Want a way to add value to your home and actually enjoy it? Consider building custom designed deck with help from deck builders Austin TX. A deck is a very versatile addition to any house.

It can be used for grilling and outdoor dining, entertaining friends, stargazing, observing nature and just plain relaxing! Furthermore, a deck can be covered providing shade or it can be open for those who love the sun. According to joiner Paul Shultz you may wish to hire an experienced professional such as a builder, contractor, carpenter or remodeler to do the deck installation and build a custom deck railing for you, or you might decide to tackle the project on your own. Either way, building a deck can be rewarding. The driveway extension can be emptied to act as a patio, mulling area for guests or can be a large table, seating area and while it is not in use, these patio covers could be useful.  The shed is in the back corner of the lot, blocking the view to the back of the neighbor’s garage.  To add some interest a wide path curves around a tree back to the shed.

Master bedroom with multiple closets and en suite bath that has custom vanity built in and walk in shower. Ample 2nd bedroom also with en suite bath. Roof deck has a spacious full head house that makes an ideal tree top office, with walk out to the over sized roof deck with city views, water and power. Central A/C, in unit laundry, plethora of closet space, and a strong self managed association. Maintaining a place like this can be hard if you get a lot of rain in the area, you might actually get water damage from this. If you ever need to fix up your deck then you can contact this deck repair service.

Working with a professional will ensure custom touches that you might not be able to create, build or accomplish on your own, while building the deck yourself can be rewarding and offer the satisfaction of completing the job. If you do decide to build the deck on your own, consider purchasing a woodworking or deck plan. They are available online in a variety of sizes ranging from a basic platform with railing to more detailed deck designs that might include built-in wooded benches for seating, plant shelves, a built-in barbecue area or even a hot tub from Hot Tubs For You, it would be a great feature. No matter which route you take, you’ll be pleased with the new deck you can enjoy year-round and feel confident that you have just added value to your home.

This article brought to you by The HousePlanShop, LLC, the home of the best selling house plans from the best designers!

Tags: add value to your home, building a deck, decks, home addition, Outdoor Living, outdoor living spaces

If you’ve just built a new home with plenty of outdoor living spaces, chances are you’ll want to entertain family and friends. From the backyard to the deck or lanai, any outdoor entertaining space is sure to please your guests. Whether you plan to host a small gathering of friends or a family reunion with everyone from your grandma to your third cousins, this list of entertaining tips will help you prepare for your event.

·         Give your guests plenty of notice about the date and time of your party. Mail invitations or send an email if it is an informal get-together. Be specific about who is invited. If it is an adult only party, specify it in the invitation. If the whole family is welcome, specify that the kids are invited too.

·         If you’ve chosen a theme, tell your guests. They may want to dress accordingly or bring a themed gift or dish.

·         Music adds to the festive atmosphere of any gathering. If your party has a theme, choose themed music.

·         Make sure you have enough seating for everyone. Ask everyone to bring a lawn chair if necessary and bring indoor tables and chairs outdoors if extra are needed.

·         Have a backup plan in case of bad weather.

·         If your gathering is on a hot summer day, consider setting up few umbrellas or screened tents to beat the heat.

·         Have plenty of drinks on hand in coolers filled with ice, you can find a good commercial ice maker for sale online, besides make them accessible so guests can serve themselves.

·         Be aware of guests that may have special needs. Those who take certain medications cannot be in the sun, so make sure there is seating available on the covered porch or provide an umbrella. If someone has special needs when food or drink is consider such as a diabetic or someone with food allergies, make sure you have food items that are safe for them.

·         Burn citronella candles for bug control. Place a smaller one in the center of each table and use larger ones at the ends of your entertainment space.

·         Netted food domes will keep insects out of food dishes.

·         Promote group activities by putting up a volleyball net, provide horseshoes, ladder golf or washer boxes. If you have a large backyard, organize a softball or kickball game.

·         Don’t forget the kids. Fill a box or tub with things just for them like sidewalk chalk, bubbles, jump ropes, balls, etc. If it is a hot day fill a cooler or tub with prefilled water balloons and organize a water balloon toss. Water guns are always a big hit too.

