As more and more homeowners are choosing to stay in their current homes, the trend in home design is moving toward adding value to current homes. One key request is a fire pit!
Check out these creative ways to incorporate a fire pit into your Northern Virginia outdoor space!
Image via Pavestone
1. Outdoor Entertaining
Outdoor entertaining is usually on the top of most homeowners lists in terms of exterior renovations. Having a space to gather with friends and family can make a house feel more like home. One of the biggest advantages of adding a fire-pit to an outdoor space is that you immediately add resale value. Stone patios and fire-pits do not require annual maintenance, the same way a wood deck does. The most that has to be done is power-washing the stones every few years. It is also a good idea to make sure your fire-pit is not in a completely shaded area.
Image via Pavestone Brick Paving Inc.
Image via Vision Hardscapes
Image via Vision Hardscapes
2. Outdoor Kitchen
Outdoor kitchens used to be all the craze 20 years, but they are starting to make a comeback, especially hearth fireplaces that can act as pizza ovens or smore stations. In locations with temperate year round climates, an outdoor kitchen can be a great way to spend time with family, cook nightly dinners, and still be able to entertain on a whim.
Image via Vision Hardscapes
Image via Urban Oasis Design & Construction
3. Poolside
A poolside fire-pit may seem like only something to be found in homes of luxury, but as more homeowners are choosing to stay in their Northern Virginia homes-upgrades to the interior and exterior are becoming a long term investment worth making.
Adding a poolside fire-pit during your pools construction is incredibly simple because there will already be masons on site doing the concrete work. In this case, working with an experienced designer and builder is key, as there are code requirements on how close the fire-pit can be to the pool, especially if it is run by gas and electricity.
Image via Pool Environments
Image via Kikuchi + Kankel Design
4. All Season Cooking Station
An all-season cooking station may seem like it's only for the most seasoned of home chefs, but this outdoor structure is ideal for homeowners that love to grill regardless of the weather. Most covered porches need adequate ventilation to run natural gas or propane and because of this there can be limitations or extra expense in terms of how close this type of venting can be to your existing home.
By having a separate structure, it also allows for separate spaces for the adults and children. This is especially true for get togethers with adult friends when the children are asleep because you can avoid being loud in the home, but still be close by. As your children get older, it becomes a great place for them to retreat with teenage friends.
Image via Home Tailors Building & Remodeling
Image via Home Tailors Building & Remodeling
If you live in the Northern Virginia area and you’re interested in a free estimate, or would like to know how Lensis Builders, Inc. can make your home even better, give us a call at 703-367-8999 or fill out a short contact form. If you’re looking for inspiration for your next project, visit our Pinterest page.
