This month in our feature segment we’re going to discuss the exterior living space of your home. In simple terms, the backyard is frequently the most overlooked living area of our home. We spend our money creating functional and designer inspired rooms within our home to showcase with friends and family, but now what about all the useable living space outdoors when the weather hits 30 degrees? Building custom features in your backyard not only brings your design expressions to the outdoors but also your friends and family along with it. Expanding the usability of your yard is like adding extra square footage to your home – more areas for entertaining, or quite simply, more areas for personal enjoyment in the summer mornings or evenings in the fresh air.
Pergola
Building a pergola in your backyard adds not only a unique design element but it also provides shade on a hot summer day. With options for displaying plants and draping fabrics over the rafters for example, a pergola provides endless possibilities in design and can really create a statement in any area your backyard. Pergolas are very popular due to their charm and definitive functionality for partial protection from the elements. For those with young children and others who cannot tolerate the direct heat from the sun, this is a wonderful addition to your existing deck, or as a standalone entertaining feature in another area of your yard. With a pergola you can use your backyard space more comfortably all summer long as it provides shade and a place to sit and enjoy the breeze.
Privacy Wall
We all love our neighbors, don’t we? Ok, we may have varying stories on that subject so let’s just say living in the city does not necessarily add the privacy that we want – especially when we would like to spend time outdoors in our own yard. For most homeowners the first step of their exterior space is the fence and then trees are added, but we all know that trees do not provide complete privacy. A Privacy wall is a great way to create privacy from the neighbours while adding an aesthetic feature. In fact we just completed a solid privacy wall that surrounds an outdoor pool spa. For those of you who have an outdoor hot tub, this is truly a great idea as it gives you the privacy most of us appreciate and the solid walls will keep the wind out too – brilliant! Of course there are semi-private walls that can be added to an existing deck at the neighboring side, or at a focal point in your yard tying into a pergola for example, and some materials used for those can consist of batu, cedar or pressure treated wood. Truly the sky is the limit on design and materials used but ultimately it will depend on your budget.
Sunroom
The addition of a sunroom on to your home creates the feel of an outdoor living space and provides the perk of being shielded from the elements as well as those pesky bugs. With consideration to our weather living in Calgary or Canada for that matter, a sunroom is a great solution to enjoy the sunshine all year round even in minus 25 degree weather. Depending on your personal preference your sunroom can be designed to suite your lifestyle. Some clients may want the ability to open up the sunroom in the summer months with glass retractable walls – I personally love that feature. While others may wish to have their sunroom fully enclosed with glass, or have a designated exterior door in the sunroom to access the deck. Either way a sunroom is a wonderful addition to your home for those who are sun enthusiasts and enjoy relaxing with a book or a coffee.
Custom Deck
A backyard solely consisting of grass and wide open space is perfect for a pick-up soccer game, but doesn’t inspire much excitement in terms of design or entertaining. A custom deck or addition to an existing standard sized deck, is a great way to create those options for more outdoor living area and of course, entertaining. With a custom deck you can choose a multi-level design for more of a dimensional feel with separate designated areas, customize an area around a hot tub, add built-in seating or planters, and much more.
Built-In Bar, BBQ, Firepit
Built-in bar and BBQ spaces in the backyard are relatively easy to build and it definitely creates a statement for those who enjoy barbequed meals and entertaining in the summer months. By adding gas heaters for cooler evenings and a firepit area (because everyone loves to sit around a fire), this area will certainly add a touch of luxury that will make you feel like you’re living at a resort all summer long. Additional areas for storage keeps this outdoor living space self-sufficient and a must have for those who enjoy the outdoors.
At TriLink Builders Ltd. we pride ourselves on our quality, design, customer service and workmanship. TriLink Builders specializes in Calgary home additions and exterior renovations so this summer when you are ready to embark on a new addition, custom exterior feature or yard project in decking, fencing or privacy walls contact us for your summer project today!
(403) 217-5916