The modern Good Life is lived in outdoor spaces as well as indoors, especially in places with accommodating climates like Georgia. That’s why I believe that outdoor spaces for relaxation and entertaining will soon be a must-have feature for any new construction home.
Relaxing, for many people (myself included), conjures images of lounging poolside or deckside with a cool and refreshing drink in one hand and a good read in the other. Or it might mean gathering with family and friends around an outdoor table for a casual barbecue or even an elegant twilight dinner.
That's why modern house-hunters are shopping for homes with their outdoor options in mind.
Large home or small, suburban or in-town, people nowadays want to be able to go outside and play in their own backyard, so to speak -- even if that backyard is a balcony high above a city sidewalk, or a roomy porch outfitted for partying, like this one I sold in a McDonough GA short sale.
Beyond the small slab patio.
Today's idea of the good life -- or more precisely I should say my idea of the good life -- might include starting the day with a walk and a swim, and winding it up in the Jacuzzi with a view of the sun setting somewhere just beyond the fire pit.
Speaking for myself, I love to have my morning coffee on the deck and enjoy the fresh air and the sounds of the neighborhood coming to life. The patio is where I relax and reflect in the cool of the afternoon, with Bible, binoculars and bird-watching field guide all close at hand.
The outdoor spaces of a property could make or break the deal for people like me.
And the Good Life includes room to grow, literally. So, there should also be space for exercising green thumbs, or at least enjoying some greenery if desired.
Whether it’s a single family residence or a hi-rise condo, modern buyers desire comfortable and well-appointed outdoor spaces. Every new home should be designed with options for outdoor living spaces beyond the teeny-tiny balcony or the standard single slab patio. Builders that include true outdoor living space as a standard feature add value to their buyers that will set them apart from the pack.
I think every new home floor plan should incorporate outdoor living spaces as standard options, such as a paved entry courtyard, perhaps an interior atrium or romantic and private outdoor patio off the master suite, and definitely a backyard entertainment room (with or without the water features) -- in other words more “outside”, with the comforts of “ inside”.
A basic, bare bones outdoor room that has a floor and a roof, and electrical outlets and basic water and gas lines to accommodate an outdoor kitchen should be offered free of charge; but if I were the builder, I would offer a choice of configurations and options for creating a private oasis retreat with year-round options for the family.
What about you? What is your must-have feature of the future when you dream about your ultimate home sweet home?
Comments (5)Subscribe to CommentsComment