There are many benefits to expanding your home to include an outdoor living space. For one thing, it adds a lot of value to the house. There is a high return on investment for adding a patio or covered porch to your property as it's an "extra" that potential buyers place a lot of value in. Furthermore, it can make life a bit more fun for you as a homeowner, even if you don't plan on selling your house in the near future.

Having that outdoor living space will allow you to spend more time outdoors, essentially expanding the capacity of your home. It will also accent the work that you've already done on your yard and garden. According to the National Gardening Survey 2018, each American household spends an average of $503 on lawn and gardening activities, which is no small feat. The question is, what can you do to get creative with your outdoor living spaces? Here are some outdoor living ideas to get inspired by.

1. A Patio

A patio space is perhaps the best opportunity for you to expand your outdoor living space. There is a certain level of variety allowed with a patio. Some patio spaces are simply made with gravel while others are more permanent and set with bricks or laid out with cement. The great thing about a patio is that you can relax with your family, or you could create a kind of grilling space with it.

2. A Porch

Porches can be added to either a front yard or a back yard. While they typically are not as spacious as patios, they do have the advantage of being raised, which means that they're often less impacted by severe weather. Porches can be covered or uncovered. You may want to consider coverings or screens if you live in an area prone to rain or bugs.

3. A Deck

A deck combines the space of a patio with the elevated nature of a porch. While a deck may require more upkeep, it's ultimately worth it. You're able to survey and enjoy your yard easily while at the same time having a space where you can hold small gatherings and even offer meals at your heart's content.

While there are many variations to choose from when it comes to outdoor living spaces, the key is to get started. Begin planning your outdoor expansion now with Xscape 2 Nature. You'll be glad you did!