subject: The Basics of Adding a Breezeway [print this page] The Basics of Adding a Breezeway The Basics of Adding a Breezeway
A breezeway can be a nice add-on to your home, giving extra living space and guard from the elements between areas of your home such as the house and garage. They can also serve as a patio area, leaving a comfortable and functional area that can be used during most of the year. Designs may vary to include both open and enclosed breezeways, depending on the design of your home and your personal needs.
Open or Enclosed?
One of the first factors to consider when planning to design a breezeway is choosing whether it will be an open or covered breezeway. In areas of the country where the climate is warm most of the year, an open design would fit well and might save your money. However, in places with winter weather, an enclosed design will let you to maket use of the area as patio space during cooler spring and fall weather. It can also provide much-needed guard from the harsh winter climate. Function should also be taken into account when deciding between an open or covered design. If you would like to utilize the breezeway as a "mud room" to store hats, jackets, shoes, and coats, a covered design would work bestbetter . An covered design would also work best if you desire to use the breezeway as aplay area for young children, for they will have a better security and safety.
Architectural Considerations
Unless you have the construction skills needed to build the breezeway structure yourself, you should hire a builder or contractor. Depending on where you live, there may also be building codes and regulations that will need to be taken into consideration. For most cases, you will want to have electricity accessible in the breezeway, both for lighting and for outlets. Electricity will also allow you to use a portable heater.If you decide on an open breezeway, please be sure to choose electric lights and outlets that are suitable for outdoor use.You might consider hiring a plumber if you decide to add a water fountain to your breezeway. Identifying the needs at the early stage of planning is very helpful You must also be sure to design the breezeway in a style that is harmonizing to the overall look of the house.
The Decorations
There are many different ways of decorating a breezeway, depending on your own particular needs. Adding some patio furniture can be a good choice, since a breezeway can a pleasant place to unwind, rest, or have a little picnic.Adding an heater will extend the value of the area during cooler weather, and a mini water fountain can provide a soothing touch. If you plan to use the breezeway as a mud room, a storage bench can be a good addition, providing hidden storage in addition to a place to sit when putting on and taking off boots and shoes.A peg rack to hold jackets, hats, umbrellas and other outdoor accessories is also a useful addition to the breezeway.Blinds on the windows to help lessen too much light of the sun during certain times of the day can also make the area more comfortable.
