Many people focus on maintaining their homes rather than their backyards. Whilst they may enjoy a modern or colonial-style interior design, their outdoor living space may be anything from a blank canvas to a total mess. Our backyards should be a place where we can relax and enjoy the fresh air on a nice summer day.
It may be that you are currently seeking ways to improve your outdoor area, whether this is in terms of functionality, appearance, or both. If you’re looking for some ideas, this article discusses 6 useful additions that could make all the difference to your backyard.
Garage
This would add value to your property and it could be used for cars or storage, or even as an extra room (e.g. playroom, guest room, or somewhere devoted to your hobbies and interests). To add garage space to your yard you will need a garage door opener, concrete garage slab foundation, and an outdoor power source for your lights and tools, etc.
For some more inspiration, you could check out Pinterest or Instagram (#garages), or some of the specialist company websites. If you want a prefab garage you can view custom-built garages and workshop garages, as well as financing options and questions and answers. Whether you want a modern garage, dutch colonial garage, or monitor barn there will be examples you can view and consider.
Shed
This could be ideal for storage and it would provide you with an outside space that’s covered and protected from the elements. All of your yard equipment could be stored neatly in one place instead of being spread all over the lawn. This would help your tools last longer and reduce the time spent looking for them. You could even build a simple shed yourself if you have some construction skills.
There are many different types of sheds that you could buy or make, and here are some examples:
- A standard shed that has two doors at either end for easy access
- An L shaped shed provides more storage space as it would have double the floor area
- A gable style shed which allows more light in, because it’s designed with an opening above each door
- A corner building that would only have one side open. This would mean less chance of anyone breaking in easily.
Patio Area
A patio area can be used to host family gatherings or barbecues with friends after work. They are especially great during the summer and you could hold large parties on the weekends. The options are virtually endless when planning an outdoor event that’s based around having access to a grill area. Don’t forget about including extras (e.g. comfortable seating, heaters, music speakers, and lighting) into your design if needed.
Fire pits are typically located in patio areas, and they also make for a very attractive design feature in your backyard. Once again this is an excellent feature for hosting larger gatherings or simply enjoying time with family and friends at night when there’s no sunlight left.
Awning
This is a good investment because it will protect you from the elements and provide shade for your outdoor living space. It can keep both yourself, family members, and pets safe in the heat of summer. A lot of people like using their awnings as another place where they relax outside, either by themselves or with friends and family. It’s always nice to have somewhere comfy to sit while you’re enjoying nature, especially when this area has been designed around your personal preferences.
Awnings can be easily installed onto your home, patio, or anywhere else in your backyard. They can provide great protection from the rain, and be chosen to fit in with the exterior design of your home. There are many different types of awnings available these days, ranging from ones made out of natural materials such as wood and fabric to more modern awnings that consist of a steel frame and a polyester or PVC material.
For those who prefer a more dynamic outdoor living space, fully retractable awnings offer the versatility of sun when you want it and shade when you need it. This adaptability makes them perfect for hosting events in the backyard, as they can be adjusted according to the weather conditions or the event’s needs.
Swimming Pool
This offers a multitude of benefits to any home, including year-round use. It has also been shown that swimming in water at the right temperature may help provide relief from ailments such as arthritis and rheumatism. A swimming pool can improve your health while providing you with hours of relaxation and fun in the sun.
If you are interested in adding one to your backyard it is recommended to first consult an outdoor living company about the costs and upkeep before you decide. In terms of maintenance, here are some things you need to consider:
- Cleaning chemicals
- Cleaning skimmer and pump basket
- Winterizing swimming pools, which may include draining water to a certain level or removing the pool cover. It’s highly recommended that you let an expert handle this process so it gets done correctly
- Cleaning the swimming pool filter
- Cleaning the swimming pool tile and coping
Having a swimming pool is like buying a pet: there will be lots of responsibilities and things you’ll need to stay on top of – including the water chemistry, filtration systems, safety equipment, etc. so that you can get the maximum benefit from your purchase.
Different Sections
This means allocating different areas of your backyard for different purposes. A children’s play area could be any shape, but it would benefit from having some kind of overhead protection from the sun and rain. Besides adding things like swings or slides, you might also want something for the kids to sit on while playing. Even though children love running around, they do get tired and appreciate somewhere they can briefly sit and rest.
You could also consider adding a herb garden or secret garden, somewhere to grow fruit and vegetables, or a place for a hammock.
No doubt something has been of interest to you in this article, and you’ll be wanting to make some further research of your own. By upgrading your backyard you may be increasing your property value, making it look better, and providing an outdoor space that all the family will enjoy.
