Outdoor living not only provides additional living space for your family, but it can also add significant value to your home.  Many homeowners think about remodeling the interior of the home first, but the reality is so many prospective home buyers are looking for unique outdoor living areas in their next home.  Below are a number of things you should consider as you look to expand your home’s living space while improving the overall value.

Rethink your deck

They typical deck on many homes nowadays are just that – typical.  An old charcoal grill sitting on a eight foot by eight foot deck isn’t that inviting to your family and friend.  When you start thinking about ways to improve the outside of your home, start with your deck.  Decks should be built to enjoy and to last.  The right design and style should blend with your home.  From wood to glass and steel, to contemporary or rustic, your deck can be built with a variety of design tastes.

Screen porch

A screened-in porch is an excellent way to bring the indoors out.  Often time’s homeowners think that home décor has to stop on the inside of the home.  However a screened-in porch allows you to use the same type of furniture and layout in your outdoor space.  If you are considering adding outdoor space, first think about improving your existing deck then consider screening in all or part of that deck for added value.

Think efficiency

Energy efficiency is the name of the game for many prospective home buyers.  These prospects want to know just how energy efficient the home is they are considering purchasing.  Energy efficient windows and exterior doors can not only add appeal to your home visually, but they can also boost the overall energy efficiency of the home.

When it comes to your outdoor living space, think creatively and don’t limit yourself to what you think can’t be done.  Talk to an exterior remodeling contractor and look for deck photos or other outdoor photo ideas.  Doing so will help you get a better sense of what has been done and what can be done for your home.

Author Bio

Robby Monk works with Exovations, an award-winning home improvement and remodeling contractor that specializes in home siding, windows and decks to name a few.