The last year has definitely been the year of outdoor living. 2021, maybe more than any other year in our 28 years in business, we have seen a surge in interest for outdoor living spaces additions among Birmingham-area homeowners. Why, you may ask? The driving force behind this trend, as you can imagine, are families spending more time at home, together, during the pandemic. Out of all the negative that has come from this period, one positive has also rose to the surface – we gained a renewed appreciation for spending time at home, outdoors, with family. This is where Archadeck of Birmingham comes into the picture.
For many homeowners, the need to make their outdoor living spaces more comfortable, more functional – and sometimes larger – has become a pressing concern. At the same time, many families who had budgeted money for travel in 2020/2021 were able to shift funds over to make outdoor living improvements. As we move into spring, we see no signs of this trend slowing – in fact, it is drawing momentum.
Additionally, we look at the increased interest in outdoor living as a way of folks getting back to basics, the basics may include a porch, deck and or other outdoor structure or amenities. We are also reminded that spending time outdoors, instead of indoors, with friends and family who don’t live in our household is one way we’ve adapted to social distancing recommendations.
Outdoor Living Dominated 2020 Home Improvement Trends
Recently we saw an article on ProBuilder.com with information about the home improvement projects undertaken most in 2020. A survey of U.S. and Canadian homeowners in December 2020 showed that all categories in home improvement and remodeling saw increases last year.
Most significant to Archadeck of Birmingham, the top four home improvement/remodeling categories last year were related to outdoor living:
- Outdoor living structures including decks, porches, fences, etc. “A direct reflection of people wanting to spend more quality time outside,” the article points out.
2. Exterior doorways, these are typically replaced in conjunction with the addition or remodeling of an outdoor living structure.
3. Outdoor accessories such as privacy screens, pergolas, arbors, planter boxes and benches. We call these amenities, these are the extras that improve our clients’ outdoor spaces. Each of these can increase the beauty, comfort and functionality of Archadeck of Birmingham’s custom outdoor living space designs.
4. Fireplaces and stoves, and don’t forget fire pits -- especially outdoors on decks and patios. As the article noted, these amenities “provide ambience and extend outdoor living into the colder months.”
What This Means for Our Clients in 2021: Bottom Line is Plan Ahead
For our Birmingham-area clients, we do not see this trend of increased outdoor living construction slowing in 2021. All signs indicate we can expect more of the same this year.
Imagine the disappoint in having planned a new outdoor living space in your mind and learning that the project you have in mind was not possible until 2022? Archadeck of Birmingham has seen a surge in requests for new outdoor living spaces this year – and we are just entering spring! We urge you to contact us today to get your project planned, scheduled and all materials secured and locked to ensure a 2021 build date.
Whether you are looking to add or upgrade a backyard deck or add an entire outdoor living environment to your property, we can help answer all your questions and begin planning your custom project in time to enjoy this year! Virtual consultations are also available during this time. Contact us today to learn more. We look forward to speaking with you.
Derek & Carissa Crews, owners at Archadeck of Birmingham.
