DIY Outdoor Living Space Ideas, Tips, & Upkeep
Posted by Justin Havre on Tuesday, August 8th, 2017 at 12:56pm.
Whether you've just moved into a new home or you've been in your current place for years, you may be thinking about doing something different with your yard or other outdoor area. One of the options worth considering is to create an outdoor living space, so you can spend more time outside and really be comfortable. Some people like to barbecue, and others might want to swim, sunbathe, garden, have a fire pit, or just enjoy sitting outdoors on cool evenings, during warm days, or even when the whether is unsettled. There are a lot of different choices to consider.
What Can You Do With Your Space?
Depending on the size of your space and the actual layout of what you already have, there may be a lot you can do. Even small spaces have options, too, if you know how to configure things for a location that isn't very big. You may be surprised what you can make work if you put your mind to what you want for an outdoor living space. You may also want to stay open to unique ways of doing things, just to keep your options open. Before you decide what you're doing to do with your outdoor living space, consider the following questions.
- What type of outdoor living do you value most?
- How big is the space you'll be using?
- What kind of budget do you have?
- Do you already own some of the things you'll need?
- Is there any type of special plumbing or other needs required?
Once you've answered these questions, you'll be much more ready to proceed with the creation of your outdoor living space. You'll have a better idea of what you really want, and you're better prepared to focus on what you need to do to make it happen. This can also tell you whether you should do it yourself or hire someone else to help you with a few of the details, such as safely running plumbing or electrical to the project. While you can use DIY options for most things, it's still important to make sure that any code or building permit requirements are met.
Maintenance Matters
You'll need to maintain and care for your outdoor living space, so you want to keep that in mind when you plan create it. Even if it looks beautiful when it's completed, you won't enjoy it as much if you have to spend hours caring for it and maintaining it every week or even every month. Instead, choose simple landscaping that works well, so you can just enjoy it and not need to perform a lot of maintenance. For example, you can choose a fire pit that runs on propane instead of one that requires wood. You can also choose fabrics that are easy to clean, along with products that won't rust. The less maintenance that needs to be performed, the better, so that you and any future buyers can just appreciate and use the new outdoor living space.
Don't Forget...
There are plenty of things to think about when you're creating your outdoor living space, and the more you consider them all, the better off you'll be in the long run. For example, if you plan to sell your home within the next few years, making an elaborate outdoor living area in your East Calgary home may not be cost effective. Additionally, you may also want to think about the colors you're using, the fabrics you choose, and any finishes or surfaces you select. Some things are simply more durable than others, and choosing outdoor finishing that lasts should generally be a priority.
Also keep in mind that a DIY project can quickly become more difficult than originally expected when you start making changes or you decide to do something more complicated than your original plan. Don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it. Doing so might make your project a little more expensive, but it could also save you a lot of problems and future expenses, which is worth it in the long run. Overall, this is a project that you can complete on your own or mostly on your own, and you can save big by doing so.