BACKYARD ENTERTAINING
If you’re planning any kind of an upgrade to your home for 2019, you may want to consider focusing your attention on the backyard. Why? Because according to real estate experts, that’s where homeowners want to be. “The popularity of outdoor entertaining has increased enormously over the last decade,” said Lee Gregory, project co-ordinator with Groupe Paramount. “People have looked outside their windows at a space their families have never used and they finally want it to be an extension of their indoor homes.” This is never more obvious than during the bitter winter months, he added. “In the office, we’re always pleasantly surprised that on the worst of winter days there’s actually an increase in calls for estimates. Montrealers are so starved to spend time outside they want to make the very best of warmer months ahead.” When it comes to backyard entertaining, the focus is generally on pools, patios, and, more recently, cooking. Alfresco dining has always been a favourite pastime of Montrealers, but today even the cooking is taking place outdoors thanks to the growing trend of kitchens being incorporated into overall backyard design. “Outdoor kitchens become part of our clients’ families,” said Ryan Bloom, co-owner of Urban Bonfire. “In our fast-paced world and gogo-go mentalities, anything that helps facilitate quality time spent with loved ones is always going to be sought after. Kitchens fill that need and then some; they’re a space that really helps people connect.” Today’s outdoor kitchens are much more durable than in previous years, meaning the season for outdoor cooking is getting longer all the time. “People are often surprised at our products’ durability, and at the huge selection of layouts, colours, fixtures, upgrades and equipment options there are,” Bloom said. Whether you’re looking for a basic barbecue setup, a full outdoor kitchen, or fun features like smokers or pizza ovens, you can be sure that including some type of cooking space in your backyard entertainment area is well advised. Even if you decide against an outdoor kitchen, a well-kept patio area with ample seating is always the basic element required for backyard entertaining. By having a clean space to act as a blank canvas, homeowners can get creative and use the area in whatever way best suits their needs. “Most people opt for outdoor dining setups, but we also often see full outdoor living rooms with comfortable, three-season furniture,” Gregory said. “Then unique elements like fire tables, water features, and other accents can be added into the space so clients can really make it their own. Clients simply want functionality and clean, calming esthetics.” In addition to cooking, dining, and seating areas, the show stopper in many backyards is the pool. Thanks to improvements in design and materials over the years, pools can now be custom made to accommodate just about any space or property orientation. In fact, it’s even possible to install inground pools in micro yards, like those often found in townhouse properties. “It’s incredible what we’re able to do today with pools and spas,” Gregory said. “Every home is different, and there are turnkey solutions for each property in order to give clients what they’re looking for by focusing on features that their families will actually use and enjoy.” Aside from wanting to spend more time outside, another reason homeowners are frequently investing in backyard entertainment features has to do with home prices. “Homes in the city have become more expensive, and so a lot people are forgoing the notion of also owning a weekend cottage,” Gregory said. “Instead, they’re opting to build an all-in-one city home.” Homeowners are also commonly investing more in their current properties rather than opting to move, said Claudia Argento, real estate broker with Abbey and Olivier Agency. “Putting in a pool, a custom outdoor fireplace, or even an outdoor kitchen area are just some examples of how people are creating beautiful spaces to enjoy,” she said. “Interior or exterior upgrades not only increase the value of a home, but also the quality time spent enjoying the space with friends and family.” Being able to make the most of such quality time is a priority for many. “People work hard and really look forward to enjoying their evenings and weekends with family and friends,” Gregory said. “What better way than enjoying the longer summer days with a glass of wine while the kids are in the pool!”