The Value of Outdoor Living Spaces

In the middle of the summer heat wave, when it’s too hot to even think of going outside, you may think that adding a patio or deck to your home will be a waste of money.  While some outdoor features may not add much return on investment (ROI), patios and decks certainly do, especially if they’re done well.

ROI of Patios and Decks

According to Lake Martin Dock Company, the ROI for a new deck or patio can return between 80% and 100% of your investment. A composite deck can deliver an additional 6% to your ROI over a standard wood deck that requires frequent staining, and the material can also be used on railings, balusters, post caps, built-in seating, planters, and more. ExtraSpace.com says a new patio can cost as much as $5,300 but will return over 80% ROI. To refinish or repair an existing patio, $1,400 can return an ROI of nearly 500%.  A new deck or patio can address safety issues such as weak structural supports, worn and outdated materials, and other hazards. Updating an old deck or patio can also improve its versatility to host larger gatherings or to enjoy more activities.

Costs and Considerations

Calculating ROI on any outdoor living project is challenging because of the grade of materials, design complexity, upgrades, what structure you choose to build, and how easy or difficult it is for contractors to access your backyard, according to Kelly Masonry. You can count on building costs to begin at $25,000 for a small basic outdoor living space that may include a patio, pergola, and a fire pit. The average outdoor living spaces are more extensive and can consist of a terrace with a pergola or a deck, a fireplace, and a cooking area for around $45,000. High-end features can include a patio, deck, hardscaping, a fully-equipped outdoor kitchen, and so on, beginning at $96,000. Some numerous fine touches and innovations can make the outdoor living space even more enjoyable, including OLED TVs, smokeless fireplaces, appliances like pizza ovens, hot tubs, and much more.

Enhancing Usability and Comfort

In addition to all the things you can buy and install, ROI improves when you solve fundamental problems such as flying insects, glare from the sun due to poor orientation, and weather that’s too hot or too cold so you can use your deck or patio any time of the day and any time of the year. Installing insect-repellent systems, retractable screens, heat lamps, cooling misters, and louvered patio and pergola covers help you enjoy the fresh air year-round. Even something as simple as a ceiling fan can help you feel cooler, and it disrupts the air, making it harder for insects to navigate.

Professional Assistance and Remodeling Needs

Getting the proportions correct regarding the scale of the home and backyard and knowing where to allow light or shade may require professional assistance, especially if you need to plant trees or plan your patio or deck to leave enough room for a play area, among many other reasons. You may live in a home with a patio or deck that came with the house, but it may need remodeling. Your neighbors’ homes may have been replaced by McMansions, so you no longer feel you have privacy in your yard.  You may want more time with family and friends to enjoy the outdoors. You may need more space to entertain a large family or friends. These are among the many reasons people spend money on outdoor living. Don’t worry that outdoor features aren’t included in the square footage of your home. Homebuyers will see the value of having extended living space that’s practical and beautiful because outdoor living spaces have become increasingly important to homeowners and homebuyers.

Trends in Outdoor Living Spaces

In 2014, the American Institute of Architects noted the burgeoning popularity of outdoor living spaces in a survey that said they are clients’ most requested unique rooms. Ten years later, outdoor living spaces continue to evolve, according to a study by OregonState.edu, “reflecting a blend of aesthetic appeal, functionality, and environmental consciousness.” Among the trends noted in the study were:

• Bringing indoor comfort that continues outdoors. The outdoor living space mirrors the indoors in comfort, style, and practicality to extend the home outdoors.
• Personalized spaces with special design elements such as custom landscaping and outdoor art to enhance the appeal of the outdoor space. These can include murals, bronze sculptures, and water features. Homeowners also want individualized outdoor spaces such as yoga decks or outdoor cinemas.
• An emphasis on privacy and seclusion includes privacy walls, vertical gardens, and strategically placed sitting areas to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
• Sustainability in design by incorporating native plants, eco-friendly materials for furnishings and decking, and solar-powered lighting. To be eco-friendly, homeowners want quality materials that stand the test of time. They also look for intelligent technologies to conserve water and electricity and promote security with systems that can be accessed with a button or a voice command.
• An edible garden allows homeowners to grow herbs, vegetables, and fruit. This trend, along with increased outdoor cooking, elevates home dining.
• After planning and installing state-of-the-art amenities, homeowners want their outdoor living spaces to be usable year-round. Hence, fire pits, outdoor heaters, hot weather misters, and structures such as pergolas and gazebos are popular.

Importance of Lighting and Technology

MensJournal.com notes that landscape lighting is essential to enjoying the beauty and security of your outdoor living space. The combination of uplights and downlights is the most popular among homeowners. Instead of only lighting the home, landscape lighting extends illumination to walkways, stairs, garden features, and trees. Nearly all homeowners who install smart cameras and sensors want to manage their use with a mobile phone or tablet.

Health Benefits and Lifestyle Focus

Outdoor living spaces are no longer an afterthought but a lifestyle focus. Fresh air, sunshine, and the gentle sound of swaying leafy tree branches provide a nice change from devices with screens and the demands of living. WebMD lists the many health benefits of being outside, including boosting your creativity and problem-solving abilities. Being in nature can reduce cortisol (stress) levels and muscle tension, lower heart rates and blood pressure, and increase your vitamin D level, which strengthens your bones, blood cells, and immune system. Getting outdoors can also improve your sleep patterns.

As outdoor living spaces evolve, improving our backyards can be a whole new way to enjoy the outdoors and have more peace of mind.