Outdoor Living Enjoyment is the Trend for this Season!

The last year saw an increase of Charlotte-area families staying home because of Covid-19. Between stay-at-home orders,  remote learning and working from home many families began to view time at home time with a renewed appreciation. While it hasn’t always been by choice – just ask any teenager – it has allowed us to settle back into the time-honored values of home and family. One way of making this togetherness more enjoyable is to expand or refresh your outdoor living areas. Enlarging, adding or remodeling backyard spaces like decks, porches and patios can give you the space you need.

A Recent Survey Gives Insight On Outdoor Living Trends In 2021

A recent article from ProBuilder.com  reveals information about the home improvement projects undertaken most in 2020. A survey of U.S. and Canadian homeowners in December 2020 showed that all categories of home improvement/remodeling saw increases last year.

Most significant to our audience, the top four home improvement/remodeling categories last year were related to outdoor living:

1. Outdoor living structures this included decks, patios, porches, fences, etc. “A direct reflection of people wanting to spend more quality time outside,” the article points out.

2. Exterior doorways, these are typically replaced in conjunction with the addition or remodeling of outdoor living structures. So we see a direct correlation with outdoor spaces here, as well.

3. Outdoor accessories such as privacy screens, pergolas, arbors, planter boxes, and benches. We call these amenities, the extras that improve our outdoor living space designs. Each of which increases the beauty, comfort, and function of Deck Plus’s custom outdoor living designs. Pergolas, in particular, make a great accompaniment to a patio or deck providing vertical interest and charm.

4. Fireplaces and stoves, especially outdoors on decks and patios. As the article noted, these amenities “provide ambiance and extend outdoor living into the colder months.” We’re always in favor of that! Fire pits and outdoor kitchens fall into this category as well.

What These Outdoor Living Trends Mean for You

Here at Deck Plus, we see no signs of the current trend of increased outdoor living space construction slowing in 2021. All signs indicate we can expect more of the same this season.

As you may be aware of, the building industry as a whole has encountered some materials shortages as well as price increases specifically on pressure-treated lumber. The industry has also experienced an increased wait time for certain materials. These factors may affect your project even if you choose low-maintenance composites for your project (for example). This is because we still use wood for building the support structures under decks and porches.  So keep in mind, these market factors may likely impact you, the consumer.

Here’s some insight from the market research firm that conducted the December 2020 survey, Insight into Consumer Purchasing During Pandemic, referenced in the ProBuilder.com article above. They suggest that materials shortages and increased lumber prices have created pent-up demand among homeowners. Perhaps you are one of those homeowners waiting for prices to return to normal and shortages to disappear in 2021? If so, you are not alone. Indicators thus far, however, show no signs of material prices returning to normal in the near future. As building and remodeling in the Charlotte area continue to boom in light of the real estate market.

The message here is clear — plan ahead and plan now. If you are considering an outdoor living space addition or upgrade. Demand for top-tier, reputable outdoor living design and build firms like Deck Plus will only increase as we move into the spring and summer months. It is important to contact us as soon as possible to discuss your anticipated project. The sooner you get started, the sooner we can add your project to our construction schedule.

Contact Deck Plus today to get the ball rolling. Don’t delay, we want to work with you in 2021. You can reach us by phone @ (704) 993-7696.