How to Create The Ideal Outdoor Manhattan Paradise
During the pandemic, Top Hat saw Manhattan home improvement projects surge to new highs. We all developed a new appreciation and use for our outdoor spaces, especially in the city. Which is why one of the most popular areas for a home upgrade over the past few years is in outdoor living spaces. NPR reported that there has been an “almost a threefold increase in building decks,” with construction up 275%.
Al Terry, CEO and Founder of New York Decks heartily agrees. He’s seen strong demand by New York City homeowners looking to make the most of rooftops, patios, and terraces. There are the usual reasons for this demand, including the desire for extra space to relax, eat, work, entertain and play. Then there are some very practical reasons to focus on outdoor spaces.
GIVE THE PEOPLE WHAT THEY WANT
Development of a balcony, terrace or rooftop into a beautiful oasis not only expands your livable area, but it also enhances the real estate value of your New York property. Brick Underground reported that the median sale price for a Manhattan home with outdoor space fetched 39% more than a place without outdoor space.
MORE BANG FOR YOUR HOME IMPROVEMENT BUCK
The cost to renovate the interior of a Manhattan townhome, brownstone or co-op is only getting more expensive. But renovation of your outdoor space can cost as little as two-thirds of that.
PLANNING MAKES PERFECT
Same as you put a lot of thought into interior design and planning, use that same thought process to make the best use of outdoor spaces. Will you be using it to entertain? Is it an al fresco office? Make sure your outside area reflects your personal style. The building materials you use should consider not only the visual appeal, but durability. Think about how much use your space will get and design accordingly. For the greenery, Top Hat works with landscape architects on everything from transforming terraces to creating an urban rooftop oasis.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU START
If you live in a multi-unit building, make sure you understand the building, board or management company restrictions and requirements. You’ll also need to ensure that the build out is code compliant. If you live in a landmarked New York City building, work with your designer to confirm that the features are thematically consistent with the historical design. You are not allowed to change the cityscape, but plants and trees may be visible. Make sure that any contractors have adequate insurance. Your contractor must have “no exclusions insurance” because they’re often working outdoors at a height above 3 stories. The load bearing capacity of the roof is an important factor in determining the weight of the installation. You’ll want to involve an engineer from the beginning of the project and get a drawn plan from each contractor with specific measurements and sample materials. Top Hat will solicit proposals from different contractors to make sure that we get the right fit for our client both financially and aesthetically.
OUTDOOR DESIGN TRENDS
Pergolas are popular since they offer a distinct outdoor room. We’re seeing a lot of outdoor ceiling fans to keep it cool in the summer and infrared lamps for the cooler seasons. Many clients are installing fully functioning outdoor kitchens, showers, and spas. Multi-level green walls, bushes and annuals help to muffle city sounds and transform urban environments. Top it off with a smart lighting program.
There are a lot of moving parts to create an ideal outdoor area that will add living space and value to your home. Top Hat is your one-stop shop to manage the project from beginning to beautiful end.
Gary Mindlin is co-founder and owner of Top Hat Home Services, a full-service property care and management company. Top Hat services homes in Manhattan and are known as experts in every aspect of building management, maintenance and repair, as well as renovation and construction supervision.