Enjoy a Shady Retreat with a New Verandah

During the mild temperature months, many homeowners wonder how they can improve their home's energy efficiency while at the same time enjoying the pleasures of the crisp weather and fresh air. One way to do this is to have a verandah built along the garage or back of the home. By creating this outdoor retreat, a homeowner can take a "staycation" this fall right in their own back yard.

 Energy Efficiency 

 Because a verandah is like an extension to the home, it offers a shady escape without the need to run the air conditioner. The roof of the structure helps to decrease the amount of sunshine that gets into the house, which can boost the home's energy efficiency. As a result, homeowners could see their electricity bills decrease by a significant amount of money.

A Place for Rest and Relaxation

A verandah is the perfect place for rest and relaxation without having to get into the car and drive somewhere. A quiet morning with a cup of coffee or tea and some good reading material is all that a person needs to enjoy a slower pace of life. The new area will be an obvious place for company to congregate as well. Evening cocktails while watching the sunset and striking up a lively conversation will be the highlight of the weekend.

Verandahs have a long history in the architecture of homes around the world. From the hot, arid climes of Australia to the plantations of colonial times in America, homeowners included these spaces as a way to extend their living space without the expense of adding an additional room. This wisdom holds true even today as homeowners seek to improve the aesthetic and monetary value of their homes.