Outdoor Environments Blog

An outdoor room can enhance the beauty of your home and help increase your property value. However, creating an outdoor room takes planning. So expense, design and functionality are all things you want to consider.

Budget – This will naturally be the first thing you think about when you’re planning an outdoor room. Unfortunately for most people, the sky is not the limit, so how much you have to spend will directly determine how elaborate your outdoor room will be.
Design – Take into consideration whether you want an open air room or an enclosed room. Open air rooms are terraces or decks with no cover. While this type of outdoor room is nice, it is limited as far as livability goes. You can increase livability in an open air room by adding a cover such as an awning, pitched roof or trellis. An enclosed seasonal room gives you more outdoor living options because it offers protection from the rain and other harsh conditions.

Planning an outdoor room can be overwhelming. Don’t worry, if you don’t know where to start, you can enlist the help of the experts at Outdoor Environments. Contact us today!

Outdoor living spaces are becoming a green trend for homeowners. Whether you’re surrounded by a garden or deck, these spaces can add to the quality of your life and even keep you in touch with nature. These outdoor rooms can be created according your own tastes and lifestyles. In designing your outdoor living space, take into consideration how you will use it.

Are you a gardener? You might want to create a cottage garden with lots of flowers, a sitting bench and a tree or two for shade.

Are you an entertainer? Then your outdoor room should probably have a built-in bar, a grilling area and plenty of counter space. Fireplaces and fire pits also offer a good spot to gather around.

Don’t forget to add patio furniture with lots of colorful cushions.  And outdoor lighting should also be a part of the plan.

Whatever you do, just keep in mind that outdoor living spaces are not a one-size-fits all approach. Your space should be customized and specific. To see examples of our work in the Kansas City area, visit our Facebook photo gallery.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that outdoor fireplaces and fire pits are just a wintertime luxury. These heavenly features can be enjoyed during spring and summer too!

Glowing fireplaces and fire pits are great for outdoor spaces not only for the warmth they provide on cool nights, but also because of the beauty, uniqueness and personality they’ll provide.

Adding fire features to a patio will help to create a very calming and soothing atmosphere. Why waste money going out when your family and friends can gather in a space customized just for them?

Don’t wait another year to create the home of your dreams. The time is now! Contact Outdoor Environments and ask us how you can save $500 on select outdoor projects!

Image from Pinterest

Save $500 on your next outdoor project!

The Midwest is known for unpredictable weather patterns, particularly over the past year or so. Traditional cold periods have reached record high temperatures, a trend that’s expected to continue.

For homeowners who live in these parts, it can be frustrating to deal with outdoor living areas. Daily weather patterns make it difficult to know when and how you can enjoy your outdoor oasis. And this can be particularly troubling for anyone planning for a custom built or remodeled outdoor space.

But there is some hope, according to The National Association of Home Builders. Their Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components sheds some light on various home features and how long you can expect them to last.

So, how long should a custom wood deck last?

Because they are subject to a wide range of conditions in different climates, the life expectancy of wooden decks can vary significantly. Under ideal conditions, they have a life expectancy of about 20 years.

One sure way to make sure that your Kansas City deck is up to par is by trusting a qualified and experienced Certified Remodeler, which is available right here at Outdoor Environments!

Information from This Old House

 The Relaxing Nook

Curling up with a good book has never been so enjoyable - complete with outdoor views.

  The Dedicated Hobby Area

Whether you have a grand piano or not, a sunroom could be just what you need to really dive into whatever your favorite past time may be.

 The Quiet Play Room

A sunroom that acts as a playroom is the best of both worlds. Kids have a safe, separate area to play that's also fix for adults.

  The Formal Gathering Space

Spring time is ideal for gathering friends for tea and chatter... and a sunroom is the perfect spot for that!

  The Casual Entertaining Area

Sunrooms don't have to be super formal. They're a great space for entertaining large groups without the hassle of having too many people side the main rooms of your home.

 Images from Houzz.com

Do you think that home remodeling and add-ons have taken a dive since the economy fell into a slump a few years ago?According to a recent Chicago Tribune article, that’s not entirely true. In fact, outdoor remodeling has become a must for many homes across the U.S.

Homeowners have been drawn to many outdoor features:

• Natural stone hardscapes
• Gourmet grilling kitchens
• Major electrical upgrades

Family travel has taken a dip while outdoor entertaining and family time have become more enticing among American households. And what better way to enjoy time with each other than with a custom built or remodeled deck, patio, porch or another outdoor living space?

If you haven’t entertained the thought of sprucing up outside, it’s about time to give it some serious thought. Outdoor Environments is currently offering $500 off select outdoor projects… call us in Overland Park, KS at 913-897-2706 for details!

A harsh winter tends to do a number on your outdoor living space. Landscapes and hardscapes suffer from ice and below freezing temperatures. But how can you bring it all back just in time for spring? In most cases, you’ll need the assistance of a professional contractor or landscaper.

Pavers – Repair issues can usually be solved by replacing individual paving stones. Solution: If chipping or unever wear and tear are the issue, a landscaper might need to reseal the pavers or reset the foundation.

Concrete – These solid surfaces are prone to cracking after freezing and thawing all winter long. Solution: A professional contractor can repair damaged sidewalks, patios and driveways.

Regular maintenance – Pressure washing your hardscape surfaces at least once each year is one of the best things you can do to keep it looking good aesthetically. This also rids the foundation of dirt, grease, oil, rust, paint and other blemishes.

Information from Dallas Metro Home Improvement

Considering a new or remodeled deck for this summer? It’s time to start weighing the pros and cons of various decking materials. The material you choose will determine how your deck is enjoyed, cleaned and maintained. Hardwood vs. manmade. Fiberglass vs. vinyl. There’s so many options to choose from! And they all have their benefits and disadvantages, depending on your specific needs and requirements. Here are some questions you should consider:

1. Will the deck be used by children and/or pets?
2. Do you hope to use your deck year-round, or just during the warmer months?
3. Is the deck best suited in the shade or in the sun?
4. Does it matter to you if the materials are recycled, sustainable or eco-friendly?
5. How much maintenance and upkeep are you willing to put in to keep the deck safe and looking fresh?

Even though these are good questions to ask, they don’t even scratch the surface of what all needs to be considered. What other questions do you think are important when deciding to have a deck built or remodeled?

Image from Outdoor Environment’s Facebook Photo Gallery

There are far too many shady contractors out there. That’s exactly why it’s so imperative that you find a remodeling professional that has the experience and qualifications needed to get the job done. You’ll find exactly that at Outdoor Environments because our very own Dick DeVuyst recently obtained a new designation from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI).

Now a Certified Remodeler (CR), Dick holds one of the most sought-out certifications in the remodeling industry. In order to achieve such a title, one must have a minimum of five years continuous service in the remodeling industry and must study for several months before completing an intensive half-day exam.
As a Certified Remodeler, Dick has proven long-term commitment to both his industry and his profession. Custom decks, screen porches, and outdoor kitchens are just a fraction of what Dick can do. To learn more about Dick and the services he provides at Outdoor Environments, visit his website today! You can even come see what we’re all about at the Johnson County Home & Garden Show!

Image by Jamie Grill on GettyImages.com