No Such Thing as a Dumb Question

May 17, 2016 Patio Contractor, Patio Design

We are answering the most commonly asked question as part of a series we are doing each month.  So many want to know the answer to these questions, so we thought we would share it with all of you!  Last month we talked all about our specialty, and this month we are focusing on the big picture.  So here are some of the most commonly asked questions that all have, surprisingly, the same answer.

Can you put clear plastic over my pergola?

Can you add screens to my existing patio?

Can you just pour concrete?

As much as we would love to help you with all of that, we are a design build contractor who manages the project from start to finish scheduling multiple trades.  If your job requires only one trade, then it’s best to hire that trade directly!

If you are wanting to do more, we have the easiest process around … so easy that you’ll feel like it’s just one trade you are utilizing.

THE TCP DIFFERENCE

At Texas Custom Patios, we offer personalized service and flexible payment terms, and when you choose to work with us, you’ll work with the same project developer every step of the way (that’s the easy part we mentioned), from the preliminary design stage to project completion and clean-up.

We specialize in providing turnkey design solutions for outdoor living, including: patio covers, outdoor kitchens, screened porches, room additions, pergolas, fireplaces and so much more!  See our website for a complete gallery or on Houzz to see finished projects!

Texas Custom Patios

 

WE STAND BEHIND OUR WORK

At Texas Custom Patios, we’re confident in our work – and we want you to feel confident, too.

That’s why we offer a two-year warranty for materials and workmanship, and a five-year warranty for structural components of your home improvement project.

We also have $1 million in liability insurance to protect against accidents and injury.

 

NO SURPRISES: OUR EXACT QUOTE PROMISE

When you schedule a consultation with one of our experienced project developers, you’ll receive more than just a ballpark figure. We’ll tell you exactly how much your outdoor living project will cost – down to the penny.

But that’s not all. At Texas Custom Patios, every estimate includes a detailed drawing with specifications and dimensions, plus rendered views and elevations – so you can see a preview of your completed project.

Recipe of the Month: “The Best Burger … Ever!”

May 17, 2016 Outdoor Cooking

We thought with Memorial Day coming up it would be a perfect time to dust off the grill and get cookin’! What is more nostalgic than the smell of fresh hamburgers being sizzled to perfection. We were on a mission to find “The Best Hamburger” recipe ever created. May is National Burger Month, so all the meat-loving connoisseurs are out dishing and dubbing their burger as the best. After much research and putting our tastebuds to the test (such an unfortunate job), we like to believe we found the tastiest recipe of all. Behold … “The Best Burger … Ever!”

Best Burger Recipe

DIRECTIONS

Lightly oil grill & heat to medium.

Whisk egg in a bowl& add next 6 ingredients.

1 egg
1 teaspoon mustard (regular or Dijon)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 small onion, finely grated
1 clove garlic, minced
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 teaspoon pepper
1 lb medium ground beef

Add any of the “stir-ins” that appeal to you (see below).

 

 

Crumble in beef (using your hands or a fork), gently mix together.
Handle the meat as little as possible – the more you work it, the tougher it gets.
Gently shape (don’t firmly press) mixture into burgers about ¾ inch thick.
Using your thumb, make a shallow depression in the center of each burger to prevent puffing up during cooking.
Place burgers on the grill, close lid and grill … turning once, about 6 minutes per side (or to your liking).
An instant read thermometer should read 160F.

LISTEN UP!!!  Don’t abuse your burgers by pressing with a spatula, pricking with a fork or turning frequently as precious juices will be lost! We know it’s hard to leave it alone, but fight the urge!  It will be worth it, trust us.
Tuck into a warm crusty bun (you can throw those on the grill with a little butter, that’s what we did)  and add your favorite toppings.

Enjoy!

Optional Stir-Ins

1 tablespoon creamy caesar salad dressing or 1 tablespoon Greek salad dressing
1 tablespoon chopped sun-dried tomato
1 tablespoon sour cream or 1 tablespoon yoghurt
1 tablespoon grated fresh lemon rind or 1 tablespoon lime rind
1 tablespoon grated ginger root
1 tablespoon ketchup or 1 tablespoon barbecue sauce
1 teaspoon lemon pepper
1 teaspoon curry powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 tablespoon fresh herb
2 teaspoons cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon teriyaki sauce or 1 teaspoon hoisin sauce
1 fresh jalapeños or 1 pickled jalapeño pepper, chopped

 

For more fantastically festive ideas and recipes for this Memorial

 

 

Builder Spotlight: Where It All Begins

May 17, 2016 Patio Design

Texas Custom Patios is a family-owned and operated business located in Stafford, Texas and Irving, Texas, but our service area covers most of the greater Houston area and many parts of the Dallas – Fort Worth area. We have completed more than 1,300 outdoor living projects since we opened our doors in 2004.  Part of the reason we are so successful?  We have an amazing staff!  Please take the time to meet someone coming up on her one year anniversary and take a look at her current favorite project!

 

Jessica - Texas Custom Patios

 

Full name: Jessica Harper

 

Title:  Office Administrator

 

How long with TCP?  Almost one year!  

 

How long in this business?  I have 12+ years of property and restaurant management, accounting, marketing and customer service.  This is, however, my first time working with an outdoor living company.  I am loving it!

 

What do you enjoy most about what you do? I enjoy working with homeowners and being the first step in helping their dream patio become a reality.

 

What’s inspiring in the construction/build world to you?  The outdoor living world is still a fairly new market in DFW.  Some homeowners aren’t even aware of what is possible for their patio design!  It’s very inspiring to see an amazing design come to life and see an ecstatic homeowner that now has a space they can enjoy nearly year-round with their family.

 

Do you have a favorite project from the past?  My “favorite” is ever-changing!  My current favorite is a project with a drastic before and after.  

What trends have you seen in outdoor design in the last few years?  It seems most people in Dallas have only had pergolas and arbors as an options for a “covered patio.”   We are bringing the new trend from Houston.  Roof structures that look original to your home with fully finished out ceilings for a very high-end look.  People are blown away by our pictures.

 

What do you see to be popular in the future?  With TCP-DFW just starting 18 months ago, I see us being popular.  I don’t think this new trend is something that will be going away anytime soon.  I see our popularity continuing to grow and grow!

 

What’s the one thing that most clients say they HAVE to have?  Electrical wiring for an outdoor TV. 

 

What do you hear most often from clients when everything is completed?  “You have to come to our first BBQ!”

 

What do you think outdoor living space does for a home and person?  We live in Dallas.  We are not near the ocean, most of us are not near any lakes or other water, and there are no mountains.  I think outdoor living spaces give people a desire to entertain themselves and their family outdoors in a way they had never even considered.  When you have the correct tools, (i.e., lighting, fans, fire feature, TV) enjoying Texas weather is possible at virtually anytime of the year.  I believe it’s important to spend time outside.  Vitamin D is essential to your health, and taking time to relax under the moon and stars can do great things for your happiness!

 

Have a project in mind? We work throughout the Houston and Dallas - Fort Worth areas.

Our Customers Love Us

We are absolutely in love with the patio Texas Custom Patios built. Everyone was very professional and we have a beautiful place to enjoy the outdoors. Thanks!

© 2024 TCP Custom Outdoor Living

Thank you for your submission!

We will get back to soon!