When Starbucks swaps out iced coffee for Pumpkin Spiced Lattes, it’s a great time to start thinking about how you can make the most of fall in your new home’s outdoor spaces.
New construction homes have fantastic outdoor features that let you and your loved ones enjoy the cooling temperatures and lovely foliage from decks and in front of fire pits. Depending on the project, it can be worthwhile to complete outdoor spaces during the construction phase of your new home, so that you can enjoy the features right away, no matter the season.
Almost all planting zones can get one last hurrah of garden growth before winter sets in, and fall garden maintenance can ensure stunning spring blooms. Fall maintenance plays a crucial role in protecting your home from winter weather, and can be a fun fall activity in itself!
NewHomeSource has all the information you need to include great outdoor features in your new home, so that you can make the most of the wonderful weather that comes with fall.
Cozy Decks and Patios
Extending living space outdoors is one of the hottest trends in new homes, including fostering an indoor/outdoor connection. Decks and patios are an excellent way to entertain and relax outside, mimicking an indoor experience. Decks and patios are a great value-add for a new home, because they are so in demand. Recent data from the National Association Home Builders, shows that over 60% of new homes last year were built with patios.
As You Build
Having your homebuilder take care of your deck or patio while they’re building your home ensures you get they keys to your dream home, and not a house with a long list of tasks that need doing. You can do fun fall activities on your ready-built outdoor space, instead of starting a massive, expensive, and time-consuming project while you’re still trying to settle into your new home.
For a more refined look, or if you love the idea of having fall-themed parties in an outdoor living room, you can work with your builder to include an outdoor fireplace. Your homebuilder can integrate an outdoor fireplace with a beautiful deck or patio.
Many homebuilders include covered porches as part of their standard home plans, so if all you want is a spot for a comfy chair and a fall gourd, you don’t need to do any extra planning. If you want a larger outdoor seating area, you may want to work with your builder to include a covered patio or deck, so you can still enjoy your outdoor spaces during fall drizzles. Speaking of which, you can also talk to your builder about slip-resistant or weather-resistant decking materials, such as stone pavers or composite decking, to keep you safe and your porch/patio/deck in tip-top shape.
While you’re at it, you can talk with your builder about building in some storage space to keep your cushions and other accessories out of the elements once fall officially gives way to freezes.
Enjoying Your Porch or Patio in the Fall
Sprucing up your outdoor spaces for a more fall vibe is definitely the first step in transitioning to the coziest season of the year. After all, nothing says sweater weather quite like sitting out on your deck wrapped up in chunky knit garments, warm beverage in hand. (And if you’re from the Midwest or north, please don’t laugh at the southerners who started layering sweaters once the thermometer dropped below 80 degrees.).
A must-have on your deck or patio in the fall is a patio heater, perfect for chilly evenings.
You can also signal that fall is here by introducing seasonal fall potted plants, such as mums and pansies. Focus on fall colors.
One of the simpler fall decorations is the most iconic: the pumpkin. Adorn your outdoor space with a selection of multi-colored pumpkins and gourds.
Fall comes with shorter days. Illuminate your deck or patio with twinkle lights, tea lights and solar lanterns for a cozy glow after dark.
Add fall-themed accents to your patio furniture, such as brightly colored throw pillows or throw rug, along with a basket of woven blankets, close at hand if you get chilly.
Fantastic Fire Pits
Fire pits take your backyard experience to the next level in the fall.
As You Build
Homeowners today want spaces that focus on family fun and entertaining guests. That’s part of the reason that fire pits are so popular as a stylish spot to gather, that naturally invites conversation. Installing a fire pit when you build your new home gives you a great way to use your backyard when temperatures cool. Talk with your builder about integrating a fire pit area in your yard.
Enjoying Your Fire Pit in The Fall
Seating is important. Include built-in benches, circular sofas, or movable chairs, but make sure there is a safe distance from the fire to the seating area.
Consider installing a covered porch or pergola over your fire pit so that you can enjoy it, even if it is raining.
Glorious Gardens
Just because the Northern Hemisphere is getting ready for winter, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy beautiful blooms for a few more months. A number of fall florals still flourish as summer comes to an end, giving you a lovely garden to enjoy from your (pumpkin covered) patio.
As You Build
New construction homes come with great landscaping packages that allow homeowners to enjoy their outdoor spaces year round. Easy-to-maintain lawns can transition from full summer emerald to dormant, without a ton of work. Built-in sprinkler systems let you enjoy your yard without spending hours watering. Beautiful garden beds give you the perfect space to customize all year round.
In most cases, it is recommended that you wait until you have lived in your new construction home before you do landscaping, but definitely plan your garden during the build phase
During the build phase, address structural items that will facilitate outdoor living, like plumbing, electrical and lighting.
Life with Your Garden
Once your garden is established, here are some beautiful flowers you can plant to make the most of your fall backyard:
Naturalizing annuals – flowers that only live for one year but self-seed at the end of the growing season – can help you enjoy one last hurrah of color. Cosmos, mums, sunflowers, zinnias, and pansies all love the cooler weather, and buying a pack of seeds gives you major bang for your buck in the backyard.
Perennials – flowers that keep coming back year after year – such as dahlias and roses are fall favorites that will spark joy this fall and for many falls to come.
You can also incorporate some seasonal landscaping – low-maintenance, hardy plants such as mums, ornamental grasses, or evergreens are great for keeping your yard looking great even in cooler months. Maples and oaks provide great fall foliage.
A beautiful fall garden adds the perfect finishing touch to your outdoor spaces, and takes your favorite autumnal activities to the next level.
Hot Tubs and Outdoor Spas
Sitting under the stars on a cool night, with steam rising from your outdoor hot tub or spa in the fall is magical.
As You Build
Installing your hot tub when you build your new home has a number of benefits no matter what season you move in.
You’ll save money by integrating the hot tub seamlessly with the home’s plumbing and yard.
You won’t have to tear up your yard or plumbing at a later date to install your dream hot tub.
You limit the risks of leaks and water damage from a botched hot tub installation by a third party contractor.
Bonus: If your hot tub is ready to go upon move-in, and not trapped on a wish list, you can soak sore muscles away after a long day of unpacking.
Work with your builder to install a hot tub or spa in the best location in your yard, whether that be right off the porch, next to the pool, or in a secluded area with more privacy.
Enjoying your Hot Tub or Spa in the Fall
Your hot tub will come in handy during any season, but the perfect fall mood is one that combines cool weather with warm activities, making hot tubs the ideal backyard feature for an iconic fall in your new home. Bonus points if you bring a fall-inspired beverage with you when you go for a soak in your hot tub.
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Sanda Brown
After graduating in 2016 from The University of Texas with a degree in English, Sanda Brown became a content writer for the BDX with a focus on website copy and content marketing. At the BDX, Sanda helps write and edit articles on NewHomeSource.com, writes website copy for builders, and manages a team of freelancers that work on additional content needs.