By Randy Sorrell and Bill Bernard
It’s time. Actually, it’s a little past time … to start planning for your spring 2021 outdoor living space improvements. Many fortunate homeowners’ savings accounts are swelled with the lack of vacations, theater, concerts and general entertainment driven by COVID-19. It’s having an impact on contractors’ abilities to respond timely, too, especially for pool projects and many design/build firms that manage multiple disciplines.
Cosmetic versus complete renovation
Certainly, initial thoughts should focus on whether your project is “cosmetic,” where we focus on improvements and adjustments to an existing, predominantly acceptable space, or if it’s a complete renovation or installation of a new space.
Cosmetic upgrades are incredibly inspiring to accomplish yet crazy challenging at the same time. Imagine the skill set required to capture the existing material pallet and carry it forward to the improved design. Scale of existing plants can be a point of debate. Regardless, it’s often amazing what simple upgrades can accomplish and how it can elevate the space and mood of a patio or deck!
Complete renovations are considerably more involved. And dusty. Check out the featured lanai project that showcases a natural stone fireplace! We started with a comprehensive design and a few 3-D views that brought the vision to life. A few redesigns later, building permits and material selections, and we launched. Here are a few highlights:
- Massive 18-foot by 28-foot covered lanais with limestone wrapped columns.
- Metal roof with gutters sleeved through the 24-inch columns.
- Espress- stained tongue and groove 4-inch ceiling planks with two massive ceiling fans.
- Oversized beams with trim detail.
- Granite entertainment counter spanning between columns.
- Blue stone patio expansion and restoration.
- Oh, did I mention the modern gas fireplace with a Carol Brown insert, remote-control start and moody lights??
Now is the time to plan your 2021 incredible outdoor living space so you can enjoy the outdoors like never before!
