Outdoor Aficionado: 5 Things to Look for in a New House as an Outdoor Enthusiast

When shopping for a new house many people are more concerned about the interior than what is outside surrounding the home. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, you will likely want to look for qualities and features that can make your lifestyle more enjoyable. Here are five things that you should consider looking for when setting out to purchase a new home.

Soil Quality

Assuming you enjoy gardening as a part of your enthusiasm for the outdoors, you will want to be sure the soil is well suited for plants or vegetables. You should be able to recognize the soil quality by how well landscaped and cared for the property is. The lawn should have thick green grass and be free of weeds and crab grass. Garden plantings should look healthy, and not like they were just planted to sell the house. You can grab a little sample of the soil and have it tested at your local nursery or university agricultural campus extension service.

Space for Outdoor Improvements

If you are planning on adding a deck, terrace, pool, or storage shed, make sure there is plenty of room for expansion. Ask your realtor to check the zoning regulations and property line setbacks to be certain you will be able to add any of these features.

Fencing

You might want to consider adding chain link fencing to either keep garden scavenging animals out or to have room for your pets to play safely. You may hire a local aluminum fencing contractor to install your new fence.

Water Supply Sources

Look around the perimeter of the house and garage to see if there are adequate hose bibbs for watering your gardens. You might also want to inquire about a sprinkler system for the lawn. That is ideal if it is already installed.

Storage

Space to store landscaping equipment and outdoor sports gear is essential for an outdoor aficionado. The last thing you want is to be fighting with your car for garage space or tracking dirt into your new home after gardening or playing sports. A sufficiently sized garage and a mud room would be pluses in this case.

When looking for a new home, make sure you ask your realtor plenty of questions about the items listed above. You want to be sure you are getting the most out the property, not just the house.

About the author: Kara Masterson is a freelance writer from Utah. She enjoys Tennis and spending time with her family. This article was written on behalf of a local Deck and Fence Services Company.