Outdoor Improvements

Photos courtesy of Gavin Grygorcewicz, Parlows and Vogue Pergolas

Outdoor home improvements encompass all the improvements that can be made to the exterior of the home to make it more comfortable, usable, stylish and safe.

It involves a range of areas and professionals working together in order to give the homeowner a space that is perfectly suitable for their needs within their budget and that also adheres to council requirements and other building codes.

Benefits of Outdoor Home Improvements

Gain more living space, especially over the warmer months of the year.
Use your garden for activities such as fitness and health.
Shady areas make it more comfortable to be outside and benefit the interior of the house, as it stops the sunlight from entering as fiercely as it may otherwise. Shady areas in the garden also mean that you won’t get burnt while entertaining or swimming in the pool.
A well designed and maintained roofing system looks good and can greatly improve a home’s water efficiency if a water tank is installed. You will also get the added benefit of saving on your water bills, knowing that you are helping protect precious water supplies and you may also get a rebate from the local government for the installation of the tank
Greatly improve the resale value of your home. Homebuyers love the thought of an outdoor area being ready to use and well designed as it means that they can start enjoying it straight away.

Patios, Decking and Shade Systems

Patios are the paved recreation area usually found at the rear of the home. Patios are typically paved but timber decking is also a popular option. With paving, there is almost an infinite range of styles and designs that you can opt for, from the traditional herringbone to formal sandstone pavers.
Pavers can be used to great effect in both small and large backyards. If your backyard is on the smaller side, try using lighter colours and larger format pavers to give the feeling of space. Larger backyards have the luxury of space and can therefore utilise almost any paver but a good garden designer will be able to help you get the paving that you want regardless of the size of your space.
Decking is also becoming more and more popular in the outdoor areas of our homes. Whether attached or freestanding, decks are an excellent way to extend the amount of living space available to homeowners and add value to the home. Decks can be made from hard or soft wood and can be finished using paint, stains or oils.
Pergolas are another element that can be used in the outdoor space. They can be freestanding or attached, depending on your needs and the location of your outdoor living or entertaining area. Pergolas are generally made from timber however steel framing is becoming increasingly popular. As far as roofing choices go, some common options include polycarbonate, steel, shade cloth, thatch or even climbing plants (which are a great option if you want shade in summer and sun in winter). Privacy is easy to achieve with a massive range of screening systems available from walls, to nature reeds and plants.
Shade sails are becoming increasingly popular in outdoor spaces. They can be ready-made or custom made to suit your outdoor area exactly. The shades are highly UV resistant, protect against the elements and come in a variety of colours, so there is bound to be one that suits you. Shade sails are a great way to achieve a modern look in your backyard and, after installation, they are extremely low maintenance.

Pools and Spas, Landscaping and Fencing

Pool builders can assist with creating a pool that fits your outdoor space, needs and budget. Pools can provide hours of enjoyment as well as increase the resale value of the home substantially. Pools are becoming architectural masterpieces, custom-designed to be the real focal point of the outdoor area.
Spas can create a fun and relaxing space both in and outside your home. Spas can be portable or in-ground (as part of a pool or separately) and range in size from two person to spas that can fit several people.
Landscape gardeners are experts at designing and paving your outdoor space to add value and aesthetics to your home. If you have pets, children, want to relax or entertain, how usable your garden is, how much maintenance you want to undertake – these are all factors that are considered when your outdoor area is being landscaped.
Fencing provides a visual border around the garden and the gate as providing the entry point. Many styles of fencing are available; from picket fences to modern Colorbond, or you could even choose to hide your existing fences altogether through a disguising product such as natural reeding.
Gates are generally made from the same material as the fence, although wrought iron or another similar material can be used to provide a feature. If you have a pool or are thinking of getting a pool, the pool fencing and gates you choose will be subject to strict Australian guidelines.
Balustrading is simply a row of repeating balusters. Balusters are small posts that support the upper rail of a railing. Commonly, balustrades are seen on staircases, but they can also be used to define porches, entranceways, verandahs, decks, and balconies. They can also be used in fencing and for privacy screens. Balustrading professionals are able to create custom designs to perfectly suit your home.

Roofing, Guttering and Rainwater Tanks

Roofing is generally steel or tiled and comes in a variety of styles such as pitched, skillion, hipped, and curved, just to name a few. Steel roofs include Colorbond and untreated zinc-aluminium. The best part of steel roofs is that they can achieve so many effects, and steel is the only material that will allow a curved roof.
Guttering is an important part of the roofing system and it can blend seamlessly into the roof or be a feature colour, acting as a border. There are different types of gutters available and they will suit different kinds of homes. Gutters are also an integral part of rainwater collection if you have a rainwater tank and it is for this reason that gutters need to be in good working condition, protected from the elements and have some sort of guard to stop debris from clogging the gutters or entering the water tank.
Rainwater tanks can be used for a multitude of things such as watering the garden, topping up the pool, flushing the toilet and in the laundry. More complicated systems can provide you with water that is suitable for drinking. Water tanks can be installed above or below ground. Above ground tanks will take up slightly more room in the garden, however, new slimline profiles means that they can be installed at the side of the house, minimising the amount of space that they take up. Below ground tanks are commonly made of concrete and can be fitted with a load-bearing lid so that they can be installed underneath driveways or other structures. Many councils are now offering rebates on the cost of water tanks as an incentive for people to get one in their home.

Rendering and Cladding

Rendering is a new way to update a home and hide surface imperfections. The look achieved is sleek, modern and timeless.There are two main types of render – cement and acrylic – and it can be applied to a variety of surfaces, making it an extremely versatile building material. Render can also be applied in a variety of textures, from as smooth as concrete to a rough, raked finish.
Cladding is a material that covers a building in order to protect it against the elements. Commonly cladding is thought of as weatherboards but metal and cement sheeting and even bricks are included. Weatherboards come in a variety of materials but the most popular is timber, which can be painted or stained. Red cedar weatherboards are great for a classy look. Other options include PVC, aluminium and vinyl.