It’s no secret that all Australians love to spend time outside. Whether it’s to entertain guests, play with the kids, or enjoy some well-earned ‘me’ time, there’s something about the great outdoors that makes these kind of moments extra special.
For this reason, home owners across the country have begun to realise the benefits of having their own insulated patio roof, as it not only makes life outdoors more fun and accessible – but puts more money back in to their pocket as well.
Of course, if a simple patio was enough to earn mega-bucks, everyone would do it, right?
That’s why it’s so important to do your research first and seek advice from a local patio installer in your area. With their combined knowledge of the property market and outdoor living products, they can assess your property, listen to your ideas, and propose a custom solution that reflects your sense of style and preferences – and help earn the biggest return on investment.
To have an insulated patio roof that looks fantastic and is most attractive to potential buyers, you need to consider these key factors.
Is Your Outdoor Space Big Enough?
Size is one of the most important factors to consider. When you have a spacious patio, you have the freedom to arrange the furniture however you wish and guests are able to come and go as they please.
There are a few simple questions you can ask yourself, which will help you determine the kind of entertainment space you need:
- How many people live in the house?
- How many guests do you entertain on a regular basis?
- What will be the main purpose of the outdoor space? – i.e. entertain, relax, dine, or play with the family.
- How many items of furniture would you like to include?
By answering these questions, you’ll have a better idea as to what your vision is, and whether it can be achieved in accordance with your guidelines.
Research the Property Market
While most people jump at the idea of having their own outdoor entertainment space, it’s not always a guarantee. Different buyers have different preferences. And this can play a key role in how people perceive the value of your insulated patio roof. To put it simply, if people don’t want it – they won’t be inspired to pursue your property, or spend more than what similar properties on the market are asking for.
There are many ways you can research your local property market. Browse through online listings in your area to find houses that have outdoor extensions similar to what you’re after. Are they worth more than similar houses that do not have an outdoor extension? Were certain types of extensions perceived to be if more value than others (for instance, an outdoor dining space vs an outdoor pool)?
Another way to research the market is to contact local real estate agents. They can tell you the sale price of recently sold properties, and how much they think an outdoor extension influenced the value of that sale. With their valuable insight, they can give you concrete evidence as to what’s currently ‘hot’ on the market – both now and into the future.
Quality of Materials
When it comes to outdoor extensions, the old adage ‘you get what you pay for’ most certainly rings true.
These days, most insulated patio roofs are made with quality weatherproof materials. So they are designed to help withstand the harsh Australian climate and avoid the side effects of prolonged sun and rain exposure, including rust, corrosion, mould, and seasonal bushfires.
This is due to a combination of locally sourced materials and intelligent weatherproofing for timber, aluminium, and stainless steel. As a result, you will stay comfortable undercover all year round and the roof will look stunning for years to come – with very little effort on your part.
Another thing to remember. Make sure any builder you work with honours the manufacturer warranty of the products they use. Companies like Bluescope Steel, for instance, have fixed systems in place that make it easy for home owners and tradespeople to apply for a warranty. Plus, your installer should also stand by the quality of their own craft with a workmanship guarantee in accordance with relevant state or territory legislation.
Eye-Catching Looks
Having an insulated patio roof that looks stunning is a great way to draw attention to the outside area. It can serve as a unique focal point, one that gets people talking and earns you compliments galore. Best of all? If it comes time to sell, prospective buyers will be immediately drawn to the beauty and splendour of your outdoor living space.
The good news is, when it comes to customisation you are spoilt for choice. With guidance from your professional installer, you have the freedom to personalise nearly every aspect of your patio, including the roof profile (flat, pitched, or gabled), huge range of contemporary colours and finishes, insulation thickness, and your choice of a free-standing (no support posts) or attached configuration.
And your installer will be able to guide you through the design process. This way, you will feel confident with the choices you make, and you’ll know exactly what the final design will look like.
