BostonBrick.com: Outdoor Living
- Author Jo Lauricella
- Published September 22, 2010
- Word count 409
Southern California is blessed with 9 months of perfect weather. The days are warm and the nights are cool; perfect for outdoor entertaining and family time. There was a time when a few lawn chairs, a badminton set, a wooden picnic table and the charcoal BBQ were the setting for a great evening outdoors.
Today, with the boom in technology, designers talk about expanding your living area with one or more "outdoor rooms." What is a room outdoors? It is a backyard design that combines landscaping, hardscaping and lighting. The most complex design can include such options as a pool area and spa, play area, cooking area, eating area, and sitting area with an outdoor fireplace or fire pit.
The size of the yard and the wallet will determine the number and function of the "rooms." Some start with the pool and necessary decking and each year or so add another room. A less expensive choice could be to start with a well placed patio; a pergola, a built-in BBQ and a fully equipped outdoor kitchen added in stages.
The real trick to progressive outdoor expansion is careful planning before any ground is broken. You do not have to have all the materials and appliances picked out in advance, but you do have to make a few decisions that will literally be cast in stone, brick or cement. Design, function and usefulness of appliances change over time, however they all need at least one of four things; gas, electricity, running water and drainage. Putting in these access lines before any ground is broken will save a lot of money in the future not to mention frustration.
I recommend spending at few hundred dollars initially with someone with backyard landscaping design experience coordinated with an experienced masonry contractor to get a drawing of the overall finished design with a list of the separate independent projects. A landscaping designer will make sure the smoke from a barbeque will not drift over the eating and sitting area or into the house. He or she will also know where all the lines should be placed (gas, electricity, water and drainage). Be sure the landscaping plans include your color preferences, if there are particular plants you want to keep or add, and how many children (and ages), adults, and pets will have access to the backyard. From there it is all creating based on your needs and desires and, of course, the all important wallet.
Jo Lauricella is Real Estate Marketing Manager at Boston Brick & Stone (http://www.bostonbrick.com), at 2005 Lincoln Ave, Pasadena, CA. Boston Brick & Stone is the most relied upon chimney inspection & repair contractor in the greater Los Angeles area. For more info, please access our website at http://www.bostonbrick.com. Visit our blog for Realtors at http://www.bostonbrick.com/blog/real-estate/
Article source: https://articlebiz.comRate article
Article comments
There are no posted comments.
Related articles
- The Role of Lighting Stores in Brampton: Shaping Spaces for the Future
- Elevating Your Home with Bold Decor and Vintage Carved Doors
- Transform The Mudroom for The Festive Season
- Rustic Thanksgiving Ambiance with Farmhouse-inspired Doors
- Decorating Spanish Style Villas, Vintage Armoires
- Modern Farmhouse Decor: A Blend of Rustic Charm and Contemporary Style
- Discovering Lighting Stores in Brampton: Spotlight on Fehmilights
- The Role of Smoke Ventilation Systems in Commercial Properties
- Festive Decor with a Global Twist
- Mixer of Styles, The Boho Mid Century Farmhouse
- Elevate Your Remodeling Experience with a One-Stop-Shop Design-Build Firm
- How to Design a Comfortable Family Room
- Your Go-To Lighting Store in Brampton
- Chimney Repair in Toronto: Ensuring Safety and Efficiency