Temperatures are climbing, flowers are blooming, and bees are buzzing through the garden. As it steadily gets warmer across Montgomery County, MD, homeowners everywhere are getting excited about enjoying their outdoor kitchens, decks, porches, screen porches, and sunrooms.
Ask yourself this question - could my outdoor space use an addition or a breath of fresh air? We would like to share with you the top remodeling trends we’re seeing for the great outdoors this year.
- Decks, porches, and sunrooms. Decks, screened-in porches and sunrooms are still very popular features for enjoying the outdoors. And while, yes, screening in an outdoor covered space does add a bit to the cost of the project, the return on investment (ROI) is huge when you calculate the number of mosquito bites you and your loved ones are saved from season after season. There are also many types of screens to consider - from the super thin, nearly invisible to the heavy gauge and flexible (great for those with kids and pets).
- Outdoor kitchens. A newer form of outdoor addition, but one that is seeing a steady rise in popularity, is outdoor kitchens. Ranging from a simple BBQ grill to fire-fueled ovens to full-feature kitchens, cooking outside has become a natural extension of entertaining and enjoying the great outdoors. Outdoor fireplaces or firepits are also a great addition for enjoyment year-round.
- Hardscaping. Another feature that is gaining in popularity is the hardscaped patio. These are appealing because they combine an attractive look with low maintenance upkeep. Some of the most popular choices include pavers or slate stone. These days, concrete can be formed to take the shape of brick, wood, or any other shape/design that you desire. A word of caution to the do-it-yourselfers (DIY’ers) out
there: it can be tempting to go it alone. However, if you do not prep for your hardscape properly, you could have issues over the years with invasive growth, settling ground, and more. It takes serious equipment to prep properly. This is one case where it really does pay to have a professional do the work.
- Accent lighting. Whether it’s path lighting, up-lighting, deck lighting, or stair lighting, there are limitless options and styles for every home and taste. But let us ask you a question: would you prefer your lighting to last for a couple of years or 20-30? Homeowners are sometimes tempted to go it alone and purchase one of the many DIY products offered by big box retailers and online sources like Amazon, with solar being one of the top choices. However, we want to caution you when going it alone. These lower-cost products typically do not last more than a couple of years before they break or wear out. Often, they are made of flimsy thin aluminum and/or steel, and are not very watertight. Would you rather spend more money upfront for solid products that will last two or three decades, or, would you rather purchase and install cheaper products every couple of years (and ultimately spend more money in the long run)?
Game-Changing New Technology Products
We are also seeing some exciting new exterior products and technologies. One of the biggest game-changers is the wireless speaker. Sonos, for example, has brought sound control within a reasonable price point for people to enjoy music in-home and outdoors with easy control from an app. Whether in-ceiling or in-wall, by zone or throughout the home (and backyard), smart sound systems such as Sonos offer never-before-heard flexibility to play different music sources for your family and guests.
As a dealer for Sonos, as well as other amazing home automation product manufacturers, our experts are here to help you see what is possible. We can help you plan everything from audio/video, smart shades, and lighting control to security and video surveillance.
Pergolas, meanwhile, are also changing the game outdoors. These shade structures come in a variety of styles and sizes, but they share the same primary purpose: to protect homeowners from the harsh elements. Pergolas often appeal to customers who do not want a full-fledged deck or porch but still desire outdoor protection. The latest models even come with manual or electronically controlled louvers to provide shade control. New retractable Pergola walls can add sun, wind, and even cold weather protection with the press of a button on a controller. Our preferred product is MagnaTrack.
Curious as to how to get started with your outdoor remodel? The first step is to look for a true design-build partner that can help you realize your outdoor space dreams. House to Home Solutions can help answer questions you might have and provide guidance on the best choices. Check out our website or give us a call at 301-762-6621.