Home Additions That Will Increase Your House’s Outdoor Square Footage
Increasing the outside square footage of your house is an amazing method to make the most of the available space. As stated in a Forbes article, it is also one of the best ways to increase your property's value. A bedroom addition, a finished basement, or an attic can be ideal additions to increase square footage inside your home. However, what about the outdoor space?
Different home modifications can help you accomplish your goals, whether they be to increase the value, host visitors, or simply enjoy the outside. These improvements, which range from patios to pergolas, may greatly expand your outdoor living space and boost your quality of life.
The Appeal of Patios and Decks
When looking to expand their living space, patios and decks are two of the most popular outside improvements for homeowners. These characteristics offer a stable, flat surface for eating, relaxing, or entertaining.
Usually constructed on the ground, a patio is made of stone, concrete, or pavers. The endurance and general appearance of the patio might be affected by the material you select. The clean and contemporary appearance of concrete contrasts with the timeless and rustic allure of natural stone. The utility of your patio may be further improved by adding elements like built-in seating, fire pits, or outdoor kitchens.
Patio installations have constantly been increasing in the US. Data shows that the percentage of houses with patios increased marginally to a new high in the previous year. Of the approximately one million single-family houses that were started in 2022, 63.3% had patios. It is an increase from 63.0% in 2021 and a record-breaking seven years in a row.
If you want to build your dream patio in the backyard of your property, you can hire professionals. Backyard patio builders can help you select the right design, material, and installation for the best experience. You can get inspiration based on the patios previously built by professionals or share your dream idea with them. Either way, they can help you build a patio exactly how you want it to be.
According to Stefano's Landscaping, you should be very choosy when selecting backyard patio builders. Choose someone who shares your vision and has several years of experience. Moreover, the company should focus on enhancing your experience rather than just filling their pockets.
Decks are raised constructions composed of composite or wood materials. They function well with residences that need an elevated foundation or those constructed on uneven terrain. A deck may provide breathtaking views of the surroundings, particularly if your house is next to a body of water or on a hill.
While decks are a good investment, too, for increasing square footage, their installation has been declining. This has been concluded based on an analysis by NAHB of data from the HUD/Census Bureau Survey of Construction (SOC).
The data shows that from 2005 to 2018, decks were installed on well over 20% of single-family homes. In fact, the rate was as high as 27% in 2007 and 2008. However, from 2017, the percentage began to decline annually, hitting a low of 17.5% in 2021. The percentage slightly climbed to 17.7% in 2022.
Sunrooms and Screened-In Porches
A sunroom or screened-in porch is a terrific way to enjoy the outdoors while being shielded from the weather. Your living area is increased by these extensions, which also provide you year-round access to the outdoors. A sunroom can be a home office, reading nook, or eating space. Its capacity to offer outdoor vistas free from wind, rain, or bugs is what makes it so beautiful.
Sunrooms started gaining a little more traction since the pandemic lockdowns as people started spending more time at home. Therefore, people started investing in creating a relaxing space to enjoy. This led to a popularity boost for sunrooms during that time.
The advantage of screened-in porches is comparable, but they feel more airy. A screened-in porch's walls are composed of mesh, which lets in fresh air while keeping insects out. Enjoying balmy summer evenings in this area without having to worry about bugs or mosquitoes is perfect. A screened-in porch may become a comfortable haven for relaxing after a hard day by adding inviting furnishings and décor.
Pergolas and Gazebos for Versatile Outdoor Living
Structures like gazebos and pergolas may define your outdoor area while adding flair and shade. An open lattice ceiling is supported by vertical columns in a pergola.
It's frequently utilized to shade a sitting area, passageway, or pathway. Because of their adaptability, pergolas may be enhanced visually with outdoor curtains, string lights, or climbing plants. They can be freestanding buildings or fixed to your house to provide a break between your outdoor and interior living spaces.
As noted in an article by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), pergolas have become an essential part of new houses. They currently make up a sizable portion of the $1.3 billion industry for outdoor living structures. A property's increased aesthetic appeal combined with ease of installation makes a strong argument for pergolas.
A gazebo is a freestanding building with an open side and a solid roof. It's a terrific addition for outdoor eating or relaxation, providing greater shelter from the weather than a pergola. It is possible to add chairs, lights, and screens to gazebos to keep insects out. A gazebo may serve as a focal point and a peaceful place to unwind in your yard if placed in a picturesque area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a home addition?
You may increase the square footage of your house without having to worry about having to relocate by adding an extension. Your home's functionality may improve with the addition, and its resale value may even rise. Remodeling your deck, kitchen, or bathroom, for instance, can significantly raise the value of your house.
What is upsizing property?
Moving into a larger home than the one you now live in is referred to as "upsizing." greater room and comfort are the key advantages of upsizing, whether that means a multistory house or a larger garden. Upsizing, however, has advantages beyond more room.
What adds more value, a deck or patio?
While patios have been gaining momentum recently, decks are the ones that add more value to your house. Compared to wood decks (75.6%) and composite decks (69.1%), backyard patios yielded a ROI of 55.2%. To increase your equity, if you already have a back patio, think about adding a deck over the concrete.
Adding various extensions to your home increases its outside square footage, which improves your living space and adds to the property's value. Your usable space may be expanded with patios, decks, sunrooms, pergolas, etc. There are many options for enhancing and growing your outdoor living space with these house extensions.