Tag Archives: certified remodelers in Johnson County

Give Your Pergola Romantic Appeal with Lights

pergola

Pergola by Outdoor Environments

Making proper use of your pergola space is important. Adding custom lights to your pergola can give it a romantic feeling that’s hard to match. Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, so if you’ll be spending any time outdoors, this idea is probably right up your alley!

As outdoor remodeling trends continue to grow more sophisticated, people are continually looking for ways to transform their plain Jane pergola into a warm, romantic haven, and a well-planned lighting scheme is the perfect way to accomplish this.

Good lighting schemes add an ambiance of warmth and coziness to your pergola, not to mention a romantic touch. Imagine a romantic resort vacation. Now imagine it in your own backyard. Whatever type of feel you’re looking to accomplish, there is a lighting scheme that will fit the bill. Some lights can even be left out for use all year round.

And generally there’s no need to worry about whether or not they will scorch your greenery, because outdoor lights for structures are designed not to get too hot. The options truly are limitless as you can choose from normal string lights, colored lights, LED lights and many more.

If your Kansas City outdoor space isn’t yet equipped with a pergola, why not have us add one for you? Visit the Outdoor Environments Facebook page to see examples of our work all over the city!

 

image via Outdoor Environments

Maximize Your Sunroom Addition in Kansas City

Outdoor Portfolio Outdoor Environments

New Sunroom by Outdoor Environments

Sunrooms are great additions to many homes, but deciding that you want or need one isn’t a decision that should be taken lightly. Where should it be located? What will you use it for? And how much does a sunroom even cost?

Location
Since your new sunroom may well become a family hang out, putting it in the right location is key. Choosing an area close to the kitchen will ensure that meals will be pleasurable, and food will be accessible. Even still, there are plenty of other uses for a sunroom, all of which will directly affect where it can and should be located.

Function
If you plan on using your sunroom solely for dining, then off of the kitchen is ideal, but a sunroom can be so much more than a dining area. If you have a green thumb, you may consider putting it on the south side of your home to increase its amount of time in the sun.

Cost
There’s no magic formula to predict the cost of your sunroom. Every project is a custom job that’s specified to your exact needs. One tip that may help is that you can save a chunk of money by adding a sunroom to an already existing door, as opposed to adding both a sunroom and an entry/exit point.

Exterior remodeling is a big commitment. Take the time to analyze all aspects of its creation. If you would like help planning your sunroom addition, or for more exterior remodeling ideas, contact Outdoor Environments for your project needs.

 

 

image via Outdoor Environments

Outdoor Remodeling Ideas for Kid-Friendly Yards

outdoor room

This outdoor room is perfect for children to curl up in and read

Exterior remodeling is often planned for the purpose of adding function and value to a home. But have you ever thought about how changes can enhance playtime for your kids or grand kids?

The design of the outside of your home can completely affect the way that kids enjoy their time once spring arrives. It doesn’t hurt to think about how upcoming projects can benefit them too!

For example, a gazebo can make a perfect playhouse or reading room. And if the structure is a short distance from the house, which they usually are, it can give children a sense of privacy while you can rest assured that they are still close to home.

Another idea that kids might enjoy is a small sunroom addition to prevent that cooped up feeling that lots of children experience when they’re at home.

Whatever your desire, we here at Outdoor Environments can help you explore exterior remodeling ideas. Our staff can consult you and help you with any project, large or small, from start to finish.

 

image via Outdoor Environments

5 Easy Ways to Make Your Backyard Safer

If you’re an avid fan of do-it-yourself projects, small updates around the yard are no sweat for you. In keeping up with our Deck Safety Month theme, now is a good time to remember that your entire back yard should be a safe place to hang out – not just the deck. These simple projects might help:

  1. Power wash the patio, porch or deck to remove any and all outdoor debris that has collected over the past few seasons.
  2. Decks and railings can certainly benefit from a coat of paint or water-seal.
  3. Trim overgrown plants and grass around the patio.
  4. Chips or cracks in your driveway’s concrete can be easily filled or patched.
  5. Apply an anti-skid coating to any exterior steps.

Outdoor Environments is a certified remodeling company in the Kansas City area. For major projects – or even small ones that you can’t handle on your own – contact us today!

Royalty-free image by Olger Fallas Painting on Flickr

Make Pizza Outside with a Stone Oven (Recipes Included)

Outdoor grilling is one of America’s favorite pastimes during the warmer months of the year. And recently, a new trend has hit backyards everywhere: custom stone or brick pizza ovens.

Best of all, a customized outdoor pizza maker won’t cramp your style if grilling is a priority. These ovens make for a great complement to more traditional grilling stations.

