Backyard Updates to Spruce Up Your Arlington Heights Home

With spring in full swing, now is the perfect time to get outdoors and tackle those exterior projects you’ve been putting off. Remodeling your outdoor living space is an excellent investment in your home and will ensure you and your guests get the utmost enjoyment out of your yard. After all, your backyard should be a haven to inspire you to spend as much time in the fresh air as possible.

With so many backyard ideas to choose from, it can be challenging to know where to start. With this in mind, let's look at some of the more popular backyard updates that will spruce up your home and add value to your property. From building an outdoor kitchen to adding a fire pit, these ideas will elevate your outdoor space.

Now that the warm weather has finally arrived and summer is right around the corner, an outdoor kitchen offers the perfect entertainment space. This desirable feature encourages you to take advantage of al fresco dining during the warm months, whether you have guests or not. Before starting the actual design, the first step is to carefully consider where the outdoor kitchen will go in your yard. If possible, installing it close to the interior kitchen or near the most routinely used exit from the house is best.

Think about the ideal size, layout, and overall look and feel you want from the space. Adding an outdoor kitchen can undoubtedly be a lengthy process, so it’s a good idea to work with a licensed general contractor experienced with this specific kind of construction. This is a surefire way to guarantee your installation is done correctly and will provide you, your friends, and your family with outdoor enjoyment for years to come.

Entertain your guests by moving mealtime outdoors. When it comes to choosing the proper outdoor dining set, there are a few important questions to take into consideration. How many people will use it? What shape of table do you prefer – oval, round, rectangular, or square? Is there a style you want to match? For instance, you can match your home’s exterior style and colors with your new patio set for a seamless look. Don’t forget about the ambiance, too! Adding a floral centerpiece or playing some music during dinner are simple ways to cultivate a welcoming environment. If you need a break from the sun on hot days, you can easily add an awning, outdoor umbrella, or canopy to provide some much-needed shade.

Give your backyard a fresh look by adding some fresh greenery and flowers. The Washington Post suggests investing as much as 10% of your home’s value into landscaping, which can significantly increase your home’s curb appeal. Regular maintenance, including mowing, raking leaves, and pulling weeds, is critical to maintaining the overall health of your yard.

Consider landscaping with potted plants when you don’t have much yard space. You can experiment with container shape, color, and placement, as well as various types of plants. Planters, window boxes, flower beds, or hanging plants are other ideas to bring a pop of color into your space. If you’re unsure where to begin, consider taking a trip to your local garden center, where you can learn what plants are native to Arlington Heights houses and will thrive in your specific environment.

If you decide to invest in flower beds, there are some essential tips and tricks to keep in mind. You’ll want to weed beds every month as this will help keep the flowers robust and vibrant. After eliminating weeds, be sure to apply a pre-emergent weed controller. By staying on top of this maintenance, your yard will have a pristine appearance.

Screened porches or sunrooms enable you to take advantage of the warm summer days without any unwanted flies or mosquitoes. After all, nothing ruins dining al fresco like spending the evening swatting away flies. A screened-in porch will provide an ideal place to soak up the warm weather, read a book, or enjoy outdoor dining.

Another perk of adding a screened-in porch to your Arlington Heights home is added living space. This additional porch invites the chance for family campouts and lunches enjoyed in the fresh air, adding valuable square footage to your home. You’ll also have extra privacy if you want to casually drink a cup of coffee in your pajamas and practice yoga. A screen porch creates a welcome retreat that will most likely become a cherished space in your home.

Nothing says summertime like spending time around a fire pit with your loved ones. It’s hard to beat roasting marshmallows and sharing stories around a roaring fire, and it’s the perfect spot for social gatherings or dates with your special someone. According to the National Association of Realtors, homeowners who install an outdoor fire pit will not only have the chance to create unforgettable memories but also receive a 67% return on this investment.

If you’re looking to replicate the experience of having a campfire in your backyard, then a wood-burning fire pit is the best option. It will provide you with the same smoky ambiance and crackling sounds. However, the fire will be safely contained in a bowl with a screen covering it. Other popular fire pit options include gel fuel, propane, and natural gas.

Stop dreaming about your perfect outdoor space and start planning it! You’ll want to start by assessing whether your area is better suited for a deck or patio, and it’s important to understand the difference between the two. A deck is a platform with decking boards or tiles and is ideal for sloped yards where you want a flat area. On the other hand, a patio is on flat ground and is typically made of concrete, pavers, or other hardscaping material.

Plenty of perks come with adding a deck or patio to your property. This backyard addition will help make your outdoor living space more prominent and the perfect spot for a grill, plants, or hot tub. It also provides the ideal location for entertaining, cooking, or relaxing and can help boost your home’s appeal. A well-finished deck can amplify the beauty of your backyard space. Plus, with the right furniture and equipment, your deck can quickly become an extension of your home’s interior and the perfect hub for entertaining guests during the warmer months. Compared to other parts of your home, decks are low maintenance and require minimal effort to keep them looking their best. Using a waterproofing finish means your new deck won’t demand significant upkeep.

Incorporating landscape lighting is a simple and inexpensive way to spruce up your backyard. Not only can this improve your home’s curb appeal, but it will also provide a warm and inviting place for your family and friends to gather. Additionally, landscape lighting is a great way to elevate the security of your property, as well-lit homes are much less likely to experience attempted break-ins.

When it comes to choosing landscape lighting, there are plenty of options to choose from. This includes everything from step lights to illuminate the path or flood lights to add an extra layer of security. With so many styles and lighting types to choose from, you’ll be able to find something which offers both style and function.

It’s scientifically proven the sound of running water has a calming effect which helps individuals to relax. There are other similar benefits, such as allowing you to focus better and bringing clarity to your mind.

Transform your backyard into a tranquil oasis by adding a water feature to the space. A rain curtain, also known as a water wall, can help create a relaxing atmosphere and is easily customizable depending on your needs. It will also create an idyllic atmosphere for practicing yoga and meditation. A bird bath is another even simpler way to enhance your yard. The most effective way to attract these winged creatures to your bird bath is by simply keeping it full of clean water. There are a few other factors that you’ll want to take into consideration, such as location. Following these tips and tricks will transform your backyard into a watery oasis for all the neighborhood birds.

Whether you’re looking to buy or sell an Arlington Heights home, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Blackshaw Messel Group for expert guidance. No matter whether you’re looking for a short-term rental or a permanent residence, this talented team is ready to help you find your ideal piece of property. Search online for exclusive Arlington Heights listings and get a jump on the competition. With years of experience in the real estate market and extensive knowledge of Arlington Heights houses, the Blackshaw Messel Group can help you find a place that truly feels like home. Contact us today as the first step of your real estate search.