backyardvision.com

Outdoor Living Spaces for the Carolina Coast.

Header Right

You are here: Home / Archives for Jim Oliver

Jim Oliver

Concrete Pool Design – Hampstead, NC

by

If you are like most people you have trouble visualizing what your current backyard will look like after whatever project you have planned is completed. You might try your hand at drawing it out on a piece of paper or just staring for hours on end and let your imagination paint a picture in your mind.

At Backyard Vision we bring your imagination to life so that you can see what your backyard project will look like when it’s done. Our process gives you the chance to make changes before any work begins. Imagine realizing after installation that your brand new fire pit and patio would have worked much better on the other side of your yard away from your neighbors barking dog. Take all the guess work out of your new outdoor living space before any work has begun!

Below is an example of a recently completed project in Hampstead, NC. You’ll see before photos showing a blank canvas of a backyard with plenty of possibilities. Then you will see a rendering of our design, showing the client what they can expect their new backyard to look like. And finally photos of the completed project.

cantrell backyardconcrete pool 3-d designconcrete pool installedinground pool / fireplace

10 Benefits Of Owning An Outdoor Kitchen

by

Outdoor kitchens have become one  of the most popular home additions across the country over the last five years. The feeling of having a more upscale lifestyle while spending more time outdoors hits home with family’s of all ages.

Much in the same way that the traditional indoor kitchen is always the most popular room in the house, the outdoor kitchen has become the heart and centerpiece of the modern backyard. People are no longer satisfied with throwing a few burgers & ‘dogs on a stainless steel grill on a Sunday afternoon. Today they want to entertain guests outside in comfortable dining and cooking environments while grilling vegetables, smoking ribs and boiling lobster.

The outdoor living movement has homeowners turning their decks,  patios and other unused outdoor spaces into an extension of, and in some cases a duplication of the rooms inside their homes; making it easier and more enjoyable to spend more time outdoors.

With cooking and eating outdoors becoming a priority, outdoor kitchens are more and more in demand. In new home construction they are the most requested feature by prospective buyers. Lets take a look at ten benefits of owning an outdoor kitchen.

money in hand

1. Add Value To Your Home

Your ROI, also known as Return On Investment on adding an outdoor kitchen is quite significant. The National Association of Realtors has reported that outdoor entertainment areas in general increase the value of your home and that outdoor kitchens specifically increase your homes value by 26%.

2. Less Expensive Than House Additions

In the past when homeowners wanted or needed more space they would increase the size of their house by adding an addition in the form of a dormer or by finishing the basement. The average cost of a dormer is $50,000 and averages about $125 per sq. ft. Although the price will vary based on the scope of the project, outdoor living space additions average closer to $45 per sq. ft.

3. Increase Your Well Being

By spending more time outdoors you will increase your vitamin D levels, get more exercise and feel more relaxed.

eat healthy sign

4. Eat Healthier

By grilling your food outside you will eat less fat, meats will retain more nutrients, grilled vegetables are better for you and you will use less butter.

5. Flexible Cooking Styles

The options you have in setting up your outdoor kitchen provide you with several different styles of cooking outdoors. Besides the option of a charcoal grill,  gas grill or hybrid grill which lets you have both, you can also smoke your food, deep fry, boil or saute’.

6. Eat Home More, Eat Out Less

By having an outdoor kitchen in your backyard you will want to eat at home more resulting in saving money by not eating out as much. Think about what it costs to eat out for a family of four as opposed to eating at home.

7. Entertain Family & Friends

That birthday or graduation party you were dreading because your guests would all be crammed in the house has just become a more relaxed event without the pressure of cooking meals indoors. Family, friends and host are all relaxed and enjoying their time outdoors.

social dining

8. The Ultimate Social Space

Having an outdoor kitchen and an outdoor gathering space makes for the perfect chance for human connection. In these days when everybody is buried in their smart phones and laptops, one on one communication has decreased. Cooking and eating together outside creates the perfect social atmosphere for talking and relaxing.

9. Safe Haven For The Kids

When you have created this special space in your backyard where the kids know their parents are spending time outside on a nice summer evening, it encourages them to feel comfortable hanging out in the yard as opposed to running around the neighborhood. Technology has made it easier then ever to bring TV and music to the outdoors.

10. Make Use Of Unused Space… Tax Free!

One of the most obvious benefits of adding an outdoor kitchen and other outdoor living spaces is that you can make use of space you already own. So many backyards go unused because homeowners are not sure what to do with them.

