Outdoor living
Range of amenities enhances your homestead
Outdoor living is a lot more fun than it used to be, with the abundant choices home builders offer to enhance properties, and vast
range of things designers and contractors can do for your property when you want to add a feature. With tranquil spaces that allow for fun and entertaining, it’s a part of the home that is meant to be enjoyed, especially in a part of the country where there is so much warm/pleasant weather annually. By using a little creativity, homeowners can have anything imaginable, including pools and spas, putting greens, walking paths, and basketball courts. Homeowners may want to add a summer kitchen complete with prep area, built-in gas grill, small fridge and extensive comfortable seating on a gorgeous stone patio to bring the party outside. Next to the kitchen could be a large seamless-edge pool, hot tub and changing cabanas, which have gained popularity. Soothing water features with waterfalls and privacy landscaping also can enhance a “backyard oasis.” Making the experience complete could be a home theater with an outdoor big-screen television made to withstand the weather — or encase it in new all-weather cabinets. Complete the look with gas lanterns, a gas fireplace or fire pit for the cooler months, covered patio, garden fountain and exotic daybed. According to probuilder.com, a few items making the list on its “50 Features Home Buyers Want Most” are blurred indoor/outdoor connections with glass walls, low-maintenance exterior products and water-conserving landscaping. Also noted by probuilder.com is the focus on highly designed outdoor lighting and standout entries, with gorgeous front doors in larger sizes in a pop of color and glass accents.
In the community
Linda Houston with Land Tejas Development said that as the amenity development director manager for one of the major developers in the Houston area for the last several years, they have found that buyers are saying “more is more.” Houston said amenities are in high demand, especially for families with young children. “It has become increasingly important to have community access to pools with beach entries and water slides in addition to your typical playgrounds, tennis courts and walking trails,” Houston said.
Many find Houston’s warm weather is perfect for outdoor living.