Outdoor Living Rooms: Construction Tips for Homeowners

Outdoor living rooms and kitchens are very popular with homeowners. A proper outdoor living space makes it easier to spend time relaxing and enjoying time outside. They also help sell a home faster and possibly for more money. If you're a homeowner trying to decide how to construct an outdoor living space on your property, here's what you need to know.

Install Power

Nearly any outdoor living space needs power to be installed in order to be functional. Many homes have at least some power going to their yard, but if the outlet is not in the proper location, one must be installed near the outdoor living area. Without an outlet, watching television, installing lighting and installing a heater is difficult or impossible. An electrical outlet needs to be installed by a qualified electrician. Homeowners who try to install their own electrical outlet could do the work incorrectly, which could lead to a fire.

Cover and Heat the Area

The area needs to be heated and covered to ensure that it's functional even in chilly or wet weather. Covering the area can be done with a porch enclosure system or wooden awning, similar to a pergola. There are a variety of different outdoor heating devices that can help you keep an outdoor living space warm. Patio heaters are intended for outdoor use, but must be installed by someone who knows what they're doing, to ensure that they do not pose a safety risk.

Address Beauty as Well as Functionality

Outdoor living spaces need greenery, attractive furniture and good decor in order to be a place where people will want to spend time. Homeowners can either decorate their outdoor living space themselves, or work with a professional consultant to make their living space as attractive as possible.

Pick a Good Contractor

Perhaps more than anything else, it's important to pick a good contractor when trying to construct an outdoor living area. A good contractor will know how to construct a sturdy roof or deck, and how it must be built in order to follow local codes.

When choosing a good contractor, the homeowner should ask to see pictures of the contractor's previous work. It's also important to contact a contractor's references. Good questions to ask references include:

• When did you work with this contractor?
• Would you re-hire this contractor?
• Were you happy with the finished product?
• Would you recommend this contractor to others?
• Did you experience problems on the job?

If you're a Westridge homeowner thinking about installing an outdoor living area on your property sometime soon, start researching professionals in your area. Know when not to DIY your home improvement project. Working with an expert will help ensure that your home upgrade will not create problems that could prevent you from selling your home down the road.