Project of the Month: November 2021
November 27, 2021 Project of the MonthClick here to discover details about this beautiful, modern project in Fulshear, TX.
Click here to discover details about this beautiful, modern project in Fulshear, TX.
We enjoy working hard to create your dream outdoor oasis from start to finish! It starts with a few ideas and then from there it gets mapped out on paper, tweaked, and eventually custom built to plan! So you can imagine we get so excited to hear when homeowners love their new outdoor living space!
“I highly recommend Texas Custom Patios for any remodel project and design!! Our experience with Collin Jarrell in the design phase was great, as he helped us decide on the perfect layout and details for our project. The construction was managed by Rob, who was extremely responsive, was in constant communication with us, and ensured that the entire process went smoothly. From start to finish, this company is focused on high quality work and a great experience for their clients. The end result exceeded our expectations and I would definitely use them for all outdoor projects in the future. Thank you Colin, Rob and Texas Custom Patios!” ~TCP Customer
“We are overwhelmingly satisfied with all the great work Texas Custom Patios (TCP) did to give us the patio of our dreams. We realize the building/construction industry has a bad reputation for not responding or showing up for jobs, but we experienced none of that with TCP. Everyone from TCP, including all the contractors working on our project, were responsive, professional, and highly skilled in their jobs. We have watched the frustration our next door neighbors have had, and still are experiencing, working with a different company.
We are giddy (can we say smug?) with our decision to go with TCP!! :) We were absolutely thrilled with Collin Jarrell’s design work! We had several initial meetings with Collin to design our patio, in which he was responsive, patient and professional. As part of the initial consultation and quote, Collin created our project using online 3D software that we could see via Zoom calls. Other companies we talked to would not provide an online visual until after we signed the contract. Collin made changes real time and provided explanations and suggestions to give us a gorgeous patio. Collin has a great eye for designing patios! Collin was the reason we decided to choose TCP as our contractor.
Our project manager, Rob Baird, is great at his job. He moved our project along smoothly, even when dealing with delays due to COVID. Rob was patient and responsive to our (ok…mostly my husband’s) many texts asking for updates and status. We were very impressed with how well Rob kept track of the many moving parts…and were happy with his willingness to make changes when we wanted upgrades, or when we had a few hiccups. Rob was always pleasant, responsive, and very easy to work with. We already miss seeing him in our back yard!
We are truly delighted with everyone at TCP for making our patio building experience painless and pleasant. We really enjoyed meeting everyone who worked on our patio, and are humbled by the expertise and professionalism. We will think of TCP fondly while enjoying our wonderful new space for years to come.” ~TCP Customer
To see more of this project, click here!
There’s more where that came from, too! Please peruse our gallery on Houzz, we have over 100 “5 star ratings” from happy customers spanning Houston to Dallas!
‘Tis the season to eat and be merry, so for this month’s featured recipes we have some brunch items to make your belly sing fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la! Oooey gooey casseroles, sweetie treaties, savory bites and of course some sips to wash it down! Cheers!
Baked Gingerbread French Toast Casserole
Easy Fruit Salad with Honey Lemon Dressing
Spinach and Feta Quiche with Cauliflower Crust
Chewy Peanut Butter Granola Bars
Halloween costumes are meant to be scary, not dreaming about your outdoor patio! If you find yourself thinking about building, but are held back by budget, let us help you relax and take a few thing into consideration!
An enjoyable outdoor living space is a must-have for most people here in Texas – we are able to spend just about every day outside without too much trouble. Of course it does get a little toasty in the summer, but with the right design and ample shade even the summer heat can be beat. For many, the singular thing that holds us back when making big decisions is something called … moolah. But with the right budget, a good plan and the perfect builders, your outdoor oasis is actually within reach!
Budgeting for your outdoor living space is actually easier than you may think. We have built outdoor living spaces with just about every single budget in mind. We put together a quick guide that will you have you well on your way to building out your outdoor space. So get ready to start planning, building and living (outside)!
