Patios, pergolas, porches, decks, and other outdoor structures can add amazing style and resale value to your home, notes the Keyrenter St. Louis West group. Most importantly, they allow you to enjoy your space throughout the year, such as by planning backyard barbeques or simply relaxing with a cold drink on a summer afternoon.
So much goes into deciding which of these options is perfect for your needs, including climate, function, and space limitations. Today, we’ll discuss your choices and what to consider when contacting a contractor to make your backyard bliss a reality.
Safety must always come first. In recent years, there have been dozens of tragic deck collapses, such as the one in which five people were injured in a construction accident in North Carolina. When deciding when to hire a contractor, look at their safety track record and read reviews.
Outdoor structures require regular maintenance, and a good contractor will be sure to explain all the care instructions for your new structure. They should also be willing to come out for deck maintenance or direct you to contractors who can assist you with things like checking structural integrity and replacing damaged materials.
Climate is a significant factor in choosing the right outdoor structure. Colder climates are better suited for enclosed structures, such as a four-season porch that is covered on all sides but can be opened during the summer. Because of the icy temperatures during the winter months, Pennsylvania homeowners might look for enclosed porches or covered patios with fireplaces.
Those in balmy climates, like Tennessee, have more options, as they can use their outdoor space all year round. These lucky shoppers can choose from decks, patios, pergolas, and porches. By partnering with a great deck builder, Tennessee homeowners can create a beautiful area to entertain guests or relax in comfort.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that Pennsylvanians can’t enjoy their outdoor spaces during the summer months while retreating to their cozy homes during the winter. With a little planning, any option may work well, but you’ll need a masterful deck or patio builder to help you come up with good choices.
Space is a critical consideration if you’re planning a backyard renovation by adding a new structure. For example, if you have a typical suburban lot of around 10,000 square feet, a large wraparound porch may simply not be an option; it would take up too much of your front yard. However, if you have a detached garage, you could easily fit a small patio in between your home and garage, carving out a perfect entertainment area.
You’ll also want to decide how much of your precious outdoor space should be reserved for greenery. If you’re not a big fan of gardening, adding a patio with some small container plants could make sense, especially as it would reduce lawn care. Those who love nurturing their favorite plants might choose a pergola or deck instead, as this means they can add hanging plants to the structure for a whimsical vertical garden.
Every type of outdoor structure has slightly different uses. For example, a pergola is typically rather small and can provide privacy if you cover it with an awning. This makes it a good option for those who want to relax in comfort but aren’t as interested in entertaining.
Porches provide safety and cover for more intimate gatherings. While we usually think of porches as being on the front of a home, they can also be placed at the back or beside a pool. If you regularly entertain small groups of people or want a comfortable place to enjoy the great outdoors, a porch would make a natural extension of your home.
Decks and patios are both great options if you like to entertain. A patio can be placed on a home of any size, and it provides an excellent space to host parties or even cook outside. Meanwhile, decks offer additional living space on the first or second story, letting parties naturally spill out of the home and into your beautifully manicured garden.
It’s important to note that decks do have a weight limit, unlike patios, meaning you need to be careful about how many people are on the structure at any one time. You will also need to provide regular maintenance for a deck to ensure that it won’t collapse due to rotten supports or corroded nails. A great contractor will consider how you intend to use the space and offer suggestions based on climate and square footage.
Whether you live in a colder area like Pennsylvania or a warmer area like Tennessee, you have many options for upgrading your outdoor space. Decks, porches, pergolas, and patios all have benefits, and the choice depends on how you’d like to use the space. By working with an experienced contractor, you can soon have a beautiful addition to your home that adds both retail value and style.
