As part of LoCAR's continuing effort to inform the general public of real estate issues, the following article was submitted to the Morning Journal, The Chronicle-Telegram and LorainCounty.com:
Outside temperatures are starting to be a littler warmer. And with that … thoughts of enjoying outside activities are increasing! Outdoor entertaining spaces aren't always equal when it comes to home value. Homes that get them right, though, have patios and backyards that blur inside and outside spaces.
And the best thing: These outdoor entertaining space ideas have been working for decades--and adapt to most any house today. Here are five reasons why they work.
#1 They Function Like Indoor Spaces
The more outdoor entertaining spaces mimic their indoor equivalents, the more functional they are. And you'll get more than sunshine and memories: an outdoor kitchen will add approximately 60% of its cost to the home’s value, according to Bob Vila. In warmer climates, where the kitchen can be used year-round, an outdoor kitchen could deliver a 100%-200% return on investment.
A couple of small ways to get more functionality in your outdoor space:
- Add built-in benches for seating.
- Hang a chandelier or pendant lights for functional lighting over a dining space.
#2 They Create Privacy Without Blocking Light
Precast-concrete geometric blocks protect privacy without blocking light or air in outdoor entertaining spaces. Plus, they're super affordable and durable.
Use them to screen a patio or carport, fence in your patio, or as a vertical element to make small yards feel larger. It's a small project with big impact.
#3 They Find Clever Ways to Provide Shade
Low, sloping roofs help transition from indoors to outdoors by casting shade and protection from the elements.
If extending the roof isn't an option for your home or budget, you can still make some shade. For example:
- Try a pergola planted with vines.
- Or a retractable awning, which keeps the sun off when you want it to and rolls back into place when you don't.
- Tons of affordable, ready-to-hang shades and sails are available, too.
#4 They Use Lots of Windows — and Big Ones
Large windows help merge inside and outside living. Even if you don't have the ultimate in window bling, you can increase the natural light in your home. Consider:
- Trading smaller windows and doors for big accordion, pocket, sliding, or swinging doors, or replacing a plain wall with a wall of glass doors.
- Adding a corner window, to create the effect of an atrium or courtyard.
#5 Take 'Entertaining Outdoors' Seriously
Though a sport court isn't exactly a high ROI project, being the fun house on the block certainly does a little something to a home's appeal.
And, after all, an outdoor entertaining space should do just that: Entertain.
If you are thinking about buying or selling a home, contact a REALTOR® today. Members of the Lorain County Association of REALTORS® care about the community in which they live, work and support. Lorain County offers a wide variety of housing choices.
Do your research and take advantage of the many housing opportunities right here in Lorain County. We are fortunate to live in a region with such vast offerings. From big to small, country to city... it's available in Lorain County! Our proximity to highway and freeway access provides great commute options both east and west! Contact your LoCAR REALTOR® member today.
The Lorain County Association of REALTORS® is an industry trade association representing licensed real estate sales agents in Lorain County who are members of the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) and the Ohio REALTORS® (OR). As members of NAR these licensed real estate agents have earned the REALTOR® designation and they pledge to protect the rights of homeownership and conduct their real estate business abiding by the NAR Code of Ethics.
The Lorain County Association of REALTORS® is one of more than 1,200 local boards and associations of REALTORS® nationwide that comprise the National Association of REALTORS®. The National Association of REALTORS®, “The Voice for Real Estate,” is America’s largest trade association, representing more than one million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.
REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark which may be used only by real estate professionals who are members of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribe to its strict Code of Ethics. Not all real estate sales agents are REALTORS®. All REALTORS® are members of NAR along with their State and Local Association.
