As the warm weather approaches, our thoughts pivot toward the great outdoors. We can finally bid farewell to cabin fever and steal a few pleasant moments in the fresh air. But does your home have an inviting outdoor spot where you can just kick back and unwind after a long, exhausting day? If not, now is the time to integrate an outdoor home extension to make your backyard (or any available outdoor space) a comfortable and relaxing area to enjoy the pleasant weather, recharge your tired self, and rejuvenate — all while boosting the value of your home!
Build A Sunroom
Whether you’re looking to add extra space for your growing family, or you want to enhance your home’s value, a sunroom is an affordable way to relish the coastal climate weather and provide your family room to grow. Being a worthwhile extension investment, it offers multiple other benefits, including:
Versatility: Entertaining guests, hosting a movie night, or doing your favourite activities, like painting or sewing — a sunroom has got you covered!
Extra living space: The added square footage can be used as an informal living space, a home office, or a guest room if furnished with multifunctional furniture.
Bug-free room: A sunroom means you don’t have to stress about disease-ridden mosquitoes and other insects preying on your family as you sip on a margarita and enjoy a summer evening sunset.
A private escape: A comfy hammock, plush throw pillows, and a unique end table adorned with cute accessories will allow your sunroom to act as a cosy nook and a peaceful escape.
Think of An Alfresco Extension
Credit: Louvre House
Extend the comfort of indoors to outdoors by including an alfresco area in your outdoor extension checklist. This entertainment area facilitates a seamless flow between the interior and the exterior, making sure you get to enjoy being outdoors all year round, regardless of hail, rain, or shine.
The best part is that you can decorate the place in any way you like. Add some daybeds, chimes, lounge chairs, plants, tables — you name it! It can serve as a dining area, chillout zone, kid’s play area or something completely different. It’s an area that really defines you while combing the best of indoors and outdoors.
Construct An Enclosed Outdoor Deck or Patio
Credit: Bank Rate
Looking to add square footage to your home without the high costs of a traditional home addition? Give a shot at an enclosed outdoor deck or patio! From hosting family gatherings to enjoying some 'me' time with a chunky knit and your favourite book, enclosed decks and patios make your home all the more welcoming and practical.
Although there are tons of ways to cocoon your patio and deck, the choice varies from home to home with the budget you’ve set and the feel and vibe you’re trying to create. Some common options you can choose from include glass walls, retractable screens, outdoor blinds, wooden privacy walls, clear vinyl siding, and PVC weather screens.
Add A Functional Outdoor Kitchen
If the space allows, an outdoor kitchen — sitting smartly on the veranda with the garden reserved as a space for guests to mingle — will be a great extension idea.
Apart from following smart & professional tips and tricks for a successful outdoor kitchen set-up, below is a list of a few essential elements you’ll need to look out for to put together an outdoor cooking facility for your home.
Built-in gas grill
Outdoor kitchen appliances, such as a refrigerator
Outdoor kitchen cabinets
Outdoor kitchen sink
Task lighting
Create An Outdoor Area For Morning Coffee
“People are moving towards creating outdoor living and dining spaces that carry the interior style to the exterior areas, using sustainable, beautiful, and lasting pieces,” suggests Susan Skornicka of Susan Skornicka Designs. So why not bring the coffee corner in your indoor kitchen to an outdoor spot?
Think of furniture made of natural material or sustainable materials. Pair this with cushions, plants, and eco-friendly place mats for a lovely corner where you can give yourself your daily dose of energy. Whichever theme and decor items you pick, just remember to incorporate sustainable features in the extension to keep it up to the latest trends set by environment-conscious homebuyers!
Add A Pool House Extension
Credit: The-e-list
Depending on your budget, a pool house can be a simple structure with only a shower, or you can level it up as a fully-fledged guest house with a bathroom, bedroom, and kitchen. Some people go beyond that by adding a hot tub or an outdoor fireplace for a more luxe touch.
This practical feature provides storage space for all swimming gear and pool maintenance tools, along with serving as a lookout for parents when kids are in the pool. What’s more, it can be used as a changing room to avoid wet floors inside the house or even as a home gym or kid’s play area for the season when you shut down your pool, which makes it an oh-so-worth-it home extension idea.
Conclusion
Though integrating an extension into your outdoor spaces might seem challenging, the result is definitely worth all the time, effort, and energy. After all, an outdoor extension will bring a dramatic spike in the value of your home and offer hours of outdoor enjoyment with family and friends!
Facing difficulty with making your outdoor space more liveable? Have a chat with one of our Architecture & Planning Gurus for tailored advice, professional tips, and expert suggestions.