Custom Home Upgrades Worth Considering Before Summer Ends
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.
