3 Exterior Home Additions That Will Add Value and Functionality
Exterior Home Additions In Chicago And Surrounding Area
At Areté, we are not just interior home remodeling experts, we also specialize in exterior home additions in Chicago and all of the popular neighborhoods. We also have completed many exterior home projects, as well. With Chicago’s summertime fast approaching, exterior projects are coming to the forefront of many people’s minds. After losing the ability to socialize properly with one’s family and friends the past year, people are now turning to enhance their own homes to accommodate any outdoor parties or any other social gatherings they may have.
As the warmer months approach, it’s fun to take advantage of the nicer weather and dine outside with your favorite people. Exterior home additions like a front porch, back deck, patio, and multi-use garages are useful spaces to have that family get-together you have been thinking about, and if you are looking to sell, investing in enhancing your home’s exterior will bring a guaranteed return on investment. It increases the living space of your home while also improving your home’s aesthetic, and what home buyer wouldn’t like having a beautiful backyard space?
Whether you have a patio, screened-in porch, or a backyard escape, you’ll be able to get some fresh air as you relax and enjoy the warm temperatures that Chicago has to offer. Here are some exterior home additions that you should consider adding this spring that will enhance your home (and your social life) for months to come.
Deck Additions in Chicago
Your backyard is a perfect space to increase your square footage while simultaneously offering another area to gather with friends and family. Building a deck can add value to your home and enhance its enjoyability. Relax in the sun, cozy up to a fire pit, host a cookout, or brunch under your favorite tree – the possibilities are endless. However, there are a couple of things you should know before adding a deck to your home.
Decks usually require a bit more upkeep in comparison to a patio or screened-in porch, and they can be more susceptible to weather damage over time if not kept up properly. But, there is a bright side to all of this. Deck additions usually bring a much higher return on investment compared to other home renovations, interior included.
This high resale value is something to consider when facing the costs upfront. Many homeowners see a 100% return on their investment after adding a deck, and it increases the aesthetic appeal of your home for those looking to sell. There are more decking materials on the market now than ever before. You can bring your design aesthetic from the inside of your home to the outside of your home with natural or composite materials, from exotic hardwoods to rustic pine, or by creating a traditional look or complex geometric design depending on your style.
The design possibilities are endless and can add a whole new look to the exterior of your home. Many homeowners also use decks as places to plant herb or flower pots in order to enhance the living space while adding natural beauty to the outdoor décor. Another benefit to adding a deck to your home is that it is not extremely time-consuming. Contrary to what many people think, it is a pretty fast process. As compared to the process of building something new, which might take months to complete, a deck can be completed in just a few weeks. Overall, it is an extremely smart and useful investment in your home.
Garage Additions In Chicago
The addition of a garage can provide a range of benefits for homeowners. Garages provide shelter for cars and other vehicles, not to mention added space to store tools, holiday decorations, and other household items. But adding a garage can also add to the value of your home, which can increase your equity and boost your return on investment when selling the property, very similar to how a deck would. Homeowners can see about a 75% return on their investment when adding a garage, and for many people who are looking to buy a home, not having a garage can be a deal-breaker (especially with Chicago parking).
On the other hand, if you are not planning on moving anytime soon, the true value of your garage addition is not recognized solely in the resale value of your home. For instance, garages often reduce weather-related and street damage to your vehicles. Garages also give you extra storage space, which might negate the need for you to rent or purchase a storage unit. You can also use your garage as a workspace, allowing you to take care of many household repairs or yard work without having to hire a handyman.
It can also be a great place for socializing with friends and family. Just be sure to add enough windows and seating so it does not feel too stuffy in there. Another important factor to consider when adding a garage to your home is deciding between an attached or freestanding garage, but obviously, your home layout and lot size will be a major determining factor in this decision.
On average, an attached garage is less expensive to construct because it shares a wall with your home already, however, many people prefer a freestanding garage because they keep dirt, grime, and fumes out of the main house entirely. But with the way Chicago winters are, an attached garage might be a better option, as you can then get into your car without stepping outside. All in all, it is a great investment for both those looking to sell and looking to stay.
Backyard and Patio Additions In Chicago
There are numerous home improvements that you can build inside your backyard to make it cozier and raise its market value at the same time. An especially advantageous investment is building a patio that would serve as the ideal place for relaxation, dining, and spending time outside in general. Plus, they are really easy to keep up with in comparison to having a deck or front porch. There is close to zero maintenance when it comes to having a patio, but most of the upkeep will be made of visual inspections that are fairly easy to conduct. The reason for this is that the materials the patio is built from, like stone, concrete, and brick, are all sturdy and long-lasting building materials.
Apart from the regular sweeping of the floor of the patio, the only thing you really have to keep up with is weeding out the joints between paving stones from time to time. Another benefit to a patio is that you can provide some type of roofing or shade covering to protect you and your guests from the sun, making it a provisional social hub of the backyard. Adding a pergola here would be the perfect way to add shade, protection from the elements, and a pretty aesthetic to your backyard.
You can also add a fireplace to extend the use of your patio into the fall months or put your grill here, as well. Add a table and chairs and you are all set for any summertime gathering! An important thing to note is that whatever you decide to place on the patio, make sure it is weather-proof to a certain degree because it is still going to sit outside, regardless of the overhead protection.
Finally, just like adding a garage or deck, building a patio means that the market value of your property will go up so you will cash in on this home improvement when the selling time arrives. Just like how you and your family enjoy the outdoor living space, prospective buyers will also like this addition to your house and more importantly, they will be ready to pay extra for it. Don’t be afraid to spruce up the space around it, as well, by adding flowers, lots of greenery, or maybe even a small pond. A gorgeous backyard space could make or break someone’s decision to buy your home.
It is pretty clear to see why many homeowners are turning to the exterior of their homes when considering new renovations. It increases livable space, is extremely functional, and can bring a huge return on investment if you are looking to sell. It also serves as a great space to host safe social gatherings and gives you an excuse to spend more time outdoors this summer. In the case of exterior home renovations, your project’s success can come down to the right contractor. They will be able to help plan and oversee the entire renovation, making this a crucial role.
If you are searching for top-rated exterior home remodelers in Chicago, look no further than Areté Renovators. Our aim is to achieve excellence by providing the best remodeling services in Streeterville, West Loop, Lincoln Park, Lincoln Square, River North, Gold Coast, Old Town, and Roscoe Village. Spend more time outdoors this summer and get in touch with us for a consultation today!