Hiring a local contractor to construct an outdoor living area in your yard is a good way to increase the amount of square footage that you have for relaxing, entertaining guests, and enjoying other casual activities. It can be fun to evaluate the amount of space you have for this area and then sit down with your contractor to come up with a custom design. One thing to think about is whether or not you want a roof over the space. Having a roof can be a good idea for creating shade and dry conditions during inclement weather. If you favor a roof, here are some ideas you might want.
Glass Roof
A glass roof can be a stylish option to consider. Its primary benefit is that it allows a certain amount of natural light to shine through, which will help to keep your outdoor living space feeling bright. This can especially be important in a small space, as a small space that is dark may feel very cramped. You have the option of having the entire roof made of glass panels, but another option is to have a solid roof in some areas and a few glass panels in a specific area. This will ensure that there's some shade for those who want it.
Vaulted Roof
While a flat roof is a popular choice over many outdoor living spaces, your builder may suggest a vaulted roof. This is a roof that is peaked and has a sloped look. The biggest advantage of a vaulted roof is that it's very high in the middle. This is another good way to prevent the living space from seeming cramped. You may wish to hang an outdoor ceiling fan from the highest point of the ceiling, as it can circulate the air to keep the outdoor living space feeling fresh.
Slat Roof
Another option to consider is a slat roof, which features pieces of wood with gaps between them. A slat roof won't provide full coverage during inclement weather, but this may not be a major concern to you if you don't get a lot of rain where you live. The slats will partially block the sun's rays, but not so much that the space feels dark and unwelcoming. This type of roof can also be useful for making the living space feel spacious.
Contact a local contractor to learn more about custom outdoor living areas.
