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.
According to
LakeMartindock.com, 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 and 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 A new deck or patio can address existing safety issues such as weak structural supports, worn and outdated materials, and other hazards.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.
Calculating ROI on any outdoor living project is challenging because of the grade of materials, complexity of the design, upgrades, what structure you choose to build and how easy or difficult it is for contractors to access your backyard, according to
KellyMasonryMainline.com. 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. Average outdoor living spaces are larger and can include a patio with a pergola or a deck, fire place, and a cooking area at around $45,000. High-end features can include a patio, deck, hardscaping, a fully-equipped outdoor kitchen, and so on, beginning at $96,000. There are also numerous fine touches and
innovations that can make the outdoor living space even more enjoyable, including OLED TVs, smokeless fireplaces, appliances like pizza ovens, hot tubs, and much more.
In addition to all the things you can buy and install, ROI improves when you solve basic 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 and cooling misters, louvered patio and pergola covers all 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.
Getting the proportions correct in regard to 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 that already has a patio or deck that came with the house, but it may be in need of 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 outdoors. You may need more space to entertain a large family or friends. These are among the many reasons to 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.
In 2014, the
American Institute of Architects noted the burgeoning popularity of outdoor living spaces in a survey that said they are the most requested special rooms by clients. 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 that of the indoors in comfort, style, and practicality to extend the home outdoors.
- Personalized spaces with unique 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 that include privacy walls, vertical gardens, and strategically-placed sitting areas to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
- Sustainability in design by incorporating such things as native plants, eco-friendly materials for furnishings and decking, and solar-powered lighting. To be truly eco-friendly, homeowners want quality materials that will stand the test of time. Smart technologies to conserve water and electricity and to promote security with systems that can be accessed with the touch of a button or a voice command.
- An edible garden that allows homeowners to grow their own herbs, vegetables, and fruit. This trend goes hand-in-hand with the increase in outdoor cooking to elevate home dining.
- After planning and installing state-of-the-art outdoor amenities, homeowners want their outdoor living spaces to be usable year-round, hence the popularity of fire pits, outdoor heaters and hot weather misters, as well as structures such as pergolas and gazebos.
MensJournal.com notes that landscape lighting is essential to enjoying the beauty and security of your outdoor living space, and the most popular among homeowners is a combination of uplights and downlights. 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.
Outdoor living spaces are no longer an afterthought, but are now 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.
UCDavis.edu maintains that time outdoors can
boost your creativity and problem-solving abilities. Being in nature can reduce cortisol (stress) levels, 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, we can look at improving our back yards as a whole new way to enjoy the outdoors and have more peace of mind.