·         If your party is going to continue from daylight until after dark, don’t forget about lighting. Make sure steps and walking areas are well lit. Solar lighting, rope lighting and even strands of white Christmas lights are great for lighting pathways and covered porches and patios. Check around for themed lighting. If you are hosting a luau, palm tree shaped lights hung around the entertainment space will add a little extra fun.

Don’t forget to refer to this list before you plan your next outdoor gathering.

Visit The House Plan Shop to find home plans with outdoor living spaces that are great for entertaining such as a patio, courtyard, covered porch, grilling porch, screened porch, deck or lanai.

This article brought to you by The HousePlanShop, LLC, the home of the best selling house plans from the best designers!

Tags: backyard party ideas, outdoor entertaining ideas, outdoor living spaces

If you are planning to build a new house chances are you’ve consider a wide range of aspects and elements about the interior of your home from efficiency and comfort to form and function. You’ve probably even considered the exterior appearance. But before you make your final decision about the house plan you wish to build, take some time to think about the usefulness and other benefits of choosing a floor plan with at least one outdoor living space making the most of your lot and yard.

As per Stilus Design and Construction Sunshine Coast, outdoor living spaces include a wide range of possibilities. They can be almost any size and can satisfy one or more purposes.  They include covered front or rear porches, wrap-around porches, screened porches, covered or open decks, patios, terraces, lanais, balconies and more. Furthermore, special features such as outdoor fireplaces, grills, outdoor kitchens, pools, hot tubs, spas, gazebos, cabanas, built in seating and planters improve usefulness, function and enjoyment of outdoor living spaces. Other additions include sound systems to listen to music or the ball game, a TV tucked into a weather proof cabinet, outdoor lighting, ceiling fans and weather poof furniture.

How could your family use an outdoor living space?  Think about your family and the activities you enjoy.  The following ideas will help you decide what outdoor living space is right for you.

·         Do you enjoy barbecues and outdoor gatherings? A deck, patio, covered porch or screened porch work well for grilling and outdoor dining. If you tune into your favorite radio station you can enjoy some music too.

·         Maybe you prefer to prepare an entire outdoor meal. Consider a grilling porch or outdoor kitchen keeping the heat outside while leaving your indoor kitchen clean and spotless. Furthermore, your family and friends will enjoy as tasty meal outside without leaving a mess inside for you to clean up when everyone’s gone home.

·         Do you envision your kids swimming all summer long? Does your family hope to throw pool parties through the summer months? A patio, lanai or a deck will make a nice complement to any home with a pool.  Add built in benches for extra seating and outdoor lighting so your gatherings can continue after sunset.

·         Maybe you just enjoy reading or relaxing outdoors after a day at the office.  Consider a courtyard or covered porch. Planters will add a splash of color and satisfy any gardener’s green thumb. Perhaps an upper level balcony is more what you desire, a wonderful place to watch the sunset.

·         Do you have a lot with beautiful panoramic views? Do you enjoy submerging yourself in the sights and sounds of Mother Nature? A sweeping deck or full-length covered porch will give you a great place to take in the view or observe surrounding wildlife.

·         Does your family like to entertain? Maybe a covered porch with an outdoor fireplace is the answer. You’ll have a great place for gathering and conversation without being crowded inside the house and the fireplace will give the kids an opportunity to roast marshmallows and make S’mores when they want a snack. Not to mention everyone will enjoy the warmth of a crackling fire on a crisp fall evening.

·         Looking for a romantic evening? How about dessert and stargazing with your loved one on an open deck? An open deck is also great for sunbathing. 

Outdoor living spaces offer endless possibilities. With a little imagination, your family can use and enjoy the spaces surrounding your new home just as much as the interior living areas. Be sure to consider the outdoor living spaces of every home plan you review.

This article brought to you by The HousePlanShop, LLC, the home of the best selling house plans from the best designers!

Tags: decks, Outdoor Living, outdoor living spaces, patios, porches