PR Tips for Real Estate

Outdoor Rooms. A Growing Triangle Trend

by Rich

Hordes of homeowners in 2007 demanded something new in their yards: an outdoor room. This exploding trend goes beyond the traditional patio. Outdoor rooms can include an assortment of elements ranging from gazebos, columns, grilling islands, benches, ambient lighting, fireplaces, stereo systems, and anything else a homeowner can dream up. Homebuilders and owners alike should be aware of this trend and learn how to optimize an owner’s outdoor living space according to their budget and lifestyle.

The name of the game in creating your ideal outdoor room is functionality. Outdoor living spaces should be designed carefully to accommodate smooth-flowing traffic when entertaining guests, while at the same time considering technical details including utilities and task lighting. Surfaces and materials should be aesthetically consistent with indoor décor while being durable and resistant to the great outdoors. HGTV Pro gives some good advice on how to make the most out of your outdoor living space.

The People Speak

An AIA 2007 Home Design Trends Survey found that 63% of all architects reported seeing an increase in homeowners’ request for outdoor living areas, proving to homebuilders everywhere that this is a powerful trend worth paying attention to. Builders should know the diverse array of options available. They should build relationships with reputable installers and landscapers to allow them to offer the best service to homeowners. Owners should take heed, as well, and enter into the home-buying process with an idea of what type of outdoor features match their lifestyles best.

With the Carolina springtime quickly approaching, local builders should capitalize on the outdoor living movement as that extra touch to win over homeowners. Whether homeowners seek extravagant over-the-top grills, spas and gazebos, or simply a pleasant entertaining space, the place-to-be in 2008 is destined to be the outdoor room.

Rich Van Tassel is President of Royal Oaks Building Group, LLC, a home building company founded in 2002 in Raleigh, North Carolina. During his first year in business with Royal Oaks, he built 38 homes with $6.8 million in total revenue. By 2006, Royal Oaks Building Group, LLC was listed by the Triangle Business Journal as the 18th largest builder by volume in the Raleigh-Durham and the 12th fastest growing, privately held company in the Triangle on the Fast 50 list, with 131 homes and $28.8 million in revenue. He resides in Apex, North Carolina.

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