A home's outdoor look and the space around it define the character of a home and extends your living space. During a remodel or while considering landscaping projects, you may consider what you can add to your home on the outside.

Deciding what to add to your backyard may seem overwhelming. However, there are a few classic structures that you can almost never go wrong with.

Deck or Patio

If you want a great backyard cooking space, or just a place for your family and friends to congregate, this addition is ideal. A wooden deck or patio is fairly quick to install and is a wonderful gathering space. Cost will vary depending on materials and labor used, but generally this an affordable addition that will add value to your home as well.

Pergola

During hotter months a Pergola is definitively a smart choice to provide some relief from the direct sunlight. A pergola adds great character to the house and helps define the space. Pergolas can be custom or you can buy a kit.

You can create a cozy shade around or over your hot tub, the BBQ grill, a flower garden, or even just your outdoor seating of patio or deck chairs. It's a simple structure that elevates the look of a house by making it both modern and inviting.

Gazebo

Do not confuse a Gazebo with a Pergola. They serve the same purpose but do so very differently. A gazebo is also meant to be an outdoor space of shade, but a gazebo has an actual shingled roof. A pergola on the other hand uses a slatted ceiling.

A gazebo adds a different aesthetic compared to a pergola. It is usually more romantic and traditional with its arched, rounded, and octagonal shapes. They are reminiscent of rustic Victorian cottages and if your goal is to create an outdoor space that brings a sense of nostalgia and escapism then this could be the structure for you.

There is an abundance of choices of what can be added to your outdoor space. Before deciding on adding an outdoor structure, carefully plan the project out. If you have an HOA, be sure to verify that your addition is permitted. Your outdoor space does not necessarily have to be big to make additions to it, as long as you thoughtfully plan the project out.