Outdoor
Design
Outdoor
Design possibilities for your home are truly endless & very
enjoyable
ways to add to your "Livability". 
This photo is
a "Reason" to
have Outdoor Features & Styles included in your Home Design
checklist. A little color and living things in your surroundings can
brighten your day! You
can achieve this on a condo or apartment balcony, or in an acre sized
yard. Do not be afraid to experiment with small steps and
interesting plants you may see at the grocery or home improvement
store. This photo shows a combination of Lobelia and several
colors of Viola's planted together. Both of these varieties are
hardy in mild climates and may come back year after year even in area's
that freeze during the winter. 
Pool and Spa Design TipsClick on this link to see some unique Pool
Design Insights from our own experience
designing &
building a pool and spa.
Outdoor
Cooking
Do you like to cook
on a grill? If so - think about where there will be
room in your Outdoor Design to place the size of the grill you have or
need.
How easy will it be to get there from the kitchen where you prepare the
food?
Will you have enough hands to open the door?
Is it open to the air or is there a ceiling above the space?
If there is any overhang it will catch the smoke from the
grill and may create black spots.
Where are the doors in relation to where you will put the grill? If the
doors are close they will also get dirty from the smoke. Click here to
see some other "Insights"
on Patio Doors. Costs & Cleaning
! Outdoor
features can contribute to enjoyable views, increased
exercise possibilities and stress reduction, but you must
consider
the maintenance requirements.
Major note to myself for future homes!
Putting up a white ceiling fan on an outdoor patio (with or without a
grill) is a bad idea - I end up cleaning ours far too often (Yes, I
have to get out a ladder). Next house - it's going to
be black or grey!
Small
yard versus large yard? More yard space requires more
maintenance in
time, water and money unless you carefully select your grass, plants,
water features & ground cover. Rain
Gutters & Downspouts - These are benefitial outdoor
features on many homes. Do you need them? Where are you
considering buying a home? What is the weather like in your
area? Does the house already have them? And, if so, what
condition are they in?
From
Outdoor Design to Room by Room
Go to the HOME
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