Have you ever felt your home was just a bit too cramped? Maybe you’ve dreamed of more space for entertaining or simply a peaceful retreat to enjoy your morning coffee. The good news is you don’t need to knock down walls or build costly additions to gain more living space. The answer might be right outside your door!
At BGW Construction, we’ve helped countless homeowners across Plainfield, Avon, and Brownsburg transform their outdoor areas into functional, beautiful extensions of their indoor living spaces. These projects not only add usable square footage to your home but can significantly increase both your property’s value and your enjoyment of it.
Why Outdoor Living Spaces Make Sense
Imagine stepping through your back door onto a covered porch where comfortable seating awaits, a gentle breeze carries the scent of blooming flowers, and the stress of the day melts away. Or picture hosting friends around a crackling fire pit on a crisp autumn evening, making memories that will last for years to come.
Outdoor living spaces provide a unique opportunity to expand your home’s functional area without the hassle and expense of traditional renovations. They blend the comfort of indoor living with the refreshing experience of being outdoors — giving you the best of both worlds.
The return on investment (ROI) for well-designed outdoor spaces is impressive too. A quality deck or patio can recoup approximately 60-80% of its cost when you sell your home. But perhaps more important is what we call the “Return on Enjoyment” (ROE) — the daily pleasure and utility you’ll gain from these spaces while you live there.
Covered Porches: Your All-Season Outdoor Room
A covered porch is like adding another room to your home, but with fresh air and natural views. These versatile spaces can be used for dining, relaxing, or entertaining, and they provide shelter that extends their usability well beyond summer months.
When designing a covered porch, we consider several key elements:
- Roof structure — From simple extensions of your existing roofline to freestanding pavilions, the roof provides essential protection from sun and rain.
- Flooring — Options include wood decking, composite materials, concrete, or pavers, each offering different benefits and aesthetics.
- Lighting and fans — These elements extend usability into evening hours and improve comfort during warmer days.
- Integration with your home — The porch should feel like a natural extension of your interior, not an afterthought.
Fire Pits: Creating a Warm Gathering Space
There’s something almost magical about gathering around a fire. A well-designed fire pit creates an instant focal point in your outdoor space and extends your outdoor season by months.
Fire pits come in many forms:
- Permanent masonry — Built from stone or brick, these become architectural features in your landscape.
- Metal fire bowls or tables — More portable options that can be moved as needed.
- Gas or wood-burning — Each offers a different experience and level of convenience.
The beauty of a fire pit area is its ability to create an intimate space for conversation and connection. We’ve seen clients use their fire pit spaces for everything from family s’mores nights to sophisticated evening cocktails with friends.
Outdoor Kitchens: Al Fresco Culinary Adventures
For the home chef or avid entertainer, an outdoor kitchen is the ultimate backyard luxury. These spaces allow you to prepare meals while remaining part of the action, rather than shuttling back and forth between your indoor kitchen and outdoor guests.
A basic outdoor kitchen might include:
- Built-in grill with counter space
- Storage cabinets
- Small refrigerator
More elaborate setups can feature:
- Pizza ovens
- Bar areas with seating
- Sinks with running water
- Specialized cooking equipment
What many homeowners don’t initially realize is how an outdoor kitchen changes their entertaining style. You won’t be stuck inside preparing dinner, drinks, and snacks while everyone else enjoys the backyard, and cleanup is so much easier too!
Decks and Patios: The Foundation of Outdoor Living
Every great outdoor living space starts with a solid foundation. Decks and patios provide the platform upon which you’ll build your outdoor lifestyle.
When helping clients choose between decks and patios, we consider:
- Terrain — Sloped yards often work better with decks, while level areas can accommodate either option.
- Home architecture — Some homes naturally lend themselves to a particular style.
- Maintenance preferences — Wood decks require regular sealing and staining, while composite decking and patios generally need less upkeep.
- Budget — Basic concrete patios typically cost less per square foot than decking.
A multi-level deck can beautifully solve the challenge of a steeply sloped backyard, giving you an increase of usable space with distinct areas for dining and lounging. And imagine your outdoor living area complete with built-in planters that add color and life to the space throughout the seasons.
Bringing Indoor Comforts Outside
The most successful outdoor living spaces incorporate elements that make them comfortable and convenient. Think of it as furnishing another room of your home, just one that happens to have a ceiling of sky.
Consider these elements to enhance comfort and functionality:
- Weather-resistant furniture — Today’s outdoor furniture is available in styles and comfort levels that rival indoor pieces.
- Audio/visual capabilities — Outdoor speakers or even weatherproof televisions can enhance entertainment options.
- Shade options — Pergolas, retractable awnings, or large umbrellas provide respite from the summer sun.
- Outdoor rugs and curtains — These soft elements add color and define spaces while making outdoor areas feel more room-like.
- Heat sources — Beyond fire pits, options like patio heaters can extend outdoor seasons.
The transformation we see in how families use their homes after adding these comfortable outdoor spaces is remarkable. Many clients tell us they now spend more time outside than in certain indoor rooms during pleasant weather!
Planning Your Perfect Outdoor Space
Creating an outdoor living area that truly enhances your lifestyle requires thoughtful planning. Here are some questions to consider as you begin dreaming about your project:
- How do you want to use the space? (Dining, relaxing, entertaining, etc.)
- What times of day and seasons do you hope to use it?
- What’s your maintenance tolerance?
- What’s your budget range?
- Are there existing elements you want to incorporate or highlight?
At BGW Construction, we take a collaborative approach to design. We know that you need to be involved in the decision-making process to ensure the final result meets your specific needs. Our initial consultations focus on understanding not just what you want your outdoor space to look like, but how you want it to function in your daily life.
Making It Happen: The BGW Process
Turning your outdoor living dreams into reality doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Our proven process ensures clear communication and quality results every step of the way:
- Initial Consultation — We discuss your vision, needs, and budget considerations.
- Design Development — We create detailed plans, often including 3D renderings so you can visualize the final result.
- Material Selection — We help you choose the right materials for your project’s style, durability needs, and budget.
- Construction — Our expert craftsmen bring the design to life, with regular updates throughout the process.
- Final Walkthrough — We ensure every detail meets our high standards and your expectations.
Ready to Expand Your Living Space?
Your home is your biggest investment, but it’s also where you live your daily life. Adding beautiful, functional outdoor living spaces can transform how you experience your property while adding significant value should you decide to sell in the future.
Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy covered porch, a festive space centered around a fire pit, or a complete outdoor kitchen for entertaining, the BGW Construction Dream Building Crew would love to help make your vision a reality. We’ve been creating exceptional outdoor living spaces throughout Hendricks County since 1999, and we’re ready to put that experience to work for you.
Ready to explore the possibilities? Contact us today for a free consultation. Let’s chat about how we can help you expand your living space beyond your home’s walls and create the outdoor oasis you’ve been dreaming of.
