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4 Ways to Extend Your Charlotte Living Space Outdoors to Improve Your Life and Home Value

Written by Kyra McGaughey | Jul 17, 2024

Expanding your living space outdoors isn't just about increasing the square footage of your home. It’s about creating an outdoor sanctuary with a custom-designed outdoor living space that you can’t wait to visit. If you’re in South Charlotte and looking for outdoor living space ideas, we’ve compiled a list of four ideas to inspire your next home improvement project.

Outdoor Living Space Ideas for Charlotte, NC

1. Outdoor Kitchen

There’s nothing like cooking and enjoying a meal in the fresh air or changing your dinner routine. No wonder an outdoor kitchen is one of the most popular methods of enhancing outdoor living spaces in Charlotte, NC. At Hopedale Builders, we're experts at turning your outdoor kitchen dreams into reality. In an outdoor kitchen installation, we focus on using durable, weather-resistant materials that can withstand temperature changes, providing ample counter space, and equipping lighting designed to light up the space and create a peaceful ambiance. 

While an outdoor kitchen isn’t your family’s primary culinary space, planning for a space big enough for the whole family, and even guests on occasion, is important.

2. Pool House

A pool house is more than just a place to change into swimwear. It’s a versatile space where you and your guests can relax, cook a meal (if you include a kitchen), or simply watch the sunset.  A pool house built by Hopedale Builders isn’t just an outdoor living remodel; it’s a remodel that adds beauty and value to your Charlotte property. Our list of top reasons to build a pool house is not exhaustive, but it does get you off to a great start.

A pool house is a living space with any outdoor furniture you prefer. It can be a medium to showcase your creativity and even invest in that gorgeous yet impractical piece you’ve been eyeing. 

3. Covered Outdoor Patio/Screened-In Porch

A covered patio or a screened-in porch offers a cozy outdoor space protected from the elements. Whether you’re enjoying summer rain or looking for shade on a hot day, this addition extends your living area into the great outdoors. Your porch could have a wood or gas fireplace, a TV and speakers, heaters and fans, a built-in grill or kitchen, wood log storage, screens, sliding or French doors, and vaulted or flat ceilings. These spaces are perfect for year-round comfort and boosting your home’s value.

4. Outdoor Fireplace

An outdoor fireplace is a favorite way of creating a charming focal point that extends the usability of your outdoor space into the cooler months. However, an uncovered outdoor fireplace is only functional when it’s not raining. While it might feel like a foray into true outdoor living to leave a fireplace uncovered, this isn’t a camping situation where part of the adventure is being cold and uncomfortable while you warm your hands. Instead, an outdoor fireplace can become the center point for a social gathering, even when the rain pours down.

 

What to Avoid in Your Custom-Designed Outdoor Living Space

We’ve provided a few popular ideas for expanding your outdoor living space through custom outdoor living services. However, there are also a few common pitfalls to avoid when planning an outdoor living space in Charlotte, NC.

1. Lower-Quality Materials

Quality materials are integral to any project, and your outdoor living spaces are no different. High-quality materials are even more crucial for outdoor projects because they need to withstand the elements. Investing in the right materials is a smart financial practice.

2. Insufficient Budget

Your budget for any project needs to be realistic. With outdoor remodels, finishes and labor can create surprising budgets. View your outdoor remodel as an investment, not as a quick fix.

3. Inexperienced Builder

An inexperienced builder can run up your budget, give unhelpful advice, and even take longer to complete your project. With an experienced builder, you can be confident that they know how to efficiently and correctly build your outdoor addition in a way that makes the most of your investment.

4. Forgetting Your Needs

When talking with professionals about your outdoor kitchen, covered porch, or outdoor fireplace, keep your family's needs in mind. A beautiful space is worthless if it’s not functional. Your household’s bespoke needs should be the driving force behind your outdoor remodel decisions. 

 

The Hopedale Builders Difference

At Hopedale Builders, we’re Charlotte’s trusted builder for patios, outdoor kitchens, pool houses, and other outdoor additions. Our commitment to quality and our relationship with our clients is unmatched and shines through in every step of our process.

Ready to Transform Your Outdoor Space?

Whether you dream of an outdoor kitchen, a pool house with all the features, or a cozy covered patio, Hopedale Builders can turn your vision into reality. Contact us today to start planning your perfect outdoor retreat.