Survey Says…. But Why?

May 31, 2020 Patio Contractor, Patio Design

What is a lot survey and why do I need one to build an outdoor living space? We get this question a lot and here’s why…

A lot or land survey is basically a graphic depiction of your property that outlines the legal boundaries and other features. You probably received one when you purchased your home. It is necessary for Texas Custom Patios to see your survey so we can determine what can legally be built on your property.

The lot survey will identify any easements, building setbacks, or other restrictions on your property. It will inform us if your home is in a flood plain or if there are any other special considerations we need to know in order to design and build your outdoor living space.

What if you can’t find your lot survey? There are several options – check with your local tax assessor’s office, they may have one on file. Another option is to get a survey done, there are several companies that specialize in surveying land and can get it done quickly. Surveys typically cost between $300-$500.

When Texas Custom Patios is building your outdoor living space, we will use the survey to file for permits through the city and to submit to your HOA for approval. This is done in order to make sure any new structures are built without crossing over into easements or setbacks on your property. We need this info to not only ensure we are not building inside easements, but also to draw your existing property in our software to allow for an accurate scale for the new drawings we present.

Once it’s all approved, then the fun begins and we can begin building!

Best in Outdoor Living Space

August 7, 2015 Awards, Outdoor Living, Patio Design

Texas Custom Patios

Texas Custom Patios was just awarded “Best Outdoor Living Space” by Texas Association of Builders. We are thrilled to be noted among the very best!  The  Texas  Association  of  Builders  (TAB)  announced  and  presented  the  2015 Star  Awards Winners in  conjunction   with  the  Sunbelt  Builders  Show™  on July  29-­‐30,  2015 at  the  Gaylord  Texas  Resort  and  Convention  Center.  The  highly-­‐coveted  Star   Awards  are  given  annually  to  recognize  excellence  in  all  areas  of  the  home  building  industry.

In  1992,  the  Texas  Association  of  Builders  launched  the  Star  Awards – the  only  statewide  tribute  to  excellence  in  the  home  building   industry.  The  2015 Star  Awards  recognized  the  outstanding  work  of  builders,  remodelers,  architects,  designers,  sales  professionals,   marketing  professionals,  construction  professionals  and  industry  leaders  in  Texas  and  the  Southwest. Entries  were judged  by  a  distinguished  panel  of  industry  experts.  Winners  will  be  featured  in  the  September/October issue  of  Texas   Builder magazine. For  more  information  about the  Star  Awards,  please  visit  here.

Project of the Month: July 2015

August 7, 2015 Project of the Month

Click on the image to discover the details of this traditional project.

 

 

Texas Custom Patios

Project of the Month: January 2015

January 9, 2015 Outdoor Living

Gable roof outdoor patio cover was tied into an existing gable on this Sugar Land home. A massive stone wood-burning fireplace creates a beautiful focal point. We installed tongue and groove spruce for the ceiling, which is accentuated by the lofty exposed cedar-wrapped posts and beams. The wrought iron chandelier sets the mood for this outdoor space. See more here.

January 2015 Project of the Month

March Madness: The Sweet 16 for Your Patio

March 5, 2014 Outdoor Living, Patio Design
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Whether it’s college basketball or patio construction, the road to the final four is an exciting one!

Choosing the best design elements is a tough game. It’s best to approach it with a strategy in mind and a good knowledge of all the players. We’ve pulled out the Sweet 16 of the following categories to help you narrow down your options through the Elite Eight and down to the Final Four, including one in each of the following categories:

  • Flooring
  • Columns
  • Ceiling
  • Roof Shape

Download our Patio Bracketology PDF to discover which patio options will make it to your Final Four.

Take your patio options through these elimination rounds on the road to the final four to discover which options will come out on top!

The Brackets

Patio Bracketology

Flooring

The flooring you select sets the stage for your outdoor living space. Pavers and tile give a good showing with predictable patterns. Natural flagstone brings home the Texas Hill Country look. A stamped overlay gives a lot of versatility on the floor. It is flexible enough to look like random natural stone, patterned tile or even wood. Based on its performance, it is a favored pick among homeowners. Some flooring options that did not advance to the Sweet 16 are plain concrete (which is the base for almost all of our flooring options) and acid stained concrete. Both options are virtually maintenance free and durable.

Columns

Your choices in column options can help your patio blend seamlessly with the architecture of your home or make a powerfully contrasting statement to bring interest to your outdoor living space. A full brick column easily ties into a home, especially if the back of the home is all brick. Many homes in our area have hardie siding on the back, so the combination of masonry and Hardie® does a nice job of reintroducing the stone or brick from the front of the house again in the backyard. Masonry and cedar gives a rustic, Hill Country look. Full stone is a popular option for pool owners, who have a lot of stone around their pools and also for home owners whose facade features a lot of stone work. Stucco and decorative fiberglass column surrounds are column alternatives that didn’t make the round this time, but are fantastic options on stucco or very traditional homes, respectively.

Ceilings

In the design process, the ceiling is often underestimated in its ability to bring the entire project together. A ceiling, done right, can make an outdoor living space project a slam dunk. Let’s take a look at the contenders. A painted Hardie® ceiling is a good option to match an existing patio cover, as many builders choose this option during construction. Tongue and Groove Wood (spruce, pine or cedar) adds richness and warmth. Reclaimed wood brings a rustic, old-world charm. Tin tiles can give a unique, vintage flavor to the ceiling.

Roof Shape

The roof shape brings new definition to the architecture of the entire home. For most homes, a hip roof, one that slopes on all sides, will allow the patio cover to blend seamlessly into the architecture of the home and provide plenty of shade. A shed roof is a great fit on a two-story home with windows above the patio space, because it is a single-sloped roof with vertical sides. The loftiness of an open gable roof provides height and a soaring view. When the existing roofline and windows present tie-in challenges, a combination hip and gable roof is a solid and versatile player.

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

Our Customers Love Us

We would definitely recommend Texas Custom Patios. Ryan and the crew that works with him were very efficient and immaculate. Ryan let us know each day what steps would be taken during the process building our pergola for our patio. From the construction, staining, and installing the electrical outlets and fans. Valentine is a true visionary with his ideas and construction. Everyone is truly impressed with the job they did.

© 2024 TCP Custom Outdoor Living

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