Project of the Month: June 2014
July 12, 2014 Project of the MonthClick on the image to discover the details of this gorgeous project in Houston.
Click on the image to discover the details of this gorgeous project in Houston.
Hiring a contractor can be a scary and intimidating decision. How can you know you’re making the best choice before you sign on the dotted line?
When it comes to finding a great contractor, the bottom line comes down to trust.
Warranty A contractor who backs up his work with a good, strong warranty gives you reason to trust him. When a contractor has been in business for a while and continues to offer this assurance on his work and materials, you can have confidence that the job will be done well.
Fixed Pricing Some surprises are good. Surprises in price are not. A contractor who gives you an exact quote at the onset of a contract proves that he has enough experience to account for all aspects of a project. Approaching pricing in this way also makes the contractor ultimately responsible for any mistakes or unforeseen costs. A contractor who is willing to be subject to this level of accountability on the bottom line is going to be as accurate as he is able. No surprises, period.
3-D Renderings Knowing what your finished project is expected to look like on your home brings confidence in the product you are purchasing. The contractor who provides what-you-see-is-what-you-get 3-D renderings, when applicable, eliminates doubts about the aesthetics of a project. You can see that your project designer is able to bring your dream project to life before any work has begun.
You can rest assured that you have found a great contractor, when he places such a high value on trust that he chooses to be characterized by these marks!
To learn more about Texas Custom Patios warranty and price guarantee, visit our website. To request a free consultation for your outdoor living project, call 281.265.1994 or drop us a line here. We’d love to show you how we can improve your quality of living in your backyard!
If you have been following Texas Custom Patios in social media, you may have come across a term we’ve been using: Outdoor Style.
Knowing the type of work Texas Custom Patios does, you may think that has everything to do with lush woods, gorgeous stonework and inviting lighting. But, it actually doesn’t. We want to clear things up.
#OutdoorStyle more about an attitude, a mindset and a lifestyle than it is about materials and design. Don’t misunderstand, we love beautiful outdoor living spaces around here. We pour ourselves into creating them! The exquisite spaces we build are custom-made as a setting where living happens for the person with #OutdoorStyle.
Let’s dig in a bit more to the elements of #OutdoorStyle.
#OutdoorStyle is taking your down time at a slower pace. It’s taking a moment to just breathe. It’s savoring a weekend with no schedule. #OutdoorStyle is the high life that steps away from the hamster wheel. It’s enjoying the peace and soaking in whatever this moment brings.
#OutdoorStyle recognizes that relationships are first. It values belly laughs and making memories. It says, “Stay and talk.” #OutdoorStyle is the house on the block with the open front door and a back patio full of company who feels more like family.
#OutdoorStyle loves entertaining, relaxing and dining. It’s the first to pop open a bottle and celebrate for a milestone or just because it’s Friday. It’s finesse and fun, but with an uncommon ease.
What about you? Does your outdoor living space express your #OutdoorStyle? If your current outdoor design doesn’t match your #OutdoorStyle, call Texas Custom Patios (281-265-1994) or contact us to request a free consultation.
How would you describe your #OutdoorStyle? Leave a comment below. We’d love to hear from you!
Home owners have a strange attraction to outdoor kitchens. Maybe we believe food tastes better when prepared on an outdoor grill, or maybe cooking by the pool just makes it more fun. In any case, we all seem to think life would be better with a wide patio, a big grill, and everything else we need to prepare an outdoor feast.
But what is that everything else? What items should you plan to build or purchase for the perfect outdoor kitchen?
Start with a Grill
Buying a grill is a no-brainer if you’re building an outdoor kitchen. The place to cook is what makes your outdoor kitchen, well…a kitchen!
The grill is the piece de resistance of your patio, so you need to spend some time picking out the perfect one. If you buy a low-quality grill and hate using it to bbq, then your whole investment might go down the drain. So whether you buy a pre-made grill or get one customized for your kitchen, look for high-quality stainless steel on both the interior and exterior. Additionally, spring for a side burner or two! You’d be amazed at how useful they are when you need to keep something warm.
The perfect place to grill.
Account for Counters
Anyone who’s tried to cook in a cramped kitchen knows that counter space in the kitchen is valuable real estate, so don’t skimp on counter space. Instead, use it as an opportunity to make the most out of your patio space by using your counters as extra eating areas. Also, be sure to have storage cabinets built into them for your grilling tools and cooking supplies.
Just grab a few barstools.
Decorate with a Fireplace or Firepit
While fireplaces and firepits aren’t necessarily part of a kitchen, you can still cook with them. A roaring fire will keep the patio warm on chilly nights, and it’s the perfect place for the kids to roast hotdogs and marshmallows while you prepare the rest of the meal (or relax!).
The best thing about fireplaces and firepits is that they’re decorative. Put an outdoor fireplace on the patio and it becomes the focal point – especially if you use the mantel area for your flatscreen tv.
To make the most out of your fireplace or firepit, choose a stone or brick to match or complement your home’s exterior.
Decorative and functional
Take the Baking Outside
An outdoor oven may not be a necessity, but it sure is cool! For some, having a brick oven to bake pizza or bread is a good enough reason to build one into the outdoor kitchen. However, you can also use brick ovens to prepare meat, stews, vegetables, and more.
You'll never order pizza again
Patio Cover and Flooring
Last, but perhaps most importantly, you need a quality patio cover and flooring to protect your new outdoor kitchen from the elements. Tile and marble are both too slick for outdoor kitchen flooring, but stone and stamped concrete are both safe and look fantastic.
As for the patio cover, the most important issue is making sure it’s waterproof. Not only does the cover need to protect your outdoor kitchen, but it needs to keep water off any ceiling fans, lighting, and electric appliances. It also allows you to enjoy your outdoor kitchen even when it’s raining!
Of course, choose flooring and patio cover finishes and accents that match your fireplace and home. Check out these flooring ideas from This Old House.
Elegantly protecting your outdoor kitchen.
Room to Expand
Now that you have some ideas for your backyard, get out a sheet of paper and sketch your dream patio area. Don’t consider cost just yet, as these projects can be a significant investment that will add to the value and enjoyment of your home. If you can’t build it all at once, don’t worry! You can always add that fireplace later.
We would absolutely recommend this company. Steven was always accessible and professional, as well as each one of his crews. It was a pleasure to work with Texas Custom Patios, and we love our new outdoor kitchen.
We will get back to soon!