Beyond the Basics: Inspiring Ideas for Turning Your Large Backyard into an Extension of Your Home
If you have a large backyard, there will come a time when you want to do something special with it. Turning it into an extension of your home could be a great idea. You get to use the extra space while creating an area for relaxing—it's a win-win.
Tackling a transformation of this scale requires careful planning and creativity. To help you think outside the box, we've got 6 inspiring ideas for converting your big garden into an extended living area.
Build an Old Style Cabin
Bring the Wild West to your property with an old-style cabin. These structures are modeled after the buildings you'd see in the old pioneer towns, combining style and efficiency into one area.
The old-style cabins are built with an a-frame design and a 4-inch false front outer zone, so you have a little spot to include some chairs like a typical saloon. In terms of durability, you can't knock them either; they feature ⅝" ProStruct floors and long-lasting doors.
After you've built your old-style cabin, you can use it for anything, from a play area for the kids to an office space for you to escape during the working day. It's also the perfect size to turn into a little saloon bar out the back of your house.
Consider a Glass Link Extension
Do you have an extension in mind but want to do something outside the box? Consider a glass link extension to connect your property and your new structure.
Whether you've built a garage or an additional living space, glass extensions can serve as a modern transition between the existing and new areas. Since these extensions bring a lot of light to the space, you can make them the focal point of your property. Library dining rooms are one of the most inviting uses for such an extension. They're multi-purpose, and you get a place to relax and an area for a special occasion to dine if you ever have guests over.
Add a Porch Extension
Porches add a homely element like no other extension on this list. They create a welcoming atmosphere in your backyard and can be used for gatherings when the weather is nice. Not only that, you'll be able to turn it into a passage where your family and guests can dust themselves off before they come inside. This will minimize the dirt making it past your front door.
So you never have to worry about the rain, it's best to go for a screened-in porch; they cost an average of $32,400 with the covering. However, if you already have a porch but want to add the screen, it costs between $7.50 and $11.50 per square foot. The material of the screen will be a big price-determining factor; polyester is often the cheapest, priced between $0.70 and $1.20 per square foot. If you want to go all out, motorized retractable costs the most per square foot, ranging between $20.00 and $30.00.
Utilize the Flank of Your Home With a Side Turn Extension
Rather than working out from the back, utilize the flank of your property with a side-turn extension. It's common for homeowners to leave the side of their home clear of obstruction so they have a clear pathway to the front. However, you don't have to give up your trail to the front completely; you just need to design the extension so it has some space to get through.
As you'll be working within tight constraints, you'll want to plan your build to maximize every inch of available space. Choose a design that gives you as much room to play with as possible; a two-story extension helps with this.
Construct an Outdoor Deck
Sometimes, simple additions look better with your property's style rather than full-on extensions that end up being too big or out of proportion. One straightforward upgrade we love is outdoor decks; they come in all shapes and sizes, are easy to build, and are quite affordable.
There are many outdoor deck styles available, but you'll have to pick one that goes with your property's layout and overall theme. Some of the most popular options include attached, multi-layered, ground-level, and wraparound decks. Remember, an outdoor deck is a long-term investment, so building it with a durable material is essential so it lasts as long as possible. If you were to go off durability alone, PVC, composite, and aluminum decks are the types you want to go for.
Splash on a Sunroom
Sunrooms are excellent backyard additions that allow you to soak up the summer rays while staying indoors. Regardless of the time of year, you'll always reap their benefits. During the dull, harsh winters, you won't have to step outside for some natural light. On the other hand, throughout summer, you get to enjoy a cool, shaded area that still captures a lot of sun.
Feel free to experiment with all the different sunroom designs. Get as much vitamin D as possible with an open-air sunroom, or create your own hideaway with traditional wooden accents and cozy furnishings.
You'll want to build your sunroom in a position that gets the maximum amount of natural light. For example, if you've got lots of trees in a part of your backyard obstructing the sun, they could block the sunlight coming through and have an effect on the brightness.
Turn Your Backyard Into an Extension of Your Home Using One of These Ideas
We hope one of these creative ideas will help you choose the right extension for your back garden. There's a nice variety here, so homeowners with backyards of all sizes can find a solution that meets their aspirations and needs.
Be sure to do your research on the local extension laws in your state so you don't cross any red lines. Most states have regulations on the size and placement of an extension, and you might even need to get a permit before you start building.