Besides the heavy cost of adding an addition to your home, that space now will increase the amount of taxes you pay on your home. This is not so with outdoor living spaces. You can add kitchens, dining areas, living areas, pergolas, screened porches, water features & fire features all in space you already own without increasing your tax burden.

 

It’s your backyard…Use it. Live it. Love it!

Backyard Vision Logo

Concrete Pool Design & Construction: What You Need To Know

by

So you’re thinking about having an in-ground swimming pool installed in your backyard, You’ve got decisions to make but you’re not sure where to start. Let’s see if we can’t help you with that.

What Kind Of Pool Do You Want?

inground pool & fireplace

First, what kind of swimming pool do you want? Believe it or not, many people don’t realize their are three different kinds of swimming pools. If you grew up with a vinyl liner pool you might tend to gravitate towards that type of pool. Fiberglass pools are considered the new kid on the block and are very popular here in the Wilmington, NC area and through out the south. Transportation of the pool shells from manufacturers in southern states to homes up north makes them somewhat cost prohibitive.

The Magic of Concrete Pools!

pool design

For many people their is only one kind of  pool and that is a concrete pool, also referred to as gunite or shotcrete. Their is a difference between gunite & shotcrete which we will address in another post but they both fall under the umbrella of concrete pools. Because concrete pools can be built to any size and shape they present the greatest opportunity for a custom and unique finished product.

Concrete pools give a pool designer and homeowner the chance to be as extravagant or as subtle as they choose to be. From a beach entry to an infinity edge to a swim up bar to a custom waterfall  that flows over the entrance of a grotto decked out with TV, lighting and audio. Almost nothing is out of reach!

 

Design, Design, Design!

pool design

I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to have a detailed design and plan in place before any work begins. With every additional water feature and shape change water flow and filtration need to be considered and planned out. Pool lighting is sometimes an after thought but their are many options available and your pool lighting should compliment your landscape lighting to create a beautiful night time ambiance.

Pros:

• Custom Shape – The number one advantage of a concrete swimming pool is customization. A concrete pool can be designed and built to any size and shape, include any features you can think of and be built in and around any hardscape. If you have a unique property or backyard layout, a concrete pool can be designed to take advantage of that, where as a fiberglass pool that has been manufactured to a certain size and shape would not be an option.

• Access – Access to the pool site is another factor that will determine what kind of pool is best for a particular backyard. It is sometimes virtually impossible to get a 3,000 pound fiberglass pool over a house or through an area full of trees. In these cases a concrete pool or vinyl liner pool are the only options.

• Luxury – And sometimes it’s about pure luxury. You want a pool with a beach entry, an infinity edge, a tanning ledge, a swim up bar, a waterfall & grotto with a slide, and a spill over spa? They can all be incorporated into the design and construction of a concrete pool.

• Finish – Concrete swimming pools have several different options for the surface of the pool. Of course their is the basic white or colored plaster. But Pebble Tec, Pebble Sheen and Pebble Fina add shimmering sparkle both day and night to your pool water. There is also Quartz which comes in many different colors, lasts longer and feels better to the touch than plaster.

Cons:

• Maintenance – Concrete pools require more maintenance than either fiberglass or vinyl liner. More attention has to be paid to the water chemistry as you will want to keep a closer eye on calcium and PH levels than you would the other options.

• Salt Water – Concrete pools aren’t as friendly with salt water as fiberglass and vinyl as the salt will wear away at the pool surface. Surfacing your concrete pool with Pebble Tec or Quartz as opposed to white plaster will help immensely.

• Resurface – Just as a vinyl liner will need to be replaced in 10-15 years, your concrete pool will need to be resurfaced. Depending on what surface you choose and how diligent you are in keeping an eye on water chemistry, resurfacing can be held off past the 10 year mark.

The Crown Jewel

kings crown

Your backyard is your opportunity to build something that is exactly you. It won’t cost anything nearly as much as what you paid for your house to turn your backyard into something that is beautiful, entertaining, functional and be a source of pride for years to come.

A swimming pool is many times the crown jewel and centerpiece of your picture perfect backyard. You want to do it once and do it right so design, plan and construct with piece of mind. Not everything in your dream backyard needs to be done at once. Their is nothing wrong with adding a new piece or element each year. In fact it gives you time to live with it and get it just the way you want. But you need to start somewhere…start with a design.

It’s Your Backyard. Use It, Live It, Love It!

jim@backyardvision.com / 910-465-8472

cropped-HeaderDesignREVISED21.png

Save

The Backyard Fire Pit & The Oyster Roast. A Perfect Match!

by

More Than Just A Firepit!

