Party central

Outdoor lighting will keep the party going after dark — and help keep your guests safe.

As the line between indoors and outdoors blurs, so-called transitional spaces are a hot trend in home design.

Every year, roughly 2 million U.S. households add some kind of outdoor attachment to the home, and a deck is among the favorites.

They say that the best parties always end up in the kitchen. That might be true during winter months, but when the weather is warm and the days are long, there's nothing better than throwing down with friends and family in the open air.

It's no wonder that many of the most frequent service requests that come in to HomeAdvisor during summer relate to outdoor living. Here are five projects to consider for your backyard.

1 Build a deck

Every year, roughly 2 million U.S. households add some kind of outdoor attachment to the home, and a deck is among the favorites. The cost to build a deck is $8,000 on average, according to HomeAdvisor's True Cost Guide, but you can complete the project for as little as $1,500 by choosing a simple design and inexpensive material, like pressure-treated lumber.

Just don't cut corners on the construction, since a poorly built deck is a serious safety hazard, especially if it will have to handle large crowds. Inadequate foundation support, for example, can lead to bending and bowing or even a catastrophic collapse. Unless you're an experienced DIYer, this project is best left to the professionals.

2 Put in a fire pit

Like moths to a flame, partygoers won't be able to resist a crackling backyard fire. If you want to go large, consider splurging on an in-ground fire pit built out of stone or brick. Many companies also offer prefab units that competent DIYers can install by themselves, saving on labor costs. Or you can start small with an above-ground fireplace, known as a chiminea; the simplest models sell for less than $100 and are fire-ready right out of the box.

3 Install outdoor lighting

Exterior entertainment lighting will keep the party going after the sun goes down — and keep your guests safe from dangerous trips and falls in the dark. You don't need an elaborate lighting plan; a simple set of string lights can provide enough soft, subtle illumination for late-night mingling. You might have an electrician install an exterior outlet, but beyond that the costs can be minimal.

Steps or pathways away from the main gathering area will require additional task lighting to keep guests safe.

4 Create a transitional space

As the line between indoors and outdoors continues to blur, so-called transitional spaces are a hot trend in home design. The effect is often achieved with the use of glass wall systems or retractable shades, which enable interior rooms — be it a kitchen, sunroom or dining area — to open onto the outdoors when the weather suits.

In warmer climates, high-end builders and designers are integrating swimming pools into the design, turning the water element into a seamless transition space.

Manufacturers are obliging with cooking appliances, cabinetry, furnishings and the like that are designed to withstand year-round conditions.

5 Screen the porch

Screen porches are the original transitional space. They're still an excellent way to expand your home's outdoor living area, especially if mosquitoes and other pests are an issue. The average cost to screen a porch is $2,000 to $2,800, according to HomeAdvisor's True Cost Guide.

Another option is to provide full or partial coverage to a patio, at a cost of $1,400 to $1,900.

HomeAdvisor is an online marketplace connecting homeowners with trusted service professionals for home projects. Visit HomeAdvisor.com.

Get local news delivered to your inbox!

A new Highway 55 Burgers, Shakes and Fries restaurant in Butte is expected to open soon, possibly by late next month.

Butte police reports

All three women were injured during the encounter and received medical treatment in Bozeman. One of them, whose injuries were more serious, wa…

“It was a hectic morning, I can tell you that,” Seeley said.

"The people here are genuine and kind and care for one another regardless if you've ever met or not." Troy Andersen, a Dillon native and forme…