorate your space.
If you are new to designing, try to stick to a neutral color pallet to ensure your space looks good. If you choose neutral furniture, you can always add small, colorful decor items to liven up the space.
8. Do You Need a Designer?
If you aren’t confident in your designing skills, you can hire a designer to design the outdoor space for you. This is a good idea if you are doing major renovations and have the budget to hire help.
A designer can ensure that everything in your outdoor space is cohesive. You also can hire professional landscapers to take care of the gardening for you. While this option won’t save you money, it will save you time.
Do You Plan on Building Outdoor Spaces?
Outdoor spaces are a great place to relax after a long day, entertain friends, and have a garden. If you are thinking about building outdoor spaces, be sure to keep these considerations in mind before you do.
Did you enjoy reading this article about outdoor space designs? If so, check out the home improvement category for more home renovation ideas!