Of course we know that we build fire pits in our backyard as a way to stay warm on a chilly fall or spring night. We sit around the fire with friends and family and talk and laugh and tell story’s. The kids roast marshmallows and Mom makes smores. A good time is had by all.

I had a fire pit in my last house and I built one in my current house as well. I’ve done all the things listed above and on a good night we’ll even break out a couple of guitars and it just doesn’t get any better.

But last week we took the backyard fire pit to a place I had never experienced before. It was my neighbor Nicole’s 50th birthday and we assumed we would all go out to a restaurant in downtown Wilmington and enjoy some local fare, but the birthday girl had something else in mind…an Oyster Roast.

roasting oysters

Fire, Food & Fun!

I had never hosted or for that matter been to an oyster roast before so I headed off to google to see what it was all about. I soon realized that besides the actual oysters the most important part of an oyster roast is a fire pit! How cool is this, we can have an oyster roast right in the backyard!

A little research uncovered that all I needed was some burlap, a piece of sheet metal, some shucking knives, hot sauce and some hungry oyster lovers. The fact that my neighbor Mark had an oyster shucking table made the whole experience perfect.

oysters under burlap

Time To Enjoy!

Once the fire was red hot we put the sheet metal across the fire pit, spread the oysters evenly across the top and covered them with the wet burlap. Fifteen minutes later we were having an oyster fest and it was one of the best times I have ever had around a fire pit!

Fire pits can be as simple or elaborate as you want. Contact us today to discuss a new custom fire pit for your backyard!

oyster table

Contact us at Backyard Vision today to get a free quote of your very own custom fire pit!

Email: jim@backyardvision.com / 910-465-8472

It’s Your Backyard…Use it, Live it, Love it!

Backyard Vision Logo

Outdoor Kitchens: Custom vs Prefab & What Do They Cost?

by

Outdoor Kitchens have become one the most requested features over the last five years when building a new home. In the next 10 years outdoor kitchens will become commonplace in newly built houses and are the most requested outdoor living space addition to existing homes today.

So, how much does it cost to build or buy an outdoor kitchen? What kind of outdoor kitchen should you get? Like any outdoor living space (or most anything else for that matter) there are many factors that determine what you choose and what it will cost.

What Are You’re Outdoor Kitchen Options?

boy with questions

There are several options when deciding on an outdoor kitchen. Should you hire a contractor to build a custom kitchen to ensure you get exactly what you want? Should you buy a prefab kitchen from a big box store or online company? Or should you buy a modular kitchen and build it yourself. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each of these options. For purposes today we will compare a standard 8′ long straight kitchen:

Option #1 – DIY Frame Kit Outdoor Kitchen

DIY Outdoor Kitchen

These are kitchens or grill islands that can be ordered online. They come shipped as modules, in this case one 4′ module and two 2′ modules plus an appliance package. The appliance package includes a 32″ grill, a 33′ double access door, a trash container and a paper towel holder. This kitchen will cost approximately $3,900.

The problem is you need to screw the modules together and install the appliances yourself, thus the DIY aspect. But wait, you’re not done. The package does not include the faux stone veneer needed to finish the outside of the kitchen or a counter top.

So after you assemble the cabinets, install the appliances and apply the stone veneer, you will need to contact a granite company to come and template, cut to size and install a granite, quartz or whatever style counter top you decide on.

At first this seems like an acceptable cost for a kitchen but besides the time this will take to build, you have the added expense of the stone veneer and counter top which could take you over the $6,000 mark.

Option #2 – Prefab Outdoor Kitchen

Prefab Outdoor Kitchen

Prefab outdoor kitchens like the one pictured above are sold in big box stores or online and come complete as shown, delivered to your curbside. It is up to you to get it into your backyard and at almost 1,000 pounds that can be a challenge and could require hiring a contractor with the proper equipment to move it.

This 7′ kitchen with a 4 burner 60,000 BTU grill, double access door, side burner and 4.6 cu. ft. fridge would go for a more than $5,000.

Option #3 – Traditional Custom Built Outdoor Kitchen

Standard Outdoor Kitchen

The traditional custom built outdoor kitchen is the most popular of all the kitchens because of the word custom. You can customize it to add any appliances, make it any size or shape, add any kind of counter top, add a sitting bar. Pretty much anything you can think of or afford.

