Home Owners Expand Their Nests Outdoors, Increase Home Values

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(Free-Press-Release.com) June 28, 2010 -- In a home owners market that has rocketed up and down in a decade, one aspect has been consistent: an appreciation for outdoor living spaces.

Whether new or remodeling, families are investing in living rooms that extend into three- or all-season sunrooms. Backyards are sculpted into entertainment areas with pergolas, patios and firepits. Screened porches and multi-level decks increase opportunities to relax with a morning cup of tea or evening glass of wine.

Area builder and remodeler Cindy Hammer of Hammer Builders, LLC, sees numerous outdoor living trends among local home owners.

“We are doing more and more additions and improvements to outdoor living spaces, particularly three-season rooms, screened rooms, gazebos and pergolas. Families are extending their living spaces and creating an oasis for themselves right at home,” Hammer says.

It’s consistent with home owners everywhere. The American Society of Landscape Architects survey of members found that in 2010, the most popular trend was the broad category of outdoor seating areas, at 95.6 percent. Nearly as popular are spaces designed for grills (94.4 percent) and entertainment spaces with firepits or fireplaces (94 percent).

In a nod toward current economic conditions, outdoor kitchens are less upscale and more efficient; decks are made with composite material. Rather than hand-placed pavers, patio make-overs use concrete stamping to achieve a customized look. Decorative columns add character to plain porches.

The reasons vary why families invest in outdoor living, Hammer says. “It’s easy to look at market conditions. Many people are opting to stay where they are and make improvements on their homes, rather than sell and build a new one.”

Another reason is personal interest. Backyard gardeners and grill cooks want spaces to enjoy their hobbies. Parents trying to carve out family time appreciate a three-season sunroom or a small splash pool as places to unwind together. Home owners also want convenience.

“When they’re creating an outdoor living space, people will invest in projects that are maintenance-free and very affordable while adding significant value to the property,” Hammer says. “Plus, home owners want these projects done quickly and efficiently without much disruption to their daily lives.”

The bonus in investing in outdoor living is the increased resale value of the home. According to Remodeling Magazine, sellers in southern Wisconsin who added a sunroom not only increased their lifestyle, they recouped 43.4 percent of their investment. Sellers who added a deck made of composite materials recouped 62 percent. A wood deck had an even higher return on investment, at 71.8 percent. The survey from Remodeling Magazine also showed a southern Wisconsin quirk: opposite of national trends, sellers here tended to recoup more by adding decks than remodeling bathrooms. A bathroom remodel recouped about 60 percent of the investment.

“Remodeling a home to add a sunroom or outdoor cooking space can be elaborate or environmentally green or simple, whatever the property owner desires. It’s a great investment in themselves,” Hammer says.