With the cold and gloomy winter weather upon us, who isn’t dreaming of warmer weather and sunshine? Almost universally, adding outdoor living spaces to your property will increase the value of the home while simultaneously increasing the enjoyment and entertainment value of the property. But how do you know which structure to choose? Grab a warm blanket and a cup of hot coffee and dream about how to make your backyard a cozy haven this spring by checking out the pros and cons of these spaces below: 

Patio- An outdoor space used for dining or recreation typically made of a paved surface.

PROS:

  1. Space to entertain- This is true of every one of the outdoor spaces mentioned. By adding this to your backyard, you make the space more desirable, more interesting, and most importantly, more fun for guests.
  2. Adds value to the home- this, too, is universally true of outdoor spaces and structures. A patio is universally desirable and by adding it to your home, you are sure to make your home more appealing for buyers. 
  3. Adds space to the home- right now, the backyard might have unused potential, but by adding a patio, you are adding usable space to gather. 
  4. Personalize the backyard- there are so many different style choices you can make. You can add plants, furniture, and decor that make this space your own. 5. Easy to maintain- no power washing or sealing required. 
  5. Aesthetically pleasing. Patios are beautiful, especially if using brick or tile. 7. Inexpensive compared to a deck. Decks are nice (read on to learn about the pros and cons of those), but a patio is cheaper and easier to maintain. There is no need to replace anything regularly. 
  6. Long lifespan. Patios last a long time if constructed properly. 
  7. No permits are needed. Unlike with a deck, you can essentially create the patio however you choose and it will be up to code. 

CONS: 

  1. Need a flat space. If your backyard is on a slope or a hill of some kind, a patio will prove difficult as it is built directly on the ground. 
  2. Requires excavation. Some digging is required. 
  3. Difficult to clean. Some cracks and crevices can be difficult to get to when cleaning it up. This can make the patio look old, outdated, or like an eye sore. 
  4. Susceptible to cracking under extreme temperatures. 
  5. Construction takes significant time. A patio can’t be built overnight.
  6. Must consider drainage. How will your patio handle significant rainfall?

Deck- A wooden platform above ground level and attached to the home.

PROS:

  1. More connected to the interior space. Usually an extension of the kitchen or living room, can make the home feel bigger automatically. 
  2. Can be built on any terrain. No flat land is required. 
  3. Better views. Since decks are often at least slightly raised, they can often offer better views than a patio or no outdoor structure at all. 
  4. Greater increase in property value. Adds value and space to the home immediately upon completion. 
  5. Takes up little yard space. Children and pets can still use that space to play and enjoy. 
  6. Because it is connected to the house, there are many options for shade such as an awning. 
  7. Enhanced architectural designs. The sky is the limit with what you can do with a deck-think multiple levels, seating, and perhaps even a staircase. 
  8. As decks are typically raised, there is the potential for usable storage space underneath 

CONS: 

  1. Cost. Can often be expensive for the parts (wood is pricey) and labor. 2. Requires ongoing maintenance such as staining and sealing. 
  2. Requires permit and inspection along the way. 
  3. Reduced accessibility since it is raised. Can be difficult for those with wheelchairs or difficulty walking. 
  4. Safety concerns. You will need railings and other structures that ensure safety is maintained. 
  5. Lack of privacy from neighbors. You may be more “on display” with a deck. 7. Weight restrictions. Must consider when purchasing furnishing. 

Outdoor Kitchen- A place outside the home to entertain and prepare and cook meals in the open air. 

PROS: 

  1. Increases the value of the home considerably. This is a luxury few homes have to offer. 
  2. No limit to design options without walls like inside the house. This kitchen can be anything you want it to be. 
  3. With an outdoor kitchen, you can cook without smelling up the house. 
  4. Reduction in utility bills. The oven makes it hot in the summer and the air conditioner works on overdrive. By cooking outside, you save this expenditure. 
  5. Entertainment value- friends and family will enjoy coming over and hanging out in this space. 
  6. An aesthetically pleasing and luxurious addition to your home. 