This kitchen requires no work from the homeowner. It is built on site and takes about 2-3 weeks depending on the size. Like the modular kitchen, after the base or cabinet structure is completed you then have to make a template for the counter top and wait for it to be cut to size and installed. Only then is your kitchen complete.

The average cost for a kitchen this size is between $5,000 – $6,000 and like all outdoor kitchens that cost will vary depending on the size and quality of the grill and other appliances.

Option #4 – ClifRock Outdoor Kitchen

ClifRock Outdoor Kitchen

ClifRock outdoor kitchens are a concrete panel system where the base structure is built off site. It is then brought to the home owners yard and assembled on site including appliances and counter top in less than two days which makes for a very clean job site and a happy home owner who has a new kitchen in two days.

Another advantage is that you have the choice 4 different concrete exteriors, Random Rock, Ledge Stack, Dry Stack & Cliff Stone (as shown below) and an endless array of color schemes.

Random Rock PanelLedge Stack PanelDry Stack PanelCliff Stone

Pouring concrete panels are a very cost effective way of building outdoor kitchens and also gives the home owner the added option of having a matching concrete counter top which is less costly than granite, quartz or tile.  An 8′ kitchen w/ concrete counter top, grill, double access door, double drawer and trash drawer built in this manner usually costs out below $5,000 depending on choice of grill.

What Now?

Most outdoor kitchens can be customized to any shape and size and incorporate an endless amount of appliances from ice makers to TV’s. Declare your outdoor kitchen space by covering your kitchen with a pergola.

If you are thinking of adding an outdoor kitchen or other outdoor living spaces contact us for a free consultation & design.

It’s Your Backyard…Use it. Live it. Love it!

cropped-HeaderDesignREVISED21.png

 

 

 

 

 

5 Reasons Why You Should Install A Pool While Building Your House.

by

I often get asked this question by homeowners who are having a new home built,  “I know I want an in-ground pool, should I have it installed while my home is being built, or wait until after we move in?

The answer is easy. If at all possible have your swimming pool installed while your home is being built! I can think of 5 good reasons right off the top of my head to do this:

  1. Simple Financing.                                                                                                                                 Figuring out how to finance a new pool is the biggest obstacle most prospective pool owners face. Not many people have $25-$50,ooo laying around burning a whole in their pocket. To get an idea how much a fiberglass pool costs check out this article. The most common source of funds is a home equity loan. Including your new pool in your mortgage will save you the hassle of taking on another loan.
  2. Save Your Landscaping.                                                                                                                        During the time your home is being built your property is considered a construction site. Trucks and machinery in and out day after day. Having an in-ground pool installed is similar, but on a smaller scale. Your lawn will get dug up and your plants and shrubs could take a beating depending on where they are in proximity to your pool.                                                                                                  To have your pool installed while your yard is nothing but dirt makes perfect sense. Why wait until you might do damage to expensive landscaping?pool installed during house build
  3. Save Your Driveway.                                                                                                                             Just like your yard hasn’t been landscaped yet, your concrete driveway hasn’t been poured yet. The last thing you want to do is take a chance your brand new driveway cracks under the weight of a cement truck delivering concrete for your pool deck or a crane placing a fiberglass pool in the hole. Another benefit of installing during your build.fiberglass pool on crane
  4. Save On Electrician Costs.                                                                                                              There’s a reason the electrician’s are called in to run wiring during the house’s framing process, no drywall or ceilings to deal with makes there job easier. The same goes for the exterior, if the electrician knows a pool is going to be installed he can take steps to make sure that when it’s time to connect the pool equipment all the pieces are in place. finished fiberglass pool
  5. Move In And Start Swimming.                                                                                                          The best reason to install a pool during your home build is to know that when you move into your new home, your new pool will be there ready and waiting for you to enjoy! It doesn’t get any more exciting then that for you and your family!

Home Builder and Pool Builder Working as One

As long as your home builder and your pool builder are on the same page, building both house & pool at the same time should be a seamless process. In most cases the pool installation doesn’t start until about 2/3 of the way through the house build.

It should be timed so that all the exterior work on the house is finished except for the pouring of the driveway and landscaping. This way the pool builder can install the pool without interfering with the house builders schedule.

It’s Your Backyard…Use It, Live It, Love It!

 

Swimming Pool Fence: What You Need To Know.

by

If you are having a swimming pool installed in your backyard, by law you must have it fenced in. So what kind of fence should you put around your pool? You have a few different options so let’s take a look at what will work best for you and what you must do to make sure your pool fence is to code.

