If you love spending time outdoors but rarely have the time to travel or go to the beach, the good news is you can create the perfect getaway right in your backyard! The ability to spend the hot summer days outdoors is the best reason for building a structure that you and your family will love. There are several ways to usher the summer in style and they include building pergolas, awnings, cabanas and shade sails among other structures. Your outdoor area can be the best living area in your home. Following are some tips that will help you when planning the perfect custom outdoor structures.
Think about different seasons
To get maximum use out of your structure, you have to think about weather protection. Remember that there are different seasons in the year and if you can use the structure during sunshine, wind or showers, you will get much more from it. It helps to remember that the weather at night can get chilly even during the summer months. When building with the weather in mind, it is important to choose weatherproof building materials. Make sure that your outdoor structure has a ceiling that provides rain protection as well as protection from extreme heat.
Choosing the best design
The best part about outdoor structures is that they come in a wide range of designs to suit any home. This means that your custom structure can come in any size, shape and color. Think about a structure that will complement your home and your landscape. There are different options to suit any budget whether you decide to use wood, PVC or canvas. If you want a structure that is flexible, you might consider using materials that are light and easy to move. A good designer should be able to work within your budget to come up with a structure that will suit your needs.
Permanent or temporary
When designing the outdoor structure, you need to decide whether to go permanent or temporary. This will depend on a number of factors including your budget, intended use and how long you plan to live in the home. Consider your current and long-term needs and remember that ultimately, the structure should add value to your property. A permanent structure might cost you more, but the fact is that you can end up with a beautiful outdoor space where you can entertain or simply enjoy spending time with the family. Look at several designs and choose a structure that works well with your home style.
Creating outdoor rooms
To get the most from the outdoor atmosphere, you should think about more than just a few deck chairs next to the pool or under the trees. Creating an enclosed all-weather outdoor room will be a much better option. By covering or enclosing part of your outdoor space, you can have a home extension that will give you the perfect “indoor-outdoor” feel. You can benefit from the protection of an enclosed room while getting the feeling of being outdoors. There are custom-made structures that come with roof louvres, fixed awnings, and outdoor walls that can be manually or automatically operated.
Providing some privacy
When designing the outdoor structure, privacy should be at the top of your mind. The last thing you need is idle neighbors spying on you when you are entertaining or trying to get some R&R! Creating privacy is especially important if your property is on a hill. Talk to the contractor about the best materials for enhancing privacy while still creating an attractive structure. A covered pergola can offer privacy while still letting in sufficient sunlight. Think about the best location for the structure when thinking about the privacy issue and remember that there may be some zoning regulations to consider.
Indoors & outdoor cohesion
When designing the outdoor structure, it is important to think about the best way to create cohesion between the home interior and the outdoors. There are structures that will help to visually extend your building’s architecture to blend into the outdoor space. By making the structure look as if it is a part of the home, you can create the best overall look for your property. Think about your home’s color scheme and the architectural details when designing the structure. A structure that blends in well with the home will help to increase the value of your property.
It is important to get the right scale when designing your outdoor structure. The builder should be able to come up with a structure that works perfectly when the amount of space you have in your backyard. Getting the right scale will also mean taking into consideration factors like the structure’s door and window height. The best structure should fit your individual needs whether you want something small or a large space where you can entertain guests. Your outdoor oasis can bring you great pleasure, not just during summer but all year round!