Outdoor activities are essential to us human beings. It creates the connection we need with nature, and it also gives us the ability to alleviate the pains of boredom, especially during the pandemic. However, it can be tough to do outdoor activities when we do not have sufficient space or equipment for them.
Thankfully, American homes are spacious, and with enough renovations, we can have the necessary extensions we need to do our favorite activities. Let’s start with one of the cheapest but most fulfilling extensions: pergolas and gazebos.
Pergolas and Gazebos
Pergolas and gazebos are your best options if you like to do yoga in the morning. However, if you also want to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee alongside nature, then this option is for you. It’s one of the best outdoor extensions out there and one of the cheapest.
Pergolas or gazebos can be built in two ways. A contractor is the most costly option, and the cheapest option is purchasing oak frame kits and building one yourself. You should choose an option depending on your budget and schedule. Don’t choose the cheapest option if you can’t build it yourself.
Having a pergola or gazebo near your home can give you the private space you need away from your family. Being cooped up with them in one home can certainly affect your mental health. So build yourself one of these things to get the breathing space you need.
Patio
An even cheaper alternative to pergolas and gazebos is patios. It can offer the same amount of space, but with a minor downside: it can’t protect you from the sun. If it doesn’t get too sunny where you live or too hot, then building a patio can be a good alternative for you.
There are two ways for you to build your patio. The first is through a contractor. The second is by building it yourself. The average cost of a patio is around $3,000. We highly suggest that you build your patio instead of hiring a contractor to do it for you. You can cut down the costs by more than 50% by doing this.
A patio is a way to bring more space into your home. It’s great if you’re planning to do some outdoor exercise next year. It’s also good if you’re planning to do some parties.
Greenhouse
The next thing you should build, especially if you have a green thumb, is a greenhouse. Greenhouses are a great supplement for your garden, and they can also be your garden. It can help you grow plants regardless of the season and protect them from the harsh heat of the sun.
The main advantage of having a greenhouse is the ability to install smart devices inside them. These smart devices can help maintain the temperature inside and water your plants whenever they get too dry.
The average price of a greenhouse is around $10,000. That’s pretty expensive if you think about it. However, much like pergolas and gazebos, you can purchase a greenhouse kit and build it yourself. Moreover, you can design a much smaller greenhouse to bring the price down.
Swimming Pool
Swimming pools are almost a must in American homes. It’s a great place to relax and unwind. It’s also great for the kids and outdoor parties! However, swimming pools are a costly investment that requires some savings.
Swimming is a great outdoor activity, but because of the pandemic, public swimming pools are closed. The best thing you can do is to build one right in your backyard.
An above-ground swimming pool is the cheapest option, costing about $4,000 to $8,000 on average. A below-ground one is the most expensive option, costing about $10,000 to $20,000, a permit for about $200, and a contractor. You cannot build a below-ground pool yourself.
Below-ground swimming can bring your home price up and make it much easier to sell. However, an above-ground pool can’t drive your home value up. It can even cost you in some situations because you’ll need to disassemble it before selling your home.
Wooden Shed
A great compliment for all of these is a wooden shed. A wooden shed can store all sorts of materials you need to maintain your extensions. They are also pretty cheap to build. Depending on the size, you can purchase a pre-fabricated wooden shed for about $500 to $1,000. If you have multiple outdoor extensions, consider purchasing a bigger shed for your cleaning and maintenance materials.
If you’re planning to do some outdoor activities in the coming year, you must get a couple of these things built. The pandemic isn’t going anytime soon, so these outdoor extensions can undoubtedly bring some spice into your life.