Now for the fun part… how the heck to you make a pizza outside? These recipes should provide all the inspiration you need.

Outdoor Environments is the certified contractor you need for custom outdoor kitchens in Kansas City. Contact us today to get started on yours!

Image from This Old House

Just One Week Left to Save $500

Time is quickly running out, Kansas City! What are your outdoor design dreams? Decks, patios, outdoor kitchens and sunrooms do not have to be a figment of your imagination. You can have your dream backyard if you entrust Outdoor Environments.

For the month of April, we’ve been offering $500 off most projects totaling $15,000. Now is the time to get going on the projects you’ve been dreaming of before these savings disappear.

Need some inspiration? Take a look at some of our recent posts!

Please don’t hesitate to call us at 913-897-2706 to learn more about how we can help with your outdoor projects.

Outdoor Decorating: Use What You've Got

From patios and decks to porches and sunrooms, there’s much decorating to be done this season.

But wait! You don’t have to run out and spend hundreds of dollars on new decor. First, take a look around your home. What items can do double duty outside?

Do you have a large collection of magazines or books? Bring them outside to make your outdoor space more of a living space.

 

Nice place settings were meant to be shown off. Bring decorative plates, bowls, silverware and glasses out for outdoor dining.

Plant lovers tend to keep plants year-round. But spring and summer are the perfect time to bring them outside and add a little (or a lot) of color to your outdoor space.

Pillows are rugs are the easiest way to add a touch of style outside.

Pillows and rugs are also the perfect solutions for adding pops of color.

What other ways can you use what you already have to decorate outside?

Images from BHG

Hardscape Care 101

Find out how you can save $500 on your next outdoor project!

Depending on the make up of your outdoor foundation, it will need to be cared for in a very specific manner. But how? The best way to know is to check with your contractor or the manufacturer of the product that was installed. But here are some general care and maintenance tips as featured in the May 2012 issue of Triangle Home Improvement:

Composite Wood Hardscapes

  • Should be washed annually.

Concrete Hardscapes

  • Sealant should be applied about six months after the foundation is laid, then every 2-3 years after that to avoid discoloration and staining.

Flagstone Hardscapes

  • Does not require sealing.
  • Stones should be monitored regularly since they can move, adjust and settle.

Natural Wood Hardscapes

  • Be sure to have an inspection performed at least annually.
  • Boards should not be rotting, splinting and screws should not be loose.
  • Cleaning should consist of power washing and application of a good sealant to help prevent discoloration.

Paver Hardscapes

  • No stains, sealants or paint are necessary.

Don’t forget that Outdoor Environments is offering $500 off select outdoor projects. Call us in Overland Park, KS at 913-897-2706 for details! Offer ends April 30!

Decks, Patios and Porches… Oh My!

When a backyard is nothing but endless square feet of grass, it’s quite clear that some pizzazz is necessary. But what type of structure is right for you and your home? Tons of magazines, websites and blogs provide an endless amount of inspiration. But first, you need to know what the possibilities are and how they’ll affect your outdoor space.

Decks

  • Made from: Usually made from wood or composite wood although some are vinyl or fiberglass
  • Best for: Above-ground backyard living areas
  • Pros: Warm, traditional, provides plenty of storage space
  • Cons: Maintenance might be too much for some homeowners, depending on the material; relatively quick installation

Patios

  • Made from: Stone, pavers (composite or permeable) or concrete
  • Best for: Functional, ground-level living areas
  • Pros: Low-maintenance, durable and many materials (like permeable pavers) are eco-friendly
  • Cons: Usually higher priced compared to decks and installation might take longer

Porches

Which outdoor structure is best for your Kansas City home? Call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 to discuss your needs. Don’t forget that you can save $500 on certain projects until April 30th!

Information from Atlanta Home Improvement, April 2012

Perfect Place for a Pergola: The Garage

Click here to save $500 on your next outdoor project in Kansas City!

Pergolas are known to add a unique source of visual appeal and shade to a backyard. But don’t be fooled – there are plenty of other places to put a pergola… like above the garage!

Take a stroll down any suburban street and you’ll notice that, in fairly new neighborhoods and subdivisions, every single garage looks the same. How boring is that?

A pergola adds a beautifully crafted focal point that’ll boost your home’s curb appeal immediately. By adding a pergola, you can achieve many different things…

 

As we’ve mentioned before, pergolas also fit well as an entryway structure.

 

A car port can certainly benefit from a pergola structure.

Painting a pergola the same color as your home’s trim helps to add an extra layer of depth.

What do you think about garages adorned with pergolas?

Images from Houzz