Custom Home Upgrades Worth Considering Before Summer Ends

August 22, 2025

Must-Have Outdoor Features for Custom Homes in Ooltewah, TN - Perfect for Year-Round Living

As summer starts to wind down in Ooltewah, TN, many homeowners begin thinking about how to make the most of their outdoor spaces - not just for now, but for year-round enjoyment. If you're planning to build a custom home, August is the perfect time to think ahead and incorporate smart upgrades that extend your comfort beyond the warm months.


At K&M Homes, we specialize in building custom homes that reflect East Tennessee living - from hot, sunny summers to crisp, cool falls. Here are a few high-value upgrades worth considering before summer ends:


1. Screened Porches: Enjoy the Outdoors Without the Bugs

A screened-in porch is one of the most versatile features you can add to your custom home. It lets you:

  • Enjoy the breeze without the bugs
  • Extend your living space into nature
  • Host guests comfortably in any weather


As Tennessee heads into mosquito season and humidity begins to wane, screened porches offer a cozy, protected spot to relax in the shade—ideal for both summer evenings and brisk fall mornings.


2. Covered Patios & Outdoor Kitchens

Outdoor entertaining doesn’t have to end with summer cookouts. With a covered patio or built-in outdoor kitchen, you can keep the fun going all year long.


Popular add-ons include:

  • Grilling stations with prep areas
  • Mini fridges or beverage bars
  • Stone fireplaces or gas fire pits
  • Ceiling fans or mounted heaters for seasonal comfort


Covered outdoor spaces also increase your home’s usable square footage and appeal to future buyers.


3. All-Season Outdoor Living Rooms

Want the feel of a living room with the freshness of the outdoors? Consider creating a year-round outdoor living space with:

  • Weather-resistant furniture
  • Retractable screens or glass panels
  • Mounted TV and audio systems
  • Overhead lighting and custom flooring


This upgrade turns your patio or porch into a multi-functional area where you can watch football in the fall, sip coffee in winter, or read in spring sunlight.


4. Landscaping That Works Year-Round

If you're building in or around Ooltewah, TN, you’ll want landscaping that holds its charm even after summer fades. Consider:

  • Evergreens and native plants
  • Smart irrigation systems
  • Landscape lighting for evening curb appeal
  • Low-maintenance hardscape features like pavers and gravel paths


These features help your yard look beautiful through every season while minimizing upkeep.


5. Energy-Efficient Windows & Doors for Better Seasonal Transitions

While not exclusively outdoor-focused, upgrading your windows and doors improves comfort as temperatures shift. Energy-efficient windows help:

  • Keep heat out during the tail end of summer
  • Maintain warmth during cooler months
  • Reduce energy bills year-round


It’s a great way to pair form and function—especially if your home includes large picture windows, French doors, or sliders leading to outdoor spaces.


Plan Now, Enjoy Later

Custom home upgrades don’t just add beauty - they add value and flexibility to how you live in your home. By planning these features before summer ends, you’ll be positioned to enjoy them just as Tennessee’s stunning fall season rolls in.


At K&M Homes, we help you design spaces that feel just as inviting outside as they do inside. Whether you’re in the early planning stages or wrapping up selections, we’re here to guide you toward choices that make every season more enjoyable.


Ready to build a home you’ll love year-round? Contact K&M Homes today to start customizing your future.

July 21, 2025
Trusted Craftsmanship Meets Mountain Living: The K&M Advantage at River Gorge Ranch
July 11, 2025
Planning Your Dream Home: Key Tips for a Smooth Custom Build
A large house with two garages and a tree in front of it.
May 23, 2025
Summer 2025: The Perfect Season to Build Your Custom Home with K&M Homes in Chattanooga
A large white house is sitting on top of a lush green field.
November 11, 2024
Why Retire in Tennessee? A Perfect Blend of Lifestyle, Comfort, and Opportunity For those considering retirement, choosing the right place to settle down is one of life’s biggest decisions. Tennessee, with its natural beauty, rich culture, and favorable living conditions, has quickly become a top choice for retirees across the nation. If you're planning to design and build your dream retirement home, here’s why Tennessee might just be the perfect location to bring your vision to life. 1. Tax-Friendly Living Tennessee is known for its retiree-friendly tax policies. There’s no state income tax on wages or retirement income, meaning your Social Security benefits and retirement fund distributions go further here. For those looking to stretch their savings, Tennessee’s tax advantages make it an attractive and practical option for retirees. 2. Breathtaking Natural Beauty From the Smoky Mountains in the east to the rolling hills and vibrant river valleys, Tennessee offers stunning landscapes for nature lovers. Retirees can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and scenic drives. The mild climate means you can enjoy outdoor adventures year-round without harsh winters or extreme summers. 3. Low Cost of Living Compared to many other states, Tennessee’s cost of living is affordable. This extends to housing, groceries, utilities, and overall lifestyle expenses. For retirees on a fixed income, this means enjoying a high quality of life without high costs. When building a custom home, this affordability can provide flexibility, allowing retirees to invest more in features, upgrades, or amenities that make their home exactly what they want. 4. Vibrant Culture and Friendly Communities Known for its warm Southern hospitality, Tennessee is a welcoming place with strong community ties. Retirees often find it easy to make friends and get involved in local events. The state is also steeped in music, history, and art, with Nashville as the "Music City" and Memphis as the birthplace of blues. For retirees who enjoy arts, music, and cultural festivals, Tennessee has something for every interest. 5. Endless Recreational Activities Whether you’re looking to join golf clubs, explore charming small towns, or spend weekends at lakeside retreats, Tennessee has endless recreational options. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the U.S., is a must-see for any nature enthusiast. Retirees can also take advantage of Tennessee’s extensive network of parks, trails, and rivers, making it easy to stay active and enjoy the outdoors. 6. A Place for Custom Homes that Reflect Your Lifestyle Retirees moving to Tennessee often seek a home that aligns with their lifestyle, and building a custom home allows you to create a space that is truly your own. As a licensed custom home builder in Tennessee, K&M Homes works with you to design a home that meets your needs, whether it’s a cozy, accessible single-level layout, a luxurious kitchen for family gatherings, or an expansive patio for enjoying Tennessee’s scenic views. 7. Diverse Climate and Mild Seasons Tennessee enjoys a four-season climate without extreme conditions, providing a beautiful mix of mild winters, warm summers, and pleasant springs and falls. This climate allows retirees to experience the beauty of all seasons without the high maintenance of snow removal or overly hot temperatures, adding to the year-round appeal of living here. 8. Proximity to Major Cities and Attractions Tennessee’s central location places retirees close to numerous attractions and cities. The state’s proximity to neighboring states and cities like Atlanta, Asheville, and Louisville makes it easy to take weekend getaways, visit family, or enjoy a change of scenery without extensive travel. Start Building Your Dream Home in Tennessee Retirement is about creating the life you’ve always envisioned, and there’s no better place to do that than Tennessee. With its natural beauty, low taxes, affordable cost of living, and endless recreational options, Tennessee offers everything you need to enjoy retirement to the fullest. As a licensed custom home builder in Tennessee, K&M Homes specializes in helping retirees design homes that reflect their unique lifestyles and preferences. From tranquil mountain views to convenient city access, we’ll guide you through every step of creating your ideal retirement home. Ready to Begin Your Journey? If Tennessee sounds like the right retirement destination for you, contact K&M Homes today to discuss your custom home vision. Our team is dedicated to bringing your dream home to life, right here in the heart of Tennessee.