Whether you are wanting a covered patio, a pergola, a sunroom or a screened in porch about 300 square feet is average. If you go much smaller than that, you will feel cramped and will not have enough room for both a dining area and a sitting area. The cost for something that size would start around 35K – Sunrooms would be more due to windows and inside wall finishes.
* Type and configuration of your home – 1 Story homes usually run more because the roof tie-in is more complicated.
* Do you have concrete already? Having an existing patio or other flat surface will lower your cost… unless you want something more than a standard brushed concrete surface. Upgraded surfaces – stamped concrete, tile, travertine, stone pavers means your cost will increase.
* Type of columns – do you have any existing columns on your home? If so, you may want to match them – are they brick or stone? That will be an added cost because a standard column is wrapped with hardie board and painted to match your home’s paint color.
*Ceiling finish – Like the columns a standard ceiling is just hardie plank painted to match your home’s soffit. If you want a different look, you can go with cedar or stained tongue and groove, you will need to add some to your budget.
* Electrical matters – a basic project does include running electricity for recessed lights and ceiling fans as well as wiring for a TV and sound system.
So, what does a 300 SF project with some of the upgraded options cost?
* With additional items such as those listed above, your 300 SF project would start around 40K – 45K.
*Size of the space – to have adequate space to accommodate the added kitchen area, we suggest an area that is closer to 400 SF. So, that is an added cost to build your covered area.
*A basic kitchen – this is a tough question – you can have a small, very functional outdoor kitchen area that is in the 8 – 10 linear foot area. To get lots of prep and serving space, you may want to consider something that is closer to the 14-15 linear foot option. Our kitchens include a custom built counter area with granite, stacked stone, brick, or stucco, stainless steel appliances (grill, fridge, storage). The 8-10 linear foot kitchens would start around 15-20K, the larger kitchen would start around 20-25K.
Can it be bigger?
* Absolutely! We have built kitchens that are as large as 20-25 linear feet.
* What really affects the pricing of your outdoor kitchen?
Many things affect that – type and size of grill, choice of granite, propane or natural gas, raised bar top, type of side finishes, among other choices.
*A fireplace – whether wood burning or natural gas – will generally add about 20-25K to your project. Your choice of stone, is there going to be a mantle, and how big will the hearth be all play key roles in the cost of the fireplace.
* A fire pit – again whether it is wood burning or natural gas – will add about 5-10K to your project. The size, shape and type of stone plays a part in the variance of the cost.
So as you can see … a lot goes into the prepping and planning when building something to any extent, but it CAN be done! Take notes, let us know how we can help and we look forward to building something beautiful for you, but whatever you do… don’t be frightened, save that for Halloween!
In Texas, seasons blend together, not really ever knowing where one ends and the other begins. Lucky for us, it’s the perfect place to create a backyard oasis! Outdoor kitchens are heating up in popularity across the country, but for Texans it’s a great investment and something you can enjoy year round.
If you’re worried about space… don’t! An outdoor kitchen can be as simple as a small bbq pit with a tabletop counter surrounding for food prep, to a full-scale set-up with a sink, refrigerator, storage and multiple cooking appliances.
Everything from start to finish is fully customizable with Texas Custom Patios, it’s in our name and we stand behind that! We can lead you in the right direction to achieve exactly what you want with the space you have.
Grills and backyards in general aren’t what they used to be… now the world is your fire-grilled oyster, so have your cake and eat it too!
Our experienced personal project developers will work one-on-one with you to create a custom-designed outdoor kitchen that blends seamlessly with your home’s exterior.
You can choose stone, brick, or stucco finishes; and granite, tile, or concrete counters; but we’ll always use a high-quality framework underneath. We build all outdoor kitchens with tubular steel framing and fiber-cement sheathing to give you a durable, non-expansive, and heat-proof foundation.
