A Summer Retreat on the Patio
June 2, 2021 Patio Design
We were recently featured in The Houston Chronicle for “How to Get Your Houston Backyard Summer-Ready!” A few tips and tricks from the professionals, read the full article here!
We were recently featured in The Houston Chronicle for “How to Get Your Houston Backyard Summer-Ready!” A few tips and tricks from the professionals, read the full article here!
Click here to discover details about this unique patio in Keller, Texas.
The Texas Association of Builders (TAB) announced the 2021 Star Awards finalists. For the third straight year, the program witnessed a record breaking 720 entries within the 162 elite categories. Projects and nominations were submitted by 120 companies from 60 cities across the state.
This year’s record number of entries once again showcases the exceptional talent within the residential construction industry in Texas. Our great State should be proud of its builders, remodelers, architects, and designers as well as its sales, marketing, and construction professionals. It is an honor to be recognized as a finalist among this group of distinguished leaders.
Texas Custom Patios is excited to be amongst such a stellar group of builders and remodelers. We are pleased to announce we placed as a finalist for three different projects!
TAB launched the Star Awards program in 1992 and it remains the only statewide tribute to excellence in the homebuilding industry. For the first time in program history, the Star Awards were judged virtually. The out-of-state panelists were tasked with selecting the best of the best by reviewing and evaluating the entries.
Winners will be announced on July 15, the last day of the Sunbelt Builders Show™.
The Washington Post recently posted an article, “The new American status symbol: A backyard that’s basically a fancy living room,” basically saying stackable plastic chairs and charcoal grills are out…
But loaded, supersize, decked-out deck with an outdoor living room, dining area, 54-inch grill, full kitchen, bar, two-draft kegerator, oversize island, massive weatherproof television, elaborate sound system and semicircular fire lounges are in.
What’s not to love? You’ll take all of it? But when? How long will it take? So many questions, right? Knowing when to start building your backyard patio is half the battle and then knowing who to go with is the other battle. Picking out your design, working on the layout, and buying furniture is fun part!
Texas Custom Patios provides a turnkey custom design project. Our specialty is building projects that look original to the home, including patio covers, pergolas, screened porches, room additions, guest houses, decks, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, and custom patios. We do all the fun stuff too, you know … oversized islands, elaborate sound systems and stunning fire lounges.
We have all been stuck inside for too long! Everyone is ready to get out and enjoy a backyard get-together, so if you build it, they will come! Because after all, being outside is happy!
To read The Washington Post’s full article click here.
Texas is starting to get back to normal, so this summer is sure to make a splash with pool parties, weekend gatherings and fun for all. At the heart of every good party is fabulous food, so this month we are featuring goodies that are great for gathering!
Potato Chip Encrusted Chicken Tenders
After being on lockdown for over a year, most of us are itching to get outside and enjoy some company. Public places will still be covid-conscious for some time to come, so our backyard can be a safe haven for some fun in the meantime.
So how do you enhance your outdoor living space… grow a garden! Plus, gardening just twice a week has proven to enhance your wellbeing and “prune” your stress!
Here’s what’s growing in popularity for 2021 and what’s dead in the water:
Herbs: Basil, catnip/catmint, comfrey, fennel, horseradish, oregano, thyme, rosemary, Mexican mint marigold, peppermint, lemongrass, lemon balm, lemon verbena, bay laurel
Vegetables: Beans, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, cucumber, and potato
Fruit: Apples, berries, cherries, figs, grapefruit, grapes, melons and peaches
Flowers: Periwinkle, perunia, phlox, purple fountain grass, purslane, salvia, snapdragon and sweet peas
Plants: Desert Willow, Red Yucca, Mexican Feather Grass and Lantana
Gardens are meant to be consumed and looked at, so creating a little space that is meant for relaxing is key! Comfortable garden sofas, egg chairs and hanging chairs have increased in popularity and are a perfect addition to your growing garden! Or just placing to over-sized chairs together with little tables will make for the perfect place to relax. The goal is to enjoy the fruits of your labor!
Since most of us have spent more time at home in the last 12 months than ever before, we have a new appreciation for making a house a home. And because everyone plans to stay home more in the future, but reintroduce guests, most want some sort of outdoor space to entertain them. If you have been dreaming of improving your home, now is the time to do it, but it comes with a longer-than-expected wait time. It makes sense though … while remodeling activity continues to grow, so does project wait time.
