The exterior of modern homes is much more than just a perfectly manicured lawn. Contemporary homes are finding innovative ways to create dynamic outdoor living spaces to help increase the functional square footage of the property and give homeowners a breath of fresh air and a change of scenery. Not all outdoor living spaces are created equal and poorly designed spaces are often more trouble than they are worth.
Here we are going to give you 5 pro tips on how to create a functional and stylish outdoor living space.
Make sure roof areas can handle the load
Rooftop terraces are a trend among homeowners looking to make the most of every square inch of outdoor space possible. They offer stunning views and a wonderful transition zone between indoors and out for entertaining.
However, before you lay down the roof floor tiles to complete the space, it is essential to test the roof and see what kind of load it can handle. Don’t build a roof deck on a roof whose rafters and beams are not in perfect condition.
Use Low-Profile Railings to Ensure Deck Views
A deck extension is one of the most value-added projects a homeowner can undertake, increasing the value of the home by 40-50% of the project costs for most applications.
However, the deck is expected to perform as expected. For example, buyers are not going to pay more for a home with a deck if it does not enhance the views and allow them to enjoy a change of scenery. Therefore, when building a deck look for barbed wire and other types of welded wire deck railing to secure the perimeter of the deck without inhibiting the views.
Choose the Right Materials for a Deck Project
Decking projects are very popular with do-it-yourselfers. Many types of products are available such as innovative fasteners for installing deck support boards and lock-in-place composite decking boards.
Be sure to choose the right type of materials for your project. Make sure they can withstand the amount of furniture and traffic you plan to use on your deck. If you want to install a natural cedar deck, make sure to treat it with the right kind of polyurethane to improve its moisture and fire resistance.
Incorporate some sun protection
Outdoor spaces will not be desirable if the inhabitants are left out in the sun. No one wants to spend hours outside sweating, squinting. There are several ways to add some shade to an outdoor space such as:
• Portable awnings and porch umbrellas
• Rustic porch roofs
• Decorative pergolas
Providing shade will make the area more attractive for people to hang out and additionally the right shading mechanisms can add some style and character that ties the aesthetics of the exterior together.
Minimize maintenance requirements
Unkempt exteriors not only diminish curb appeal, but are also very unattractive as gathering places.
For this reason, it is essential to consider adding as many low-maintenance features as possible to your exterior.