As the temperatures cool, humidity declines and daylight hours grow shorter, it’s the time of year when many Floridians enjoy relaxing in their outdoor living spaces. Whether it’s a dip in the jacuzzi, conversations around a firepit, or dinner on the patio, there’s nothing better than ending the day in your own custom-designed backyard oasis. If you’re considering building a custom home in Florida, be sure to start thinking about how you’d like to spend your time outdoors and what your dream custom outdoor living space might include. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind.
1. Choosing a Custom Home Lot
When selecting a lot for a custom home, there is much to consider – acreage, topography, location, zoning, utilities, easements and more. Often these important elements are evaluated primarily in relation to the needs of the desired home size and design, leaving the outdoor living space requirements as an afterthought. In Florida especially, it’s important to carefully scope out your outdoor plan as well – like the size of a pool, the desired covered patio space and other amenities before finalizing a land purchase to ensure your complete dream for a custom home will come to life. A good place to start is by making a list of everything you’d like to enjoy outdoors at your home. Also, before committing to purchasing a lot, it’s a good idea to consult with custom homebuilding professionals like those here at Envision Custom Homes. And if you have an older home with plans for a whole home renovation, your desired outdoor living space is just as important.
2. Rank Outdoor Living Space Amenities
The possibilities for creating an outdoor space for your Florida custom home are nearly limitless. Before you get started on scoping out the size requirements for your project, think about everything you would love to have in an outdoor space and rank them in order from what’s most important to least. Here’s a list to get you started:
| Outdoor Kitchen | Firepit / Outdoor Fireplace |
| Jacuzzi | Specialized Landscaping (gardens/flowerbeds) |
| Swimming Pool | Pergola |
| Covered Lanai / Patio with Seating | Deck |
| Dedicated Dining Space | Water Features (ponds, fountains, etc.) |
| Entertainment /Smart Features | Green Space / Pet Space |
3. Think Ahead
Just like designing the interior of a home, when you envision creating your outdoor living space, it’s important to think ahead as to how your life and use of your outdoor space may change over time. Whether it’s having more children, transitioning to an empty nest, or aging in place, your outdoor living space should be designed in a way that can accommodate your needs today and in the future.
Choose Envision for Quality Custom Homes in Florida
Coastal views, mild winters, and year-round naturescapes make outdoor living spaces a must for Florida custom home design. The available amenities and opportunities to create an amazing outdoor space are nearly limitless. When choosing a lot for your custom home, take some time first to evaluate which features of your outdoor space are most important today and into the future. Finally, make sure your outdoor living space desires are expressed and integrated into your custom home planning from the very beginning.