Transform outdoor area to add living space
When homeowners consider a renovation, the interior of a house often gets all the attention.
The outside space, howev- er, deserves as much thought, according to members of the Remodelers Council of the Greater Houston Builders Association.
A few small changes can make an outdoor space more welcoming and functional. And with a little more effort, an outdoor living space can become spectacular — rivaling the interiors of some homes.
Brandon Lynch, founder of Keechi Creek Builders, said the trend of extending living space to the outdoors took off a couple years ago.
“People are staying in their homes,” he said. “They aren’t house-hopping as much as they used to. When they want to make their current home more livable, they tend to start by updating their patios.”
Lynch said the reason is
Rob Douglass, owner of Texas Custom Patios, is seeing a similar increase in interest. “There’s a lot of demand for adding outdoor living space,” he said. “In Houston, we have good weather most of the year. People want to take advantage of that.”
There are several ways to improve outdoor space:
Update finishes. Douglass said a good first step is changing the finish on existing features — from walkways to ceilings. “Instead of bare concrete, we use stamped concrete, travertine or slate floors,” he said.
He also adds new stains to wooden ceilings or shade structures. “We make all the same kinds of decisions as we do for interior spaces,” he said. “We look at granite countertops, flooring, paints and stains.”
Change the lighting. Lighting is another essential update, Douglass said. Spending time outdoors is not just for the daytime. Good lighting makes outdoor living space safer and extends the use of a deck or lawn into the evening.
Get cooking. Outdoor kitchens are the heart of the action, Lynch said. The grill typically takes center stage, but homeowners are cooking more than steaks and barbecue outside these days. Open-air kitchens feature refrigerators, sinks, pizza ovens, counter space and bars. “Many of our clients install commercial grade equipment,” Lynch said.
Heat it up. Lynch said most of his clients request a fire pit or fireplace for their
decks and patios. Douglass said outdoor fireplaces are one of the hottest trends he has witnessed lately.
“People are not doing wood-burning,” he said. “Usually, it’s a gas log that can be started with a switch. People want it to be maintenance free.”
Make it more enter- taining. Douglass said several clients add entertainment systems to their outdoor living space. “Some have elaborate systems with televisions and surround sound speakers,” he said.
Keep it cool. Lynch said in Houston, shade structures are essential. “In Texas, we have to be in the shade,” he said. “Ceiling fans are also popular additions to outdoor living spaces.”
This article was provided by the Remodelers Council of the Greater Houston Builders Association. The Remodelers Council is dedicated to promoting professionalism and public awareness through education, certification and service to the community. To find a professional remodeler in your area, please visit www.ghba.org/ consumers.