CONS

  1. Weather susceptible. Appliances especially would need to be protected from any weather conditions that may impact your home. 
  2. Risk of theft. It is important to lock valuables up or take them inside to ensure they do not get stolen. 
  3. Critters. Animals may enjoy the outdoor kitchen as much as you do. It is crucial to prevent animals from getting inside cabinets and storage places for sanitation purposes and remove any food product each night to ensure animals don’t think your kitchen is now their kitchen. 

Pool- An artificial collection of water that is either above ground or inground.

PROS 

  1. Entertainment value- who doesn’t love hanging out poolside in the hot summer months? 
  2. Exercise. A built-in way to stay in shape by doing water aerobics, swimming laps, or even diving. 
  3. A place to cool off in the heat. Summertime in Cincinnati can be brutal, sometimes reaching 100 degrees. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a space to relax and cool off right in your own backyard? 
  4. Lifestyle upgrade. A pool is a luxury and a focal point of the home.
  5. Private swimming. No need to endure the cons of a public pool such as hygiene concerns and overcrowding. 
  6. Adds significant value to the home (5-8%), depending on the buyer. If a buyer wants a pool, they will pay more to get it. 

CONS 

  1. Expensive and frequent maintenance- an average of 5-10 hours per week of work
  2. 2. Adds $500 to $800 in electricity cost per year to maintain 
  3. Repairs are pricey. $400 to replace a pump, $2,000 to replace the lining, and a minimum of $100 to replace a light bulb. 
  4. Home insurance goes up significantly. And a fence may be required, which is an additional expense to consider. 
  5. There are significant safety concerns. A child could easily drown for example. There are nearly 4,000 accidental drownings per year in the United States–that’s 11 per day. 
  6. Resale may prove difficult; it limits your potential buyer as some people see a pool as more trouble than it’s worth. 

Firepit- a pit dug into the ground or encased in a surrounding structure in which a fire is kept burning for cooking and/ or warmth. 

PROS 

  1. Entertainment value and ambiance 
  2. Property value increase 
  3. Warmth and coziness

CONS 

  1. Safety concerns- a fire can cause significant damage if proper etiquette is not maintained. 
  2. Maintenance- consistent routine maintenance is required. For example, it needs to be covered when it rains, regularly swept for dust and charcoal, power washed often, and metal needs to be treated to prevent rusting 

Gazebo- a freestanding roofed structure with open or screened walls enclosing a single area used for relaxation. 

PROS 

  1. Provides shade and comfort outdoors 
  2. Allows for privacy, as it has walls and a roof 
  3. Structurally sound and prepared for snow. Can maintain electricity in the coldest of temperatures 
  4. Adds value to the home and a place for relaxation. 

CONS 

  1. Costly. Depending on the material, gazebos can get expensive quickly.
  2. Difficult to do yourself. This is not a DIY project most can complete in a weekend.
  3. Confined to the indoor space since it has walls. 
  4. Requires work to keep clean (both interior and exterior needs to be scrubbed somewhat regularly)

Pergola- an outdoor garden feature forming a shaded walkway, passageway, or sitting area of vertical posts or pillars that usually support cross-beams and a sturdy open lattice 

PROS 

  1. Stylish and aesthetically pleasing. This amps up an outdoor space quickly and with flair. 
  2. The open concept allows for flexibility with design. 
  3. Option to decorate with plants 
  4. Easy to build yourself 
  5. Easy maintenance 
  6. Adds value to the home 

CONS 

  1. Impractical for harsh winter weather 
  2. Does not provide closed shade from the sun as the structure is open. 

No matter which structure (or maybe even more than one) appeals to you, reach out to New Leaf to get these added to your backyard this year. Have fun with family and friends and let New Leaf help you do it.

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