ListingLife
NOV 2009All Decked Out: Planning a New Outdoor Space
By Lynn Coulter
One glance at the Niemans’ beautiful landscape tells the story. This Douglasville, Georgia, family enjoys being outdoors and says they consider their yard an extension of their comfortable suburban home.
That’s why the Niemans decided to add an outside living space when they needed more room. Their 24-by-22-foot deck is a space to host parties and cookouts, socialize with friends or to simply sit and read.
The Niemans fit in with a trend happening across the country, according to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) in Des Plaines, Illinois. Its members say homeowners are coming to them with requests for this type of remodeling project more and more. U.S. Census Bureau numbers back that trend up: Homeowners spent more than $40 billion in outdoor living improvements in 2003.
Every family’s needs are unique. NARI recommends considering how you use your indoor dining, entertaining and kitchen spaces. Do you want your outdoor space to be used in a similar way or differently?
Then investigate some of these custom options that might fit into your life:
- An outdoor stereo system
- A whirlpool tub
- Energy-efficient solar lighting
- Gas outdoor heating
- Appliances—from grills to specially designed outdoor refrigerators
- New trees, shrubs, or flowers for landscaping
Be sure to find out if you need a building permit, or permission from your homeowners association or zoning board, before you begin construction.
