On the Gulf Coast, we’re treated to some of the best weather in the entire country. It only makes sense that homeowners want to take advantage of that sunshine with a beautiful outdoor living space.
Whether you’re adding a patio, deck, or breezeway, there are elements to consider during the design phase that can minimize humidity, maximize space, and add some serious value to your home. Here’s how to make the most of your outdoor home addition.
Choosing Your Outdoor Living Space
Before diving into the design process, consider what you want to use your outdoor space for. Do you want a covered outdoor kitchen outfitted with a grill and wood-burning pizza oven? Or are you looking for a deck with long couches where you can relax with friends and family?
No matter why you’re building your outdoor space, you’ll be adding value to your home with the addition. Patios can add 8-10% value to your home, giving the project an impressive ROI of 80%. Decks and covered outdoor spaces also offer healthy returns, with ROIs of 60% and 50% respectively.
How to Design the Perfect Outdoor Living Space
While a deck or breezeway may seem like a straightforward project, it’s not quite as simple as it seems. Many factors have to be taken into account to build a respite that is comfortable, stable, and long-lasting.
Because of this, it’s often best to work with a professional construction company to help you design the optimal backyard oasis.
Factors to Consider for a Stunning Outdoor Living Space
Local Regulations
One of the first steps of designing your ideal outdoor addition is checking your local bylaws. Do you need to submit any permits prior to the construction? Is the tree you want to cut down a protected species? For instance, in certain municipalities around Texas, live oaks over a certain diameter are protected and require submitting a permit to request removal.
Looking into these regulations prior to starting your design could save you a lot of time, headaches, and fines.
Heat
On the Gulf Coast, our summers can be sweltering. To avoid a suffocatingly hot space, make sure the professional you hire conducts a thorough analysis of your backyard. They should assess things like:
- Which areas of your yard receive the most direct sunlight
- The types and color of the building materials
- Wind flow
These aspects will also affect how you lay out your furniture in your outdoor living space. For example, west-facing areas are best for tables, as you can enjoy the evening light without sitting in the direct sun during peak daylight hours.
You can also direct wind flow by strategically planting windbreaks in your yard. These trees or shrubs can naturally redirect the wind to hit your new deck or breezeway to offer a much-welcomed breeze.
Drainage
You may never have had any drainage issues in your yard. However, a patio, deck, or breezeway can change the entire terrain of your backyard. If drainage isn’t properly considered, you could run into all kinds of issues, including:
- Puddles forming on and around your deck — which could lead to wood rot
- Standing water creating a breeding ground for mosquitos
- Chronically damp areas developing mold and mildew
- Nearby ground staying wet and soggy, affecting the growth of plants and grass
An experienced builder should carry out a thorough drainage check. From this, they can factor in drainage paths and grading solutions.
Lighting
A single flood light doesn’t quite give off the ambiance most of us are trying to achieve in a relaxing outdoor space. Instead, consider installing a combination of lighting. This could look like a wall sconce to provide light by your grill (so you can see what color your steak is). Then, by your seating, you can have subtle post cap lights to add just enough glow for a cozy environment.
Work with an Experienced Backyard Builder
At Clint Tucker Homes, our team has helped Gulf Coast homeowners transform their homes — inside and out. We know how to customize a deck, patio, or breezeway to perfectly complement your backyard while creating the ultimate hang-out spot. Contact us today to learn how we can help you create your dream backyard oasis.