The spruced-up stoep

Glamming up your outdoor living space is one of the hottest trends these days - mostly due to the pandemic, which prompted homeowners to rediscover the real value of their patios, verandas, stoeps and lapas as great places to gather with family, watch the game with friends, drink a quiet coffee and perhaps even to set up a home "office" on sunny days.

And in these times of high inflation, rising interest rates, residual fear of crowded places and a new love for home entertainment, these extended living spaces are set to continue gaining popularity. 

In fact, however you use it, there's no doubt that an attractive outdoor living area - even if it's tiny - is a feature that will always enhance the appeal of a home for potential buyers and give it an edge over other properties competing for their attention.     

And the dry winter weather in most of SA - and loadshedding - makes this the right time to either create such a space or upgrade the one you have - especially if you are thinking of selling this coming spring or summer.       

What is more, you don't need to incur a lot of expense for landscaping or decking to create a good-looking space, especially if you are able to do some of the work yourself. If you have a level area in your backyard, for example, it is relatively simple to lay bricks or concrete pavers to create a patio, under a favourite tree perhaps, or in a sheltered corner where you can enjoy the sun, avoid the wind and set up your braai.

If you need to create shade, think about gazebos, umbrellas and shadeports or a thatch lapa, all of which are relatively inexpensive to install.  

Meanwhile, if you are lucky enough to already have an undercover patio, veranda or stoep, or even a small balcony, it's really worth sprucing it up and making it look inviting before you decide to sell and the listing photographs are being taken. 

The first thing to do, as in the rest of your home, is to get rid of any clutter such as children's toys, pet food bowls, the braai that has seen better days and your gardening shoes and tools.

Next, you should check whether the walls and ceiling need repainting or the floor needs cleaning or resealing, and then think about what you would like to add to the space to make it yours and give it a unique style. Does it need shelving, an outdoor rug, a striking new light fitting, curtains for more privacy or just some plant pots and hanging baskets?    

And lastly, you need to consider your outdoor furniture and ensure that it is in good repair - and comfortable - before placing it and dressing it to illustrate your favourite use of the area, whether that is sharing an around-the-table Sunday brunch, sipping a leisurely sunset cocktail in a lounger or reading the latest thriller in the most comfortable armchair.