For an outdoor kitchen space, there are a few key things:
If you want to take it up a notch:
Get fancy with it:
Outdoor kitchens are meant to be fun and functional, to graze our outdoor kitchen gallery, click here!
When it comes to picking out a spot for your outdoor kitchen, there are a few things to think about:
Outdoor kitchens flow nicely when there is a solid straight wall to position the kitchen along and that can be easily covered by a roof extension or stand alone cover. Providing “shelter” for your kitchen will make for a more comfortable cooking experience and keep your appliances and materials nicer and for longer.
Just like the indoor kitchen is where everyone gathers, the outdoor kitchen is the same! So you want to make sure it’s as spacious as possible so that you get 5 stars when it comes to socializing in your backyard paradise. Many like the indoor/outdoor feel, so adding seamless folding doors will help achieve that open concept.
We will definitely help with this and can design something that looks great and works well with your space. We put these things into consideration:
Whether it’s an intimate dinner with the family or a larger gathering with friends, we will want to maximize the space so that no one feels cramped. And just a reminder, smaller spaces can accommodate a kitchen, too.
Just stay away from marble and other porous surfaces, they are hard to keep clean, sanitized and unstained.
And last but not least (we know you were thinking it)! After your project developer visits with you, we will provide you with a proposal that includes an exact quote proposal for your project. On average, the proposal will be completed in about 10 days. This proposal will include a design drawing with specifications and dimensions and rendered views and elevations, so you can see what the project will look like after completion.
Your project developer will schedule a meeting with you to go over your proposal and answer any questions. Once we have signed a contract, you and your project team will arrange to view samples and make final selections for your project. Your budget is top of mind because remember, we want you to have your cake and eat it too! Cheers!
Click here to discover details about this beautifully completed modern outdoor living project.
Halloween snuck up on this year, how in the world is it almost November, right? If you have a petrifying party to attend and you need something tasty to offer, don’t be scared… we have some spooky sweets and terrifying treats to try!
Halloween Mummy Jalapeno Poppers
Low Carb Witch Finger Breadsticks
Click here to discover details about this beautiful modern/transitional outdoor living project.
Improving your home can be both exciting and stressfull, but we try to take away the stress so you can focus on the fun. The red tape gets rolled out when you have to work with the HOA and since most areas require a permit or HOA approval for outdoor living projects, headaches can happen. Leaving you thinking, “is this even worth it?” The answer is YES! Texas Custom Patios will handle the headache for you, so all you have to do is be excited for your new custom outdoor living space.
Your project developer will work with your HOA and get approval for you. Just provide a lot survey to us and we will do the rest! If you live in a municipality that requires a building permit, we will handle every submission, inspection, and approval required. Depending on the location, this process can take between four and six weeks, so patience is a virtue!
Once we get the green light, the building process can begin and the fun is within reach! At Texas Custom Patios, we really get to know our customers. When you choose to build with us, you get your own project team who will get to know you, your goals, and your style, and will oversee your entire outdoor living project, from start to finish.
We also get to know your budget! When we say “exact quote,” we mean it. This quote is not an estimate, and there will be no surprise expenses during the course of your project. If changes or additions are made during the construction process, we will address those changes as they occur. If there are options you would like to see in the design process, your project developer may give you some pricing that addresses those options prior to signing the contract.
Schedule your free consultation today by calling our office (below) or filling out our contact form, here. We will set up a virtual appointment with one of our experienced project developers – after your initial appointment they may need to visit your home to gather additional information. If we can provide an outdoor living project that meets your budget, then we will create a proposal for you.
Not sure how to budget for your outdoor living project? Look at our dream patio budgeting guide for some ideas.
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Texas weather can be brutal on your outdoor furniture, from Houston humidity to the Dallas sun, keeping your furniture looking nice can be tough. We have some tips and tricks to try, so that you can feel good about investing in your outdoor style.
