Winter can feel like it goes on forever, particularly in the cooler parts of the country. Thankfully, we’re finally nearing the end of the chilly season. With spring and summer around the corner, now’s the perfect time to start getting your home ready for long days outside in the sun with family and friends.
Before you start building a deck with your bare hands – have a read of our summer reno wish list and get inspired.
When it’s 35 degrees outside and the sun is shining, there’s nothing quite like being able to step straight out of your lounge into a comfortable outdoor living area. To achieve that for yourself, and really enjoy the hot weather, improving your property’s indoor-outdoor flow should be your first priority.
Installing wide French doors that fully open your home to your outdoor area is a great start. Home Improvement Pages estimate that these could cost at least $1,500 to purchase, and even more to install. However, they could be what’s needed to get you using your outdoor area more often.
Alternatively, you could install a gas strut window and create a servery outside of your kitchen (these windows open straight up like a canteen and are cheaper than the bi-folding option). Install a small bench as well and you’ll open your kitchen up, making outdoor dining easier and more convenient come summer time.
If your outdoor area is a little unruly and uninviting, it could stop you from really enjoying it this summer. The best way to tame it and increase your usable space could be to install decking, however, unless you install it yourself this may be an expensive undertaking.
Home Improvement Pages estimates that for hardwood timber decking you’ll pay around $320/sqm, and more for decking with roofing or stairs. If that cost puts you off keep in mind that adding well-designed decking could double your living space and increase the value of your home. More importantly, it’ll help you enjoy a better, more relaxing summer!
If possible, try and use finishes on your deck that is similar to those used inside, as this will help improve the indoor-outdoor flow of your living areas.
If you’re not keen on doing extensive renovations for this summer, something simple like a firepit could be the key to adding interest to your backyard. When you install yours, check local fire codes first, and ensure that you use only experienced and registered builders. Make sure that it’s far enough away from your property and any bush, to avoid fires or accidents.
With well built seating surrounding it, your fireplace could become the centre of long nights outdoors with family and friends – adding that wow factor to your garden.
If you’re ready to take your garden to the next level, remember that the right renovations could improve more than just your summer. They could also increase your home’s value considerably, if they’re done right. To get the finance you need to do that, get in touch with a local mortgage broker that you trust, and get started.
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