Spring is here, the days are longer, the trees are budding, and flowers soon to bloom! We’ve made it through another winter and a tough one at that, with all the uncertainty in the world it’s time to start focusing on the good stuff. Like your stay-at-home vacation, also known as a “staycation”, with the family this year. Since we’ll probably have one more summer with limited travel and flights, time spent at home is where you should focus your efforts. A few key changes to your outdoor living space can be the difference between a drag on summer and a huge summer success this year.
Let’s Analyze Last Years Staycation
Home Landscape Architects Rockland NY
Did you promise your kids a better setup if there were not going to be any summer trips? Was it a new pool installation? An upgrade to the home sprinkler system? A new hot tub? Maybe it was a new sports court installation? Whatever you feel was missing last year with everyone at home, that is the first piece to tackle this year.
Did you feel there was more that you could do to make it an amazing vacation this year? Let’s look at some of the options.
The New Backyard
The backyard has become more than the place to go to mow the lawn, barbecue dinner, or watch the kids run around. The backyard has become a bonafide hang-out, meal area, pool area, picnic area, camping area, astronomy area, dog playing, football throwing, sprinkler running area and so much more. Because we’re spending more time in our backyards than ever before, you should be looking to enhance certain aspects of your yard which are highly used.
Do you have an old pool that needs to be refurbished or redone entirely? How about a new pool installation? Well, the first thing to do is hit the drawing board with your local pool installation contractor and discuss your options. Does above ground or in-ground suit your property and budget better? Would the family like an attached hot tub? Possibly a water slide? These are things to discuss with your spouse and children, all while keeping your overall budget in mind.
Outdoor Kitchens
We’re all accustomed to some outdoor backyard barbecuing, but the grill is usually stand-alone and everyone has to go inside to eat. With an outdoor kitchen and patio, you can enjoy your meals in your outdoor dining room (the patio area). Outdoor kitchens have become a staple for true staycation homes and offer several different options. Grills, outdoor sinks, refrigerators, brick ovens, smokers, and more; are just some of the aspects to consider when planning your new outdoor kitchen area.
New Pool Installation
Pools make for the ultimate hang-out spot during the warm weather months, especially if you have kids, but you’ll need a pool! If you can’t travel again for a traditional vacation this summer, you can bring the body of water to you and enjoy water sports and games all through the warm weather months. Water slides, diving boards, hot tub attachment, kiddy pool, and water features; are just some of the options you can consider for your new pool. But not all new pool contractors are right for the job, so be sure you’re looking at companies with a long track record and a good portfolio of completed projects so you can see some examples. It’s important to keep your budget in mind and remember that a new pool will also increase your property value and may come with some tax incentives, so be sure to discuss it.
Creating the Best Staycation
With a few simple changes, you can turn your backyard into a hang-out spot for your kids, their friends, and the neighbors. But it isn’t all for the kids! You’ll find you are enjoying your new backyard living spaces as much as the kids. Great opportunity for some beer or cocktails with some friends or family while the kids have a blast in the pool.
For the Home Landscape Architects Rockland NY, look no further than over 30 years of local expertise. We create the ultimate staycation spots! Call us for a consultation today.