Let’s start with buying the furniture, don’t fall for the cheap stuff, you will only need to replace it every season. By investing in nicely-made and designed furniture and taking care of it, you will save you money in the long run! By spending a little extra money at the beginning, you will save your money (and time) and end up with something more comfortable and most likely require less maintenance and repair.
As we cannonball into our tips, you must know that different material requires different levels of after-care. Aluminum for example, is not great for H-town because of the moisture that is in the air. Humidity… great for our skin, not for our furniture. But Teak on the other hand, holds up a little nicer.
A Crowd Pleaser … TEAK
We will start with an easier one to manage. Teak is a go-to material for outdoor furniture of all kinds, from side tables to dinner tables, benches to couches. This durable; water-, pest- and rot-resistant wood gets a bad wrap for it’s high price tag, but a solid piece of teak furniture will have minor shrinkage and will weather beautifully.
Taking care of it is even easier, you can almost set it and forget it. Leave it alone through cold winters and hot summers alike. Just be sure NOT to cover it in wet climates: direct exposure to rain and and random snow flurries is fine, but covering it while the wood is wet can actually do more damage than good by creating a space for mold to grow.
To keep the grime away, simply wipe it down with a teak furniture cleaner a few times a month, this will keep it looking new and of course help it last longer!
Minimal Maintenance – Man-Made Wicker Style
The “wicker vibe” is all the rage, but the man-made version as opposed to its natural rattan counterpart is much easier to maintain and more affordable, too! The man-made version is built to resist elements and deterioration. It’s lightweight, so super easy to move around. If you’re one to move things around a lot, to get a different feel in your own home, this style of furniture is for you!
This type of furniture does well in any climate, it’s flexible, yet strong! Ready for the best part? To clean it, all you have to do is hose it down, crack open a cold one and call it day!
A+ For Aluminum
In the beginning we talked about the down side to aluminum, but it does have an upside, especially if you’re a “Do It Yourselfer.” If you enjoy DIY projects, this metal furniture can serve as a blank canvas to paint any color of the rainbow. Many outdoor paints are powder-coated and have UV inhibitors to help minimize damage from the sun. Repainting is always easy and can serve as a fun weekend project, so change it up as often as you would like.
So it’s light, it’s stylish, but is it easy to clean? The answer is, YES! Just a little soapy water and a little rub down and you’re back in business.
A Concrete Choice
Concrete tables, chairs and benches have become increasingly popular in the last five years because of its blend-ability and contemporary look. It’s heavy, but durable!
Because concrete is so porous, you will want to place a sealant on it to prevent damage from spills and stains. If you forgo this step, expect some beer can rings and marks that will last longer than the memories made there.
To clean this rock-hard furniture, wipe it down with a damp cloth and let air dry. If there are some deeper stains on the untreated parts, use a soft brush, some soapy water and a little elbow grease to lift the stain. Wear and tear due to weather won’t be an issue for concrete furniture.
Patio furniture is meant for a good time, but it can last a long time too, you just need to take care of it!
Texas Custom Patios was a pleasure to work with from first call to final detail on our patio cover and flooring. Everyone we worked with — office personnel on scheduling, crews on fast and quality work, and Steven helping with design ideas and scheduling and issue resolution — were all what contracting should be. We had been looking at our odd roofline, chimney location and numerous angles for over 10 years and received numerous quotes and estimates that just didn’t work or the contractors flatly said they couldn’t do what we were looking for . . . until Steven and TCP arrived and did exactly what we wanted (and more) on time, on budget, no hassle. We love our new space and receive many compliments on the look and functionality of the space and design. We would love to have TCP and Steven do another project for us and we recommend them to anyone.
Give us a call or fill out a web inquiry! We look forward to working with you on your outdoor living space. Take a look at our many blogs regarding budgets and designs as well as looking through our large portfolio of projects. Let us help you create the outdoor living space you are dreaming of!