Let’s start by making sure your new pool fence is built to code:

  • The height of your pool fence must be at least 4 feet (48”) high.
  • If the horizontal rails on your fence are less than 45” apart the pickets must be 1 3/4” apart.
  • If the horizontal rails are more than 45” apart the pickets can be 4” apart.
  • The gate must swing away from the pool.
  • The gate must be self closing.
  • The latch must be self latching.

There are 3 main types of fence, ornamental aluminum, PVC and wood. Here are the pros and cons of each:

Ornamental Aluminum: Aluminum Pool Fence

Aluminum fences are very durable and require little to no maintenance. They are powder coated so they will never need to be painted. Because of the spacing of the pickets these fences are perfect for when you want an unobstructed view. On the down side an aluminum fence offers no privacy. So depending on your pool location and personal preference an aluminum fence may perfect for you or you may need to look at your other two options.

Aluminum Fence Cost

For an idea of what an aluminum pool fence will cost: a basic 54” x 6’ double rail fence panel can range between $65.00 to $105.00 per panel not including installation. They usually come in black but depending on the manufacturer you can find color options.

PVC Fence: PVC Pool Fence

A PVC (or vinyl) fence requires very little maintenance, depending on where you live it may require an occasional power washing. It is very durable and will look great for a very long time. It usually comes in white but it can be found in off white or sand colors also.

PVC Fence Cost

PVC fences are the perfect privacy fence and give a yard a bright clean look. The panels come in heights of 3’, 4’ and 6’. They come in many styles, plain, lattice top, scalloped, etc. The cost a of a 6’ x 8’ panel can range anywhere from $140.00 to $240.00 depending on the style and not including installation.

Wood Fence: Wood Pool Fence

Most everybody is familiar with wood fences. There are many size and style options and you can install a privacy fence or semi-private fence depending on style and preference. Wood fences look beautiful when first installed. The biggest downside being that it takes yearly maintenance to keep them looking great and lasting long.

Wood Fence Cost

Shortly after installation the fence will need to be sealed and stained with the process needing to be repeated yearly or at the very least every other year. The upside is that the wood fence is the least expensive of the three types of fence. A basic 6’ x 8’ pressure treated wood panel will average about $50.00 per panel not including installation.

Don’t Forget To Include A Fence In Your Budget!

As we mentioned above, if you are going to install a pool in your backyard, by law it must be closed off with a fence so when you are putting together your pool project budget make sure you include money for a fence. If you already have a fence you are one step closer to realizing your dream of owning a pool!

“It’s Your Backyard…Use It. Live it. Love it!”

What Is The Best Time Of Year To Install An In-ground Swimming Pool?

by

So when is the best time to install a pool?

Depending on who you ask, the answer to that question can be quite different. If you ask a pool contractor the most likely response will be “right now”. The reasoning being that prices will only go up, not down so now is as good as time as any. Not bad logic.

If your in the market for a pool the answer should be “when your ready” and when you can afford the pool you want. But there are other factors and for the purposes of this article the factor we are discussing is what the “best time of year” to install or shop for an in-ground swimming pool is. So lets take a look at each of the four seasons starting with the obvious.

outdoor living image

Summer:

June and July are the months when homeowners pick up the phone to inquire about having a pool built the most. This is unfortunate for everyone involved. The weather is hot so it makes sense, but the truth of the matter is any pool contractor worth his salt is booked solid at that time of the year. If you were able to find someone to build your pool three things would happen.

1. You would be paying top dollar.

2. The building process would be taking place during the hottest part of the summer and you will get very impatient because you want to swim.

3. And last your backyard will be in a state of dis-repair for the remainder of the summer.

fiberglass pool

Fall:

Fall is a good time to install a swimming pool. Summer is over so there is no rush to swim, thus no pressure on the pool builder to complete the project in record time. You might also get a price break at this time of year as the pool contractors workload starts to ease up. It is also the last chance to get the current years pricing as most pool manufacturers raise the price on fiberglass pool shells after the new year. And it gives you until next spring to get your yard back in shape.

 

swim FI 2

Winter:

If you are serious about installing a pool for the next swim season you should absolutely be thinking about your pool project starting in January. This is when you should be thinking about what size, shape and style of pool you want. This is when you should start shopping for a pool contractor. These things take time and should not be taken lightly as a swimming pool is a big investment.

