Looking to add more usable living space without building an expensive addition?
Outdoor living spaces might be one of the easiest ways to increase functional square footage. They add value to your property, attract more buyers, and create usable spaces that you can enjoy year-round.
Plus…
They don’t have to break the bank or take months of construction. Building the right outdoor living spaces turns wasted yard space into functional areas that home buyers love.
Here’s how to choose spaces that will wow buyers and increase your home’s value…
What’s on the agenda:
- Why Outdoor Living Space Equals Square Footage
- 4 Best Outdoor Living Spaces To Build
- Outdoor Living Spaces’ Effect On Home Value
- Tips For Maximizing Usable Square Footage
Why Outdoor Living Space Equals Square Footage
You can think of outdoor living spaces as rooms without ceilings.
Outdoor kitchens, decks, patios, and entertainment areas are exactly like the rooms in your home. People eat, cook, relax, and spend time in these areas daily. The difference is you can create these outdoor rooms for way less than it costs to build interior square footage.
Here’s the thing.
Whether someone is looking to make a cash offer for house sale tomorrow or plans on selling your house someday… outdoor living spaces are expected today. If you have usable outdoor areas that are designed well, you’ll stand out amongst other houses on the market.
Outdoor living spaces have such an impact on buyers that according to a Fixr survey, 98% of real estate experts agreed that having a usable outdoor living space is important to home value.
98%. Yes, you read that correctly.
If you asked 100 real estate experts what they thought about outdoor upgrades… 98 of them would say it’s a great idea.
More usable space = more value. More value = better offers.
It’s really that simple.
The 4 Best Outdoor Living Spaces To Build
While any finished outdoor area can help, some projects are better than others.
Below are the outdoor living spaces that pay off biggest.
Patios & Decks
Patios and decks are arguably the most important additions to your outdoor living area. They set boundaries and create spaces that feel like natural expansions of your home.
They’re great because…
Patios and decks give buyers an immediate idea of extra living space. Outdoor decks and patios become back door dining rooms, lounges, and entertainment spaces.
The best part? They work for pretty much every home in every climate. Whether you build a small patio area or an oversized deck, this added square footage is usable and heavily desired by buyers.
Installations can range from simple, poured concrete patios to large deck areas with pergolas and roofing. Both offer fantastic return on your investment and attract a wide range of buyers.
Outdoor Kitchens
When done correctly, outdoor kitchens are one of the most impactful outdoor living spaces. They turn your backyard into an entire second area to entertain with grill stations, countertops, sinks, and storage.
Don’t go overboard.
Outdoor kitchens can be tricky. You don’t want to turn your backyard into an apartment-sized kitchen.
Stick with grill stations, mini-fridges, small sinks, and countertops. Look for high-quality materials and appliances that can stand up to the outdoor elements.
These features are a huge hit in warmer climates. That means any homes in the southern half of the United States can benefit from building an outdoor kitchen.
Covered Living Areas
Covered patios, pergolas, and pavilions are your best bet for maximizing outdoor square footage. The ability to block rain and sunlight turns your outdoor space into an area that can be enjoyed regardless of mother nature.
Essentially, adding a covering to any patio or outdoor area instantly builds you a new room. Covered outdoor areas are one of the number one requested features in recent years.
Fire Features
Fire pits and outdoor fireplaces do wonders for your outdoor entertainment area. These features extend your patio or outdoor area’s usable season well into cool evenings.
Everyone can sit and hang out outside when there’s fire. Not only does it create ambiance, but fire features are another affordable way to add function and style to your yard.
Outdoor fire pits are the type of amenities buyers remember. If you’ve been thinking about building one, now is the perfect time.
How Outdoor Living Spaces Affect Home Value
The numbers here are staggering.
According to the NAR, exterior upgrades return 100% of the estimated cost when it comes time to sell. Higher than any other home renovation.
Here’s how other projects stack up:
- Patios – Increase property value by 8-12% and recoup costs easily
- Decks – Expect about a 75% recovery of what you spend
- Outdoor kitchens – Return between 100-200% in southern climates
- Fire Features – Cost recovery of around 78% on average
What do all of these numbers have in common?
Returns. Outdoor living spaces provide fantastic ROI and show no signs of slowing down.
For homeowners planning to sell in the next few years or hoping for the highest possible cash offer for house on the market… outdoor living spaces can net the offers you’re looking for.
Maximizing Usable Square Footage
To create outdoor spaces that add square footage to your home, you have to intentionally design the area.
Slapping a grill in the yard and calling it an outdoor kitchen doesn’t count. Having dead space with no purpose doesn’t count either. Buyers can spot unfinished outdoor areas from a mile away.
If it’s not put together and serves a function, most buyers won’t consider it an outdoor living space.
Here are a few tips to ensure you maximize your outdoor potential:
- Create separate zones for cooking, dining, lounging, etc.
- Use quality outdoor lighting so your areas can be used at night
- Opt for weather resistant materials when possible
- Create flow between your indoors and outdoor rooms
- Declutter! Empty patios and yards feel bigger
You’ll know you’ve created an outdoor living space when it feels like an extension of your home. Like your outdoor spaces were always meant to be there.
The Moral of the Story
Outdoor living spaces are one of the easiest ways to create usable square footage. Not only will you increase your property value today, but you’ll also attract more motivated buyers.
Any outdoor patio living space should include:
- A Deck, Patio, or Covered Area
- Some type of Dining Space or Kitchen Area
- Intentions of design
Don’t overlook your backyard when looking to add value and square footage. You’d be surprised what a few DIY projects can do for your home.
