2015: The Year of Outdoor Living

Would you sacrifice a second bath and a dining area to have a larger balcony?

In a trend sweeping through the Vancouver real estate market – both for single-family homes and condos – home owners are embracing more functional outdoor living spaces in lieu in indoor living space, and paying up to $50,000 more for it. Young professionals are using their backyards for networking and business entertaining.

When most people look at buying a home, they dream of having a big yard that comes with it. Space where they can party, raise children, or even have pets. It’s a space where they can barbeque in the summer and build a snowman in the winter. Of course, they will need to maintain the space if they want it to remain functional, but with the help of a lawn care service in Richmond, VA or a landscaper, that can be done relatively easily.

It’s a trend that impacts not only the real estate market but also landscape architects, builders, interior designers, artisans and craftsman working with decking, fencing, masonry, and retailers who stock outdoor living accessories (rugs, dining sets, furniture, lighting, fireplaces, and heating).

The modern, flat roof construction being designed throughout the city is allowing for larger rooftop patios which are “a huge selling feature for the spec homes [being] designed”, according to project manager and interior designer Benjamin Simpson. Many are considering this option for metal buildings, and flat roofs are becoming a hugely popular design when it comes to houses, however, if the house you get has a flat roof, then you need to make sure that you look after it properly. You need to make sure that it is secure and can cope with harsh weather conditions. For more information on what you can get done to help look after your flat roof, check out this website here: https://www.flatroofexperts.co.uk/.

In the past clients used to spend about half of what they would spend on their interior indoor decor on their exterior space, now it’s about equal. Things that are included on their wish list include: masonry, built-in planters, different elevations of decking, outdoor living rooms with fireplaces and dining rooms, and lavish kitchens, bars, and lounges. 60 percent of Simpson’s clients ask him for exterior design and when they are spending on average $1000 a square foot to live downtown, they aren’t going to settle for your everyday patio decor.

Put simply, it is no secret that more people than ever before seem to be spending more time in their backyards. Accordingly, it also seems to be the case that the demand for decking and other outdoor furnishing solutions is showing no signs of slowing down. That being said, if you are considering investing in decking for your backyard, it is crucial that you keep your deck looking its best to ensure that it stands the test of time. Consequently, you can learn more about general deck maintenance by researching companies that offer deck wash services online.

So what’s driving this trend? Not surprisingly, it’s most likely due to the city’s high real estate prices. Buyers who can’t afford the white picket fence and backyard look to a functional outdoor space as a suitable alternative. It’s an alternative that’s attractive almost on a year round basis now that greater product range and lower prices for outdoor heating units extend the usability of the outdoor space, even in cold West Coast winters. Fire pits in particular have been flying off the shelves at local retailers with demand bringing prices down from $6000 five years ago to on average $1500 – $2500 now. Modular contemporary sections are also popular, especially those made of of man-made rattan or outdoor wicker resin. Umbrellas are also a popular choices.

What do you think of this latest trend?

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