If there’s one thing that almost every homeowner is looking for these days, it’s outdoor living space. But before you begin investing in your own outdoor living areas, make sure you have a calculated plan of attack.
Set a Budget
The first step is to set your budget. There’s a big difference between spending $10,000 on some basic upgrades and paying $45,000 for a dream backyard with a swimming pool and immaculate landscaping. There’s nothing wrong with either option, but you need a crystal-clear budget before moving forward.
Thankfully, it’s possible to get some round numbers online if you know where to do your research. Spend some time poking around to figure out the rough cost of different materials, labor in your area, etc. You’ll also need to tack on unforeseen expenses and other costs.
Choosing the Right Contractor
The success of your project (and budget) hinges on the contractor you choose. Be smart and do your due diligence here. You’ll find dozens of options in your area, but not everyone is worth working with.
Here are a few suggestions for finding the right fit:
- Research potential contractors: Look for contractors who specialize in outdoor living additions and read reviews online to get an idea of their quality and customer service.
- Get referrals: Ask friends and family who they have used and if they were pleased with the outcome. You can also ask people if they have names they would not recommend. If the same names come up multiple times – either positively or negatively – this is pretty good evidence of the contractor’s reliability.
- Ask for quotes: Ask at least three contractors for quotes to compare prices and services to find the best value. If you ask for any less than this, it’s difficult to get a true feel for what the going rate is in the industry.
- Look for experience: Check their portfolio for examples of similar projects they have completed and ask them questions about their experience and expertise.
- Assess communication: Ask about their communication style and how they will keep you informed throughout the project. (Note: If the contractor’s communication is poor before you become a client, it’ll be even worse once you’ve forked over money.)
- Verify qualifications: Make sure the contractor is licensed, insured, and bonded to protect your investment. While it might seem uncomfortable, always ask for proof. A good contractor should be able to show you their licenses and/or provide numbers that you can use to verify that they are who they say they are.
Think Through the Details
Spend some time considering the details. For example, let’s say you really want an outdoor kitchen with a covered patio where you can entertain and watch live sports. Dig deeper and think about things like:
- What kind of appliances do you want in your outdoor kitchen?
- Do you want the outdoor kitchen to be separate from the covered patio?
- How many people do you want to be capable of entertaining at once?
- Which areas of the property get morning sun versus evening sun?
Again, a skilled contractor will be able to guide you through the process of asking and answering the right questions. However, the sooner you start thinking about the details, the more successful (and on budget) your project will be.
Prioritize Daily Use
Be careful not to design your outdoor living space 100 percent around entertaining. Because if you love to entertain, you’re probably only going to use it for this purpose maybe two or three days per month. All the rest of the time, it’ll be for your family’s personal use.
When planning and designing your outdoor living areas, prioritize daily use first. This is where you’re going to get the most enjoyment out of the space. Do what makes sense for your family, then makes light tweaks to account for the random entertaining days throughout the year.
Adding it All Up
A good outdoor living space can change the entire look, feel, and value of your home. However, before you dive in head first, take some time to come up with a plan. A proactive approach will serve you well in the long run!