How to Make the Most of Your Investment in Outdoor Living Space

How to Make the Most of Your Investment in Outdoor Living Space Choose a Foundation to Suit Your Style Does a porch add value to the home? A 10 x 12 foot deck will probably set you back anywhere from $500 to $1,000 if you do the work yourself MSN real estate says "Outdoor living spaces can increase your home's appeal at a lower cost than an additional room" A wood deck could recoup 72.8% at resale This is a higher return in investment than for a Having a space to enjoy nature comfortably is always an asset no matter the price bathroom or kitchen remodeling Make the Best Use of Your Space FURNITURE GROUND COVER retailers now offer outdoor furniture with the posh style of traditional indoor furniture choose a practical foundation like installing stones or pavers LIGHTING FIRE ELEMENT a fire pit can keep the outdoor room warm and cozy during chilly weather best choices are hurricane lamps, lanterns and string lights to add ambiance LANDSCAPING choose potted plants for the area's color scheme to define the outdoor room and create living boundaries Work with a Reputable Contractor YOUR AVAILABLE TIME THE FINISHED LOOK if your job has you working for 50 hours a week, that doesn't leave much time for you to work on your project retailers now offer outdoor furniture with the posh style of traditional indoor furniture TOOL INVENTORY CONSIDER A PARTIAL D.I.Y. if you don't have the right tools, your project can easily end up costing more than hiring the contractor chances are you can complete most of the work yourself but you need a professional for the technical or intricate work DON'T SCRIMP ON PERMITS AND INSPECTIONS one of the advantages of hiring the professionals is that they will ensure you get all the necessary permits and inspections Look into Low Maintenance Materials NATURAL WOOD MANMADE DECK MATERIAL The main reason why people The main reason why people choose composite of manmade deck materials is for low maintenance required choose wood is for the initial cost savings Accessorize Fit Your Style IMPORTANT DESIGN ELEMENTS FOR OUTDOOR LIVING Incorporating nature Acoustics/sounds, Lighting Comfort conversion Contemplative spaces Entertaining amenities Art display Accessibility by all Natural textiles, materials, patterns and colors Outdoor living environments contribute to your wellness often defined as physical fitness, exercise, diet and nutrition References: www.toledoblade.com/Homes www.realtytimes.com/rtpages/20110324_porch.htm www.angieslist.com/articles/decks-wood-or-composite.htm voices.yahoo.com/create-outdoor-living-space-relaxing-entertaining-8594497.html AUSTRALIANOUTDOORLIVING NET homes.yahoo.com/news/diy-vs-hiring-contractor-home-improvement-171600484.html