Creating an inviting, comfortable outdoor living space is a top priority for many homeowners. Adding a covered outdoor living area maximizes relaxation and entertainment opportunities by protecting family and friends from the elements.
Umbrellas and awnings provide some protection, but nothing beats the comfort and convenience of a permanent structure designed specifically for your home and landscaping. Let’s look at four popular choices that make practical and aesthetically pleasing additions to almost any property.
Patio Covers
If you have an existing patio, adding a permanent patio cover protects you from sun and rain while enjoying the fresh air. With a solid roof, there are several enhancements you can consider adding to a patio space, including ceiling fans, lighting, and entertainment systems. Adding an outdoor kitchen is another option to consider with the addition of a solid patio cover.
Screen Rooms
A screen room is often the least expensive form of protected outdoor living space. They can be added to existing porches, decks, and patios or built as a completely new space. Screen rooms protect against insects, pollen, and yard debris. Screen rooms can’t be heated or cooled, and since only screens separate you from the outdoors, they can’t be used year-round.
Three-Season Rooms
A three-season room features expansive glass windows and doors to allow maximum natural light. Depending on your area and the local weather conditions, three-season rooms can often be enjoyed most of the year. Unlike four-season rooms, they are not engineered for heating or cooling, although many people do add ceiling fans to increase comfort.
Underdecking
The space under a deck is often unused and unappealing. The addition of an underdeck ceiling can reclaim that space and turn it into an attractive and comfortable living space. An underdeck room can function as a proper living space with the addition of lighting, ceiling fans, and other amenities. Homeowners often incorporate an underdeck room when adding or replacing a deck, but you can also have one added under an existing deck. A fully enclosed undecking system is perfect for entertaining, dining, hobbies, or a home office.
Why Outdoor Living Spaces Are So Important
Improved Health and Wellness – A comfortable outdoor space that allows you and your family to spend more time outdoors in the fresh air benefits everyone. Spending more time in nature is known to improve both mental and physical health for people of all ages.
Increased Home Value – A home with a functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor living space is more appealing to potential homebuyers. Even if you aren’t planning to sell soon, your home’s value will likely increase, and you’ll get to enjoy the benefits of a comfortable outdoor space in the meantime.
Additional Living Space – Outdoor spaces are more customizable than indoor ones because you can decide what function they serve. If you want another living room, you can build one in the form of an outdoor patio or underdecking system. You may decide that an outdoor kitchen under a patio cover is right for your family. Some people choose to use an outdoor living area as an exercise area or private yoga retreat.
Entertainment Space – With the cost of living rising, entertaining at home is an option many homeowners may want to take advantage of more than ever. Investing in an outdoor living area provides a great environment for birthday parties, family reunions, and other celebrations.
Designing Your Outdoor Space
Regardless of which type of outdoor living area you choose, it should be designed to fit your home’s architectural style and landscape. Modern outdoor living structures keep out bugs, pollen, debris, and rain, but they can do more. The addition of lighting, ceiling fans, privacy screens, and outdoor kitchens are options to consider when designing an outdoor living space for your lakefront property.
Choose RainTight for Your Lake of the Ozarks Project
RainTight has unique solutions that allow you to enjoy your existing deck, patio, or porch regardless of the weather. Our team has decades of experience designing and installing custom-made underdeck systems, screen rooms, and patio covers. We can create a custom design that increases the value of your home, blends seamlessly with your existing architecture, and provides years of enjoyment.
RainTight’s headquarters and manufacturing facility is located in O’Fallon, Missouri. Since 2007, we’ve served clients throughout the greater St. Louis metropolitan area. We are also pleased to serve clients in the Lake of the Ozarks region. Contact us online or call us at 636-242-5753 to discuss your needs and schedule a free consultation.