A Taste of Luxury.

By Wendy A. Jordan, Senior Contributing Editor

Homeowners look to outdoor spaces for relaxation, retreat and luxury

Outdoor living spaces are one pleasure homeowners are not willing to give up during the economic downturn. If anything, say remodelers and outdoor living design-builders around the country, outdoor amenities have taken on extra importance for their clients.

One reason is that they make good financial sense. While other investments may falter, Americans generally expect their homes to appreciate over the long term. Adding outdoor features boosts the value of the property. And, as Matt Plaskoff of Plaskoff Construction in Woodland Hills, Calif., points out, the economic slump has resulted in discount pricing from some product suppliers and trade contractors. For budget-conscious homeowners, it's advantageous to build and remodel now.

But there's more to the decision than dollars and cents. In tough times, homeowners place special value on having a place at home where they can retreat, relax, entertain friends and enjoy a taste of luxury. Beautiful outdoor living environments are the perfect answer.

True, clients are taking longer these days to decide on outdoor projects and are carefully evaluating their plans for cost-effectiveness. They may scale back the design, eliminating a feature or two; opt for smaller, less expensive projects; or schedule the work to be completed in phases. But after analyzing and value engineering their outdoor living plans, most homeowners tell their contractor, 'Let's do it.'

All the Comforts