Deck Options to Increase Your Living Space

Keith Sawlor, March 20, 2023 | Posted in Enjoy; Tagged Outdoor Living

Whether you are planning ahead and looking for a way to increase the value and appeal of your new home, or simply looking for a way to make your outdoor space as enjoyable as possible for you and your family, a deck will add more living space to your home as well as increase the resale value.  Let’s not forget – it also gives your family the opportunity to spend more quality time together outside enjoying the fresh, Nova Scotian air!

There are many different options available to enhance a deck depending on your family’s wants, needs and style. Here are a few suggestions to get you started;

Screen Room

You've got to love warm weather and sunshine, but you may not love the black flies and mosquitoes that come with it. These pesky critters can ruin any backyard gathering or deck party. An effective solution could be to include a screen room in the design of your new home. You can make the most of your summer by enjoying some fresh air and quality outdoor time even when the weather doesn’t cooperate.  

These rooms are often built from pressure-treated lumber and custom-made screens. Also available are pre-manufactured kits, which can be fitted to suit your space and budget. Style options range from rustic and minimal, to a more elaborate extension of everyday living space. Some kits also come with sliding glass windows and doors, which can extend your screen room season by several months. They can be built any size or shape, allowing you to accommodate as many friends and family members as you wish.

Sun Room

Sunrooms are often an extension of your family room, typically built out of glass windows and sliding doors. Seating, pillows and coffee tables create a comfortable sitting area. Consider adding media equipment as well. Include a dining table so you can utilize your sunroom for almost any occasion.   

To increase the amount of time you are able to use your sunroom, as well as your comfort, incorporate a heater or ductless heat pump, allowing you to adjust the temperature of your sunroom accordingly for the season. 

Fireplace

Adding a fireplace to your deck creates a warm and welcoming space for entertaining guests or relaxing with your family after a long day at work! There is a wide variety of options to consider for your exterior fireplace, from custom-built and designed to your specifications to simple, budget friendly, portable models you can pick up from your local hardware or home improvement store. A custom fireplace will require more specifications from you, the Homeowner.

Some factors to consider with your builder include:

• Location on deck
• Type – wood burning, gas, propane or electric
• Material – natural stone, brick
• Design

Pool and/or Hot tub

A pool offers endless hours of summer entertainment for your family as well as your guests! A popular style chosen by many has been a Courtyard Pool – a rectangular pool nestled in a stone patio. Some factors to consider if you are thinking about a pool include:

• Size
• Fencing
• Patio surround
• Location on Lot

These are just a few suggestions to enhance your deck to increase more living space.  Discuss your ideas with your Builder, who has the expertise to determine if they are structurally possible and meet all building standards. Your Builder and design team will then create the perfect outdoor space for you and your family!

Keith Sawlor

Keith Sawlor is the second generation Owner of Sawlor Built Homes. With more than 35 years experience building custom homes in Nova Scotia, Keith has built a team that mirrors his professional knowledge and values.

Keith is a Certified Residential Builder who is also certified with many leading industry organizations. He is a Passive House Institute US (PHIUS) Certified Builder, a Net Zero Energy (NZE) Certified Builder, a Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) R-2000 Certified Builder, and a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS).

Keith is a Past Board Member of the Atlantic Home Warranty Program as well as the Canadian Home Builders' Association Nova Scotia. He is involved in many other industry programs and associations, such as the Canadian Home Builders’ Association National and Better Business Bureau.