MISSION, KS--(Marketwire - April 4, 2011) - (Family Features) If it's time to think about making some improvements or additions to your home, outside may be the best place to get started.
Exterior additions and improvements are high on homeowner's lists, according to the Better Homes and Gardens 2011 Consumer Preference Survey. Among the top ranking features people want in their next homes are decks or patios (84 percent), and low-maintenance exteriors (79 percent). When it comes to the top ranking living spaces people want, outdoor grilling or living areas come in at 67 percent.
So whether you want to make some improvements for selling your home, or just to enjoy for yourself, the planning experts at Fiberon, makers of innovative composite decking, railing and fencing products, have some tips to help you plan the perfect outdoor oasis.
Define the Space. An outdoor room could be the entire yard, or just a small part of it. Think about it having walls, a ceiling and flooring, just like an indoor room.
Decide the Elements. Once you know where your oasis is, it's time to figure out what needs to go in it. Here are some elements to consider:
Decking -- A low-maintenance composite deck adds versatility and beauty that you can customize to meet just about any need. And it can pay, off, too. Composite deck additions are among the projects that recoup the most of their cost upon home resale, according to the Remodeling Magazine 2009-10 Cost vs. Value Report.
Fire and Food. Use your outdoor room any time of day by planning a place to cook and eat.
Accessories. Just like indoor room, outdoor rooms benefit from appropriate accessories. Make sure you plan for them in your budget as well as in your designs.
To use a free, online Deck Designer, and to learn more about Fiberon outdoor products, visit www.fiberondecking.com.
Contact Information:
Wendy MacDonald
wmacdonald@familyfeatures.com
1-888-824-3337 ext. 235
http://editors.familyfeatures.com