Angie's List: Outdoor features - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Whether you live in a tight city space, standard suburb, or in the open country, there are things you can do to take advantage of your outdoor space.

Even though it's been a pretty hot one, summertime in Indiana gives you a chance to focus on the outside of your home.

"Many consumers these days are investing in their current home versus moving. And in our Angie's List annual project poll, we found about 35 percent of the respondents plan to invest in the exterior of their house," said Angie Hicks, Angie's List.

Outdoor living spaces can be as simple or as elaborate as you want them to be, but what you plan to do should always center around your budget and your vision.

"When planning an outdoor project and talking to contractors, remember to talk to them about what you want to have as your end goal. And it might be that you are looking at a five-year plan for getting this project all done," Hicks said.

If you're after an outdoor fireplace, decide your fire feature - a pit, bowl, or a traditional fireplace can all be fueled differently. If you plan to invite children around the flames, consider a locking ring that allows you to padlock your fireplace in the off position. Also, there's always the option of bringing your kitchen outside. Charlie Watson has helped families in the greater Indianapolis area transform their backyards.

"The thing we are asked to do most is an outdoor living room with maybe a kitchen area and a dining room. They can get pretty extensive from some small jobs you do," Watson said.

Another popular outdoor option is adding a deck onto your home. Decks can be built to any size or design and that's why you need to know your limits. Figure out exactly how much space you have in your yard. Also, be sure to check the rules and regulations to see if your neighborhood requires a permit to build.

While some homeowners are handy, figure out if you may not be able to do it all and need professional help.

Adding outdoor elements can start under $100 and go even higher, depending on your budget. It's also a good idea to plan a project in phases, prioritizing your wants and needs.