By Lisa Allen Renovation • • • 0 Comments

Things to Consider About a Screened-In Porch

Things to Consider About a Screened-In Porch

One way to increase your living space is to enclose spaces that are outside so that you can use them year-round (or nearly year-round). A prime example of this is turning your porch into a screened-in porch.

A screened-in porch is exactly what it sounds like: a porch (it can be either your front or back porch) that’s screened in. This creates a room rather than a simple porch. Here in Olathe, a screened-in porch won’t be comfortable in the depths of winter, but it can offer you additional living space in every season.

Should you consider adding a screened-in porch to your property? Read on to find out.

Question 1: Do You Want Extra Living Space?

Do you need more space in your home? While a screened-in porch won’t give you extra kitchen or bathroom space, it will give you additional living space.

What does this mean? It means that your screened-in porch could be a sitting room. Or a reading room. Or an office. The specifics will depend on your home and whether you have a front or back screened-in porch. But by turning a porch into a screened-in porch, you’re creating another room that can be use for multiple purposes.

Question 2: Do You Want to Increase Your Home’s Resale Value?

While it’s true that adding a screened-in porch to your home is an investment, it’s also true that it can increase your resale value. That’s welcome news if you don’t think your current home is your forever home.

Why does a screened-in porch increase a home’s resale value? It’s because outdoor improvements in general are a good idea. But here in Kansas, where summer is more enjoyable when we’re protected from weather and pests, having a screened in porch can increase a potential buyer’s interest in your property.

Question 3: Do You Want Your Home to Look More Interesting?

Sometimes the question of whether or not you should invest in a home improvement project comes down to whether or not you like how it looks.

Take a long, objective look at your porch. Does it inspire joy? Does it look as beautiful as you’d like it to? Or do you see areas for improvement?

Can you imagine having coffee on your screened-in porch on beautiful fall mornings? Or sitting with friends to chat late into a summer evening? How about being able to keep pretty and comfortable furniture in that space, since it will be protected from the elements?

Loving your home is one of life’s most simple but yet luxurious pleasures. If having a living space that combines the best of indoor and outdoor living appeals to you and would be joy and satisfaction to your everyday life, that’s reason enough to explore your options.

We’re always here to discuss your projects with you. If you’re curious about whether or not your space would convert to a screened-in porch well or if you can afford such an endeavor, give us a call. We’ll talk through things with you to better understand your goals, then share how we can help. 

By Lisa Allen General Information • • • • • • • 0 Comments

Which Outdoor Landscaping Improvements Will Increase the Resale Value of My Home?

Which Outdoor Landscaping Improvements Will Increase the Resale Value of My Home?

The housing marking in Kansas City is hot right now. Homes are selling for higher prices and showings abound as soon as a new property hits the market. But what if you’re not ready to sell right now? What if you’d rather stay in your place a bit longer and make improvements that will increase the resale value even more?

If that’s you, read on to learn about some outdoor improvements can increase the resale value of your home once you are ready to sell.

Your Outdoor Landscaping Matters Most

Not surprisingly, Consumer Reports says that improving your landscaping is the number one way to increase the resale value of your home. Zillow even says that adding the word “landscaping” to your sale listing can add 2.7% or more to the sale price.

Why? Curb appeal! Your front lawn and whatever features it includes, whether that’s shrubbery, a flower bed, or something bigger like a water feature, give a potential buyer a first impression. And that first impression can’t be changed. When your lawn and landscape is well-maintained and attractive, a potential buyer will think that the inside of your home is also well-maintained, tidy, and attractive.

Of course, we’d recommend working with a landscape architect or landscaping firm to make sure your outdoor space is ready for potential buyers. But if you choose to do the work yourself, focusing on a few key things will give you the best return. One of those things is to mulch with dark-brown or black mulch. You should also mow your grass to the appropriate height. Another important task is to trim foundation hedges so that first-floor windows are clear.

Think About Your Outdoor Landscaping Lighting

Adding new or improved lighting to the outside of your home can have a dramatic effect on your resale efforts. According to Zillow, listings that included the words “outdoor lighting” sold 3.1 days faster and for 1.6% more than other homes (on average).

We specialize in outdoor lighting and would welcome the chance to help. But if you’re DIYing your way through selling your home, there are a few things you can consider first. Those include path lighting, spotlight lights, or solar options to make the most of your efforts.

Making the Most of Your Outdoor Space

If you have an outdoor living area like a patio or deck, an outdoor kitchen, or a fire or water feature, be sure that those areas are working and staged. It’s important to show potential buyers how the space is intended to be used. But it’s also important to keep your personal “stuff” out of that space. Too many personal touches, like personalized decorations, can work against you by making it difficult for potential buyers to see themselves using the space.

If you’re working with a team on the sale of your house, we’d love to be part of it. Reach out for a consultation or a discussion to see how we can help you net more when you sell your home.