Colorado is widely renowned for its outdoor activities, and it’s not hard to see why. With towering mountains, pristine rivers, and expansive plains, there’s no shortage of natural beauty to explore. From hiking up the foothills in Boulder to biking along the Poudre River Trail in Fort Collins, there are outdoor activities to suit every interest and fitness level.
And now that spring is finally here, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about how you can make the most of the great outdoors right in your own backyard. With our dry, moderate climate, Colorado is the ideal location for elevated outdoor living. Whether you’re dreaming of a spacious deck for lounging or an outdoor kitchen for entertaining, the options are endless. And best of all, outdoor remodels are a relatively hassle-free option for homeowners, as all of the mess stays outside.
In this blog, we’ll dive deep into some of our favorite outdoor living remodel options. From choosing the right materials to creating the perfect ambiance, we’ll cover everything you need to know to create your own outdoor oasis. So why wait? It’s time to start planning your next outdoor adventure today!
Decks + Patios
Are you looking for a way to upgrade your backyard? Whether you’re replacing an old deck or building a new patio, it can dramatically change the way you use your outdoor space. Not only does it add to the square footage of your usable home space, but it can also increase your home’s value. In fact, according to Remodeling Magazine, a well-built deck can offer you an impressive 43.35% return on your investment.
To make your outdoor space stand out, there are many different types of materials you can choose from. Wood is the most traditional and affordable option that has the biggest ROI. However, it may require frequent maintenance and replacement within a few years. If you’re looking for a long-lasting option, composite decking is a great choice. Although it’s pricier than wood, it’s durable and requires minimal maintenance. Plus, it can last for decades, providing you with peace of mind.
If an elevated deck is not an option, you can still create a stunning outdoor space with pavers. Pavers are a beautiful and sustainable option for your outdoor flooring needs. They come in a variety of styles and options to suit your personality and make your outdoor space truly unique.
So, whether you choose wood, composite, or pavers, a new deck or patio is a great investment that will provide you with years of enjoyment and a significant return on your investment.
Outdoor Kitchens
Becoming a popular choice for homeowners, expanding your usable kitchen space into your outdoor living is a perfect way to not only elevate your home but add needed entertainment space to your home. Offering more space for cooking, seating, prepping, and more, you can drastically change the use of an untapped area that guarantees a 55%-200% return on your investment!
One of our favorite go-to outdoor kitchen options is building out the ideal grilling kitchen. Mounting a gas or propane grill into a beautiful slab of granite, on top of a paver counter is the definition of living in style. Not to mention the ability to include under-counter refrigeration, built-in sinks, wood fired pizza oven, and more can round out your space so you don’t even have to run inside to grab something you may have forgotten.
Now that’s not to say that all of that doesn’t come at a cost. In most cases, you will need to run power lines or plumbing to a more remote area of your yard, which can come with a higher ticket cost. Understanding your needs vs. wants can help dictate what is feasible to stick within your budget. Our team of Northern Colorado construction experts can help ideate all of the options to help you feel confident in your outdoor remodel.
Pergolas
Picture it, you are sitting on your freshly built deck. The smell of wild sage is in the air. You have your beverage of choice in hand, but the direct sun is blinding your view of your thriving garden. Although great for a Vitamin D boost, adding extra shade into your outdoor space can help those who may not love basking in all the UV rays. For those, pergolas are the perfect solution.
Whether you prefer a traditional red cedar plank structure, a composite wood that can last for years, or a modern aluminum look, a pergola can be customized to fit your preferences. With its slatted roof, a pergola can provide both shade and the perfect environment for vining plants such as grapevines, honeysuckles, or wisteria. Each helps to create a cozy atmosphere that makes you feel like you are inside while still enjoying the outdoors.
Fire Pits
Living in Colorado not only gives us optimal seasons and temperatures, we also benefit from cooler nights, even during hotter summer days. With an average low temperature of 56°F in June, the use of a fire pit in your backyard remodel is a great, year-round option.
According to the Remodeling Impact Report built by the National Association of Realtors, including a fire pit in your remodel can help you recoup 78% of the cost when you are ready to sell. Depending on the materials you choose, and what type of fire pit (gas, wood, etc.), the cost may fluctuate, however, it is a small change that can make a pretty drastic difference.
Built-in Furniture
Dealing with inclement weather and having to move furniture inside can be a tiring and daunting task, especially if you have a lot of furniture. To avoid the need for heavy lifting, one way to maximize your space and make your life easier is to incorporate built-in furniture into your living areas. For instance, you can add bench seating to the banisters of your deck or build out paver benches to lounge on. These are great options that won’t break the bank.
Overall, building out your backyard is a great way to add space to your home without adding any extra space to your home. At Christie’s Design Build Remodeling of Northern Colorado, we can help you transform your home and improve your family’s lifestyle. Our team is here to assist with all your home remodeling needs. Contact us today and let us turn your dream into a reality!
