join the recent explosion in outdoor living

​With temperatures heating up, it’s safe to say we’re all in agreement that this beautiful weather should be enjoyed to the full extent.  If you don’t have an enticing outdoor living space though, you’ve got a bit of a problem!  

Outdoor living has recently seen an explosion in popularity.  Adding a deck is one of the most common remodeling projects today, and demand just keeps increasing.  It’s easy to understand why!  With new advances in outdoor technology, you can now bring the comfort, enjoyment and sounds from indoors to your outdoor living space.  If you’re like the majority of Americans who plan to make the most of their outdoor space for entertaining, a new deck has likely crossed your mind.  Here are some questions you can ask yourself to get started.
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​Deck or Patio?
    One of the first things you’ll want to decide on is exactly what kind of outdoor space you want.  A deck is a platform with decking boards.  Decks are ideal when you have a sloped yard but want a flat area for entertaining.  They’re also good for homes that have a basement or are high above the ground, because you can build them as high as you need.  Patios are on flat ground and are usually made of concrete, pavers, flagstone, wood, or similar hardscaping materials.  Building a patio on a sloped lot is more expensive and difficult, since you’ll have to build retaining walls to create a level surface.  If your door opens right at ground level, a patio is probably the right option for you.  Many people decide on the best of both worlds, and build a deck with steps that lead down to a patio.

What is the purpose of your outdoor living space?
    Most people want a deck or patio for many reasons, including eating, cooking, and entertaining.  The sky is the limit!  Just make sure you consider the purpose of your space so you can determine its size, safety measures, and traffic flow.  Do you host a lot of parties or have a lot of kids?  The last thing you want is to go through the entire process of planning and building your deck only to find out it’s too small to fit your needs.  Another thing you’ll want to consider is privacy.  If you don’t have natural barriers like trees or shrubs in between you and your neighbors, consider adding an arbor, pergola, latticework, or something else to lend a little privacy.

How will you access your outdoor living space?
    If you’ve already got a door that leads right outside to where you’re planning your deck, then you’re in good shape!  If you don’t already have an opening though, you’ll need to add one, which can drastically increase project costs depending on whether you need a door in a load-bearing wall or not.  Don’t forget that if your deck will be used for dining, it makes sense to have the opening as close to the kitchen as possible.  You don’t want to have to climb a ton of stairs just to go back inside for the barbecue sauce.  Convenience is key!

How will your outdoor living space look?
    Once you have an idea of what kind, size, and general shape your deck will be, it’s time to consider how it will look.  You don’t want to build a deck whose style completely clashes with that of your house!  The addition should either blend in or at least complement the style of your home.  If you’re having trouble finding a style that blends perfectly with your home, the trained professionals at Michael’s Homes can help make recommendations on deck style, materials, color, and more.

Other options to consider:

• Shade
• Type of materials (wood or composite?)
• Storage space under the deck
• Lighting (Consider ambient for lounging, task lighting for things like cooking/grilling, and safety lighting for stairs and railings.)

Why hire a professional?
    About 65% of decks are built by homeowners trying to save money, but these structures are often done without permits and can come back to bite you if you ever decide to sell!  A surprisingly large amount of work goes into building a what most people consider a simple square, flat, small patio.  It’s usually worth it to invest in a skilled professional like Michael’s Homes when building your outdoor living space simply because deck additions can recoup around 80 percent of their cost if you ever decide to sell your home.  Contact us today for a free estimate, so that you can begin to make your dream outdoor living space a reality!