Here’s what to expect…
When a homeowner calls us right now – we are anywhere between 3-4 weeks before getting to do an initial appointment with them. Once we have done that initial meeting, it takes about 2 weeks to get a design back. Once the design is approved and the contract is signed, we are looking at an additional 12-14 weeks to start construction.
Remodeling wait times aren’t just in Houston either, this stands for the entire country.
With more homeowners reaching out to construction firms, architects and interior designers to upgrade their homes, the wait time to start a new project is also on the rise.
If you look at the chart above, you’ll see that demand for construction services is strong, as the average wait time to begin a midsize project rose to 9.3 weeks. A year ago, the national average wait time was 5.4 weeks, meaning the average wait time is almost one month (3.9 weeks) longer than the same period last year.
-Houzz
Another thing to consider…
Cost of projects have gone up due to rising lumber and material costs. Labor costs are also on the rise. This is always subject to change, but it’s worth mentioning.
If you’re ready to move full steam ahead, contact us now!
It’s that weird time of year where you “eating healthy” resolutions are in the trash can, but swimsuit season is around the corner! For this month’s featured recipes we are serving up some sizzlin’ recipes that are tasty, healthy and perfect poolside.
Spring Tarts with Whipped Lemon Feta
Crispy Braised Chicken with Artichokes
Green Godess Vegan Potato Salad
The next two are not great for the swimsuit body, but they are too tasty not to include!
Click here to discover details about this contemporary project in Houston, Texas.
If 2021 is your year to build your outdoor oasis, check out these designs that are dominating. No matter your style… we provide turnkey custom design projects. Our specialty is building projects that look original to the home, including patio covers, pergolas, screened porches, room additions, guest houses, decks, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, and custom patios.
Many times our customers come into the building process with only a small idea of what they want to do, we are here to bring ideas to the table, think things through and of course, build it!
Outdoor kitchens remain ruling as king, but don’t forget… big things can come in small packages. Even if you only have a little space, an outdoor kitchen can still be built! Big or small, outdoor kitchens and dining space continues to be very popular.
For those that have a little extra space, freestanding retreats are popping up in many backyards! This type of “patio” is nice because it’s separated from the home and really gives off the feeling that you’re on vacation!
This space above has a gable roof and vaulted ceiling. We used a stained tongue and groove with cedar beams. The columns are wrapped in hardie and painted – they have stone bases that match the kitchen fascia and the fireplace. All of this stone complements the pool coping. The flooring is a wide plank stamped concrete. Two large fans were also installed to create a nice breeze on those hot days of summer and again, make you feel like you’re on vacation!
Retractable screens are sliding into this list because they are functional and look nice! Most homes have a “hot spot” at least once during the day from the sun’s rays, these types of screens make it easy to block the sun in a moment’s notice. They keep the area cool and also keep the bugs out!
Folding patio doors just might be the hottest feature on this list (save the best for last?)… individual panels give the homeowner complete control, so it can be as open or closed as one would like. The large amount of glass opens up the space for that indoor/outdoor living feel.
Now let’s talk budget … a typical patio cover could be in the $25,000 – $45,000 range. Adding an outdoor kitchen and/or fire feature can add an additional cost in the range of $15,000 – $50,000. After an initial meeting, we give you an exact quote design. It is all based on the size of your project, how it is constructed, type of finishes and what all is included in your project. And before you know it… your sketch is built and you’re enjoying your outdoor oasis!
If you would like more information on how to budget for your outdoor living space, check out our budget blog, here!
Ryan, our project manager, was both attentive and patient with every request, question, and concern that we raised at any point throughout the duration of the project. He was always a phone call or text away, responding every time in an impressively timely manner. He listened to and accommodated our requests, but he also offered suggestions to broaden our imaginations as to what we could create with simple adjustments to our design.
We are experiencing a very high volume of calls and inquiries and are doing our best to get in touch with you within 24 hours. We apologize for any delay as we truly want to discuss your project with you. Take a look at our many blogs regarding budgets and designs as well as looking through our large portfolio of projects. We are continuing with virtual appointments as we move forward. Virtual appointments have been very successful - having the ability to screen share with you the many possibilities for your outdoor living is something we focus on. We look forward to speaking with you and setting up a time to get started on your project. Give us a call, and we can start the process today.