Your Outdoors

Well-designed outdoor living spaces can be the most utilized areas of your home, especially when these spaces are built along paths used for entering and exiting the home. Surveys show that 87 percent of Americans list ‘spending more time outside’ as the most important reason for renovating their existing homes.

Here are tips to help you get the most from your investment in outdoor living space:

1. Determine the purpose of the space. Will the space be for relaxing, playing, dining, cooking, or a mix of these? And, how many people does this space need to accommodate?

2. Determine the amount of space? How much space do you have and how should it be laid out? Are there elements in place that you would like to keep and what would you like to change?

3. Start a wish list. Build a file of ideas, designs and products you like. Be sure to keep the style of your home in mind to ensure a smooth transition from your indoor space to the outside.

4. Go window shopping. Visit retail showrooms for outdoor products and go online and to look at products you are considering. Read manufacturer information and customer reviews.

5. Think from the ground up. Make sure the patio size is large enough to accommodate desired dining and seating areas.

6. Make a plan. You don't have to be an artist to sketch your vision for your outdoor living space. For example, position a fire feature as the focal point of the space and place cooking and eating areas for optimum function and comfort.

7. Hire a professional contractor.