A Smarter Way to Expand Your Living Space
By Greg Wall & Steve Snyder
Homeowners today are finding smarter ways to expand their living space without taking on the cost of a full addition all at once. With thoughtful planning and proper engineering, outdoor and semi-outdoor spaces can be designed to grow alongside a family’s needs, lifestyle, and budget. Rather than waiting decades for the “perfect” addition, many families choose a phased approach that delivers immediate enjoyment and long-term flexibility.
It often begins with an open deck. While decks were once considered sufficient, most homeowners now recognize that, for much of the year, an open deck can be surprisingly unusable. Unrelenting sun, unpredictable weather, mosquitoes, and other critters often limit how often the space is truly enjoyed. As a result, the deck has evolved from a simple platform into the starting point for a more functional outdoor living area.
Adding a roof is often the next step. A covered porch dramatically increases comfort by providing shade and protection from rain while maintaining an open, outdoor feel. Screening all or part of the space further improves usability, creating an area that allows fresh air to flow without the nuisance of direct sun or insects. Covered porches, screen rooms, and sunrooms have truly changed the American backyard.
As needs change, many families choose to enclose a screen porch into a three-season room, then later into a fully insulated sunroom. With proper design from the start, that same space can eventually become a year-round living area or even a full addition without starting over. This approach allows families to spread out costs while enjoying each phase immediately.
Today’s homeowners also want choices. Many enjoy the option to sit comfortably in the shade under a ceiling fan, then step into the sun when it suits them. Adding a patio or deck next to a covered porch or screen room creates multiple zones for entertaining and relaxing. Features like fire pits or fireplaces extend usability into cooler months, and with the advent of radiant and infrared heaters, screen rooms and covered porches can function nearly year-round without the expense of a full addition.
The American backyard has evolved. No longer is a simple wooden deck enough. A maintenance-free covered porch, screen room, or sunroom—paired with an adjacent patio, fireplace, or outdoor kitchen—can transform how a family feels about their home. Parents often find that their teenage children choose to gather at home, while young adults also enjoy the space year-round with friends, offering both peace of mind and privacy.
With proper planning and design, homeowners with varying budgets don’t have to choose between enjoying their space now and building for the future—they can do both.
Wall to Wall is available to meet and discuss where to begin or continue your next phase.
(As featured in BVM, Catonsville Neighbors, March 2026 issue.)
