Have you always dreamed of having a beautiful backyard patio where you could enjoyyour summer days and nights? You're not alone! Our real estate agents often hear from buyers who have added a great backyard totheir list of "must-have" home features.

The good news is, it's fairly easy to add or upgrade a patio, even if you don't have a ton of outdoor space. The following seven tips will help you make your dreams come true!

1. Start with Your Landscaping
   The first thing to do before you start working on your new patio space is to clean up your current landscaping. Remove dead bushes, trim up your trees, and get rid of any junk that has accumulated. Once you've got a good idea of what you'll do, you can start adding landscaping features that will complement the overall look and feel of your completed project. It's often a good idea to plan out your new landscape, but avoid actually putting it in until the rest of your project is done.

2. Lay Down Some Pavers
   One excellent way to give your space an instant upgrade is to lay down concrete pavers. This looks much better than a poured concrete block thanks to the many different colors and styles available. This is also easier and less expensive than pouring concrete and is simpler to maintain.

3. Create an Outdoor Living Room
   Many of the best outdoor patios resemble an outdoor living room. Don't be afraid to add textiles like area rugs, throw pillows, and even a few cozy blankets draped over the back of chairs. You'll just want to make sure that anything that's not specifically designed for outdoor use is brought inside each night.

4. Include a Fire Feature
   Adding some fire -- whether it's in the form of a fire pit, a fire table, or a fireplace, can take your patio to a whole new level. Not only will it give the area a super-cozy and upscale feel, but it will ensure that you can enjoy your patio even after the temperatures start to dip.

5. Add Some French Doors
   If possible, consider connecting the indoor and outdoor space with a set of French doors. This will invite your guests to easily wander through each area and give you more overall space to work with. You'll likely need a professional contractor to take care of this part of the project, but it's an investment that's well worth the cost.

6. Build a Pergola
   While a covered patio is often preferred, it's not necessary. If you don't already have a covered area, you may find that it's much easier to add a pergola. This looks beautiful and will create a similar effect.

7. Don't Forget the Lighting
   Last, but certainly not least, you'll want to put some effort into your lighting. From low-level landscape lighting to string lights, pendant lights, and more, decorative lighting can go a long way towards creating a warm, comfortable vibe. The other obvious advantage is that you and your guests will be able to enjoy your patio well into the evening hours. You may also consider adding some battery-powered candles to give the space even more of a "homey" feel.  

If you're thinking about buying or selling a home in the Northern New England area, the pros at the Masiello Group are here to help!Contact us today to learn more.