Custom Home Upgrades: 4 Features to Enhance Outdoor Living

Building a custom home in Minnesota is an exciting time. You finally have the chance to create a home with all the features and space you need for your family while incorporating your unique design style. 

Bigelow Homes, a custom home builder in Minnesota, is here to remind you not to forget about an essential element of your custom home–the outdoor living experience. 

Minnesota has about six months of nice weather, during which you can enjoy the outdoors, enjoying your coffee on a chilly morning, or soaking up the afternoon sun with your family. Bigelow Homes can help you design and build out custom outdoor living features that will allow you to get the most out of Minnesota’s beautiful weather. 

Let’s take a look at some popular features that can enhance your outdoor living space. 

1. Covered Patio

A covered patio is a versatile addition to any Minnesota home, providing a comfortable outdoor space that can be enjoyed rain or shine. With a roof overhead, you can relax outside, even during summer showers or on days when the sun is especially strong. 

Covered patios are perfect for outdoor dining, entertaining guests, or simply unwinding with a good book. They also add value to your home by extending your living space and offering protection for your outdoor furniture from the elements. 

Bigelow Homes can help you design a covered patio that seamlessly blends with your home’s architecture, siding, and shingles, using materials and finishes that match your style and needs.

2. Water Features

There’s a reason the sound of trickling water is included in many relaxation soundtracks. It's a relaxing sound, useful for meditation, reading, concentration, or simply enjoying the atmosphere. 

Adding water features, such as a fountain or waterfall, can add a tranquil ambiance to your outdoor space, with the sound of flowing water creating a soothing environment. 

3. Ambient Lighting

Once the sun goes down, your outdoor living space needs lighting so you can continue using it well into the night. Strategic lighting enhances the functionality and mood of your outdoor space. 

Some popular options include string lighting, Edison bulbs, lanterns, or integrated LED systems to illuminate pathways and seating areas. Solar-powered lighting fixtures are perfect for after-sunset fun, too, lighting your area without using your home’s electricity. 

4. Screened Porch

A screened porch brings the best of the outdoors in, allowing you to enjoy fresh air and natural light without worrying about bugs or unpredictable weather. This feature is especially popular in Minnesota, where mosquitoes can be a nuisance during warmer months. 

A screened porch creates a cozy, protected environment for morning coffee, family dinners, or evening relaxation. With options for ceiling fans, comfortable seating, and even fireplaces, your screened porch can be customized for year-round enjoyment. 

Bigelow Homes specializes in designing screened porches that enhance your home’s curb appeal and provide a peaceful retreat for your family.

Choose Bigelow Homes for Your Custom Home & Outdoor Living

For over 40 years, Bigelow Homes has built custom homes throughout popular neighborhoods in Minnesota. Our experienced team will help you design your dream home and bring it to life using high-quality materials and superb customer service.  

Bigelow Homes has a tried-and-true process to help our clients find the right neighborhood where they can put down roots and raise their families. We will walk you through this process, ensuring every detail is accounted for and that you are happy before we begin building. 

Not sure where to start? Check out our gallery for inspiration!

Ready to make your dream home a reality? Contact Bigelow Homes today at 507-529-1161 or request more information online!