What Will It Really Cost? Budgeting for the Ultimate Outdoor Living Space

Are you dreaming of enhancing your home with a welcoming outdoor space where friends and family can gather and make memories?

Most homeowners agree that outdoor living spaces, such as porches, decks, and patios, are invaluable home additions. However…they’re also a considerable investment. So, if you’re wondering how much an outdoor makeover will really cost—we’ve got you covered.

Read through this detailed cost breakdown of our most popular outdoor designs and additional considerations you’ll want to make when budgeting for your backyard transformation.

Overall Cost of Luxury Outdoor Living Space Upgrades

Covered Porches

Want to build a comfortable, shaded spot outside to cozy up with friends and family? A stylish shaded porch is an excellent option!

Our shaded porches, made from natural wood or stone, composite decking, or concrete, cost $100 to $120 per square foot. Screened-in porches and sunrooms cost more to build but offer better protection from the elements (and bugs!) during all seasons.

Luxury Decks

Whether you want to bring your outdoor dining game to the next level or dream of having a beautiful spot where you can watch the sunrise while sipping coffee each morning—a luxury deck is the perfect outdoor addition!

Like covered porches, our decks can be made from natural wood or stone, composite decking, or concrete. This makes choosing the right materials for your style and budget a breeze. Decks usually cost $100 to $120 per square foot.

Paver Patios

Patios are an excellent choice for an outdoor living space because they can serve so many purposes. You can add an outdoor kitchen with a grill and dining table to create a lovely spot for alfresco dining, install a cozy fire pit, or install a shaded pergola furnished with designer furniture and a TV underneath.

A paver patio usually costs more than a deck or porch because it generally has more upgrades and extra square footage.

Additional Outdoor Living Space Projects

• Outdoor Kitchen — Want to enhance your patio or deck with a built-in grill, high-end appliances, and spacious countertops and cabinets? Outdoor kitchens cost $10,000 to $30,000 based on the preferred design and selected appliances.

• Gas Fireplace or Firepit — Install a cozy gas fireplace to stay warm during cold winter evenings or a beautiful firepit to enjoy on long summer nights. Depending on the chosen style and materials, these additions cost $3,000 to $10,000. 

• Landscaping — Create a lush oasis with well-manicured trees and plants, functional irrigation systems, ambient lighting, and beautiful hardscaping. Landscaping can cost between $3,800 and $15,000, depending on the yard's size and the project's complexity.

What Can Impact the Overall Cost of Creating My Outdoor Living Space?

Materials

The materials you choose for your luxury outdoor living space will have the most profound impact on the project’s overall cost. For example, poured concrete is generally the most affordable choice for decks and patios, while high-end wood or natural stone, like granite or flagstone, tends to be the most expensive.

Upgrades

While a project with SEED Development & Design generally starts at $45,000, upgrades can quickly increase the cost. Fireplaces, lighting, outdoor kitchens, water features, and pergolas are all examples of enhancements that can add to the project’s sum total.

Size

Building outdoor living spaces with more square footage will cost more. A larger space will require more time, labor, and materials during construction, which will add to the overall project cost.  

Permits

Some upgrades to outdoor living spaces, such as large decks and porches, may require a local building permit. While costs vary by location, a permit usually costs between $200 and $1,000.

Utilities

Gas, water, or electrical lines may need to be extended to your new outdoor living space to make it functional, especially if you plan to add a gas fireplace or a luxury outdoor kitchen. Extending utilities can add $1,000 to $5,000 (or potentially more) to the project’s overall cost.

Create Your Dream Outdoor Oasis with SEED Development & Design

Even though enhancing your home’s outdoor living space can be costly, creating a beautiful, functional porch, patio, or deck that expands your family’s living space will be worth every penny you spend!

SEED Development & Design would love to bring your vision for your outdoor living space to life. To simplify budgeting for an outdoor living space, we even offer financing options from GreenSky with no interest if paid in full within 15 months. Learn more about our outdoor living space services and see examples of projects we’ve completed to get inspiration for your backyard makeover!

Outdoor Living Space