Award-Winning Inspiration for Exterior Home Upgrades

(Family Features) From decks and outdoor kitchens to guest houses and whole-home makeovers, there are a variety of ways homeowners can enhance the look and feel of their outdoor spaces while also creating new ways to enjoy time outside with family and friends.

“Upgrading your outdoor space has two benefits,” said Chris Egner, president of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). “Not only will it add a space you can use for relaxation or entertaining, it will also raise your home’s value by enhancing its exterior appearance.”

Looking at award-winning projects other homeowners have had completed can help you draw inspiration. For example, selected by a panel of industry experts based on functionality, aesthetics, craftsmanship, innovation and degree of difficulty, these 2022 NARI National Contractor of the Year (CotY) Award Winners showcase a variety of ideas for upgrading your home’s exterior and outdoor spaces. Find the complete list at remodelingdoneright.nari.org/NARICotYWinners.

Residential Landscape Design/Outdoor Living Over $250,000

With a passion for cooking and entertaining large groups of family, friends and colleagues, this client’s small outdoor patio and grilling center was insufficient and inconveniently located. To create a seamless and natural extension of the home, a 1,500-square-foot outdoor living structure was designed, complete with a full chef’s kitchen, luxury bar and lounge, al fresco dining space, pool bath and comfortable seating in front of the fireplace.

Residential Detached Structure

With the exterior features of a high-end home, including gas lanterns, a mix of board-and-batten and shake style siding, large cedar timber accents and a covered patio, it may be surprising this structure is secondary to the main house. Creamy whites, warm woods and classic brick tie together to create an elegant exterior. In the interior, this carriage house includes a bourbon room, dog shower, one-and-a-half baths, a full kitchen, living room, bedroom and an office.

Residential Landscape Design/Outdoor Living $100,000-$250,000

Lake views and a structurally sound home for the swim spa were the focus of this deck remodeling project. While functional, the original deck lacked space for entertaining and could not support the spa. The new footprint includes space for guests on one side and a deck level swim spa entry with room to lounge on the other, creating an updated look that connects the modern house to the landscaped backyard and highlights the expansive lake views.

Green – Entire House/Addition Projects

Energy efficiency, minimal maintenance, clean indoor air and quiet, inviting space were top priorities for this project. A focus on high-performance walls, windows and doors as well as insulating and air sealing yielded a quiet indoor environment and increased energy performance. The protected exterior entry also adds colorful curb appeal and symmetry to the front of the home and a reconfigured front door created an informal interior foyer leading to an open and bright kitchen, dining area and family room.