This is when pool contractors schedules start filling up and you want to get on the calendar as early as possible. If you can get your pool installed by March or April it will give you time to get your landscape in shape by the time the weather and water temps scream “everybody in the pool!” To me, this is the best time of year to start your pool project.

landscape image

Spring:

Many people feel that if they start the pool buying process in the spring that they have plenty of time to have a pool installed and have a full swim season. In most cases this will work out and you can have a great summer. For me the official start of summer is Memorial Day weekend. That’s the first big party of the year and that’s when you want your pool in full working order.

So if you’re going to wait till spring make sure it’s early spring. Do your due diligence beforehand and get on the calendar as soon as you can. Then, all you need to do is kick back and enjoy the perfect summer!

It’s your backyard…Use it. Live it. Love it!

 

 

Screened In Porch Vs. Sun Room: Which Is Best For You?

by

If you are looking for some additional living space for your home, a screened in porch or a sunroom are a great place to look to expand. The two rooms are very different so you will need to really think through a few things before coming to a decision. For instance, what will you use it for? When will you use it? And how much do you want to spend? Let’s take a closer look at some of these questions you will need to ask your self.

What Will You Use It For?

As mentioned above either room will give you the additional living space you are looking for. The big difference between a screened in porch and a sunroom is how the walls are finished. A screened in porch is a roofed structure that uses mesh screen for walls.  The difference is that a screened in porch will let air pass through the room, giving you the feeling of being outdoors while keeping out the bugs.
A sunroom is a roofed structure that is glass enclosed. A sunroom is more like your living room with a better view. Because it is enclosed, this will most likely lead to adding some kind of air conditioning for the summer months and some form of heating for the winter months. At this point you might start asking yourself why you stopped using your living room in the first place? That leads to the next question you’ll want to ask your self.

When Will You Use It?

If the idea is to create extra living space and spend time outdoors, a screened in porch is what you are looking for. Here in coastal Carolina you will be able to take advantage of a screened in porch from mid March to mid November. Of course the beginning of spring and the end of fall will have chilly days and most nights will be too cold to stay outdoors comfortably but that is a pretty extended period of time to make use of your porch.
When people add a sunroom to their home it most likely is with the thought of using it year round. As mentioned before, to make that realistic you will have to add air conditioning and heat to stay comfortable. You can try to achieve the best of both worlds by making the glass interchangeable with screens and swap them in and out at different times of the year. Or you could have a four-track system installed when building the sunroom. This allows you to slide the windows up or down in different position depending on how much air you want to let in. This is a very nice feature but it comes with a price. Which leads us to our next question.

How Much Do You Want To Spend?

As to which option is less expensive, by virtue of labor and materials alone a sunroom will be the more expensive way to go. Because it’s more like a finished room you may want tile floors, the four-track system for the walls that I mentioned earlier and some kind of air conditioning/heat will most likely be needed. If it does become a heated space, depending on where you live it could be added to the square footage of your house and increase your taxes. For an example of cost a 16′ x 20′ sun room with three outlets and a ceiling fan could run you $30,000 or more depending on how it’s finished (floors, ceiling, walls).
A 16′ x 20′ wood or aluminum screened in porch with a wood or concrete floor, three outlets and a ceiling fan might cost as little as $8,000 – $12,000. You will not have to worry about heating or cooling because it is what it’s name says it is: a screened in porch. To be used only when the weather permits. Let your living room be your living room and let your porch be your porch. Enjoying time outdoors within the comfort of your own home shouldn’t have to cost a fortune.

Will It Add Value To Your Home?

From a real estate point of view the answer is yes, a sunroom or screened in porch will make your house more valuable than if you didn’t have one. Does that make it a financial slam-dunk? Not necessarily. If you spend $40,ooo on a sunroom it doesn’t mean you can add $40,000 to the price of your home when you sell. 50% or $20,000 is probably more realistic. Using the same formula for a screened in porch, a $10,000 porch might add $5,000 more to the selling price of your house. That might not seem like a good deal to you when your selling but when you consider what you would spend to build each of the two rooms the screened in porch becomes the better value.

Which Is Right For You?

As you can tell I’m partial to the screened in porch compared to the sunroom. But that’s me, I like the fact that the living room is inside the house and the porch is outside the house. It makes it a little more special when you can entertain friends outside on a warm summer night. Or not have to stay inside to watch football on a beautiful Sunday afternoon in October.  Although sunrooms are beautiful and serve a great purpose, a screened in porch is a better bargain from a financial standpoint and brings just as much enjoyment.  It simply comes down to your preference and your needs. Think about the questions I listed above, the answers will point you in the direction that suits your needs.
If we can help in any way don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions.

Backyard Vision – Wilmington, NC

www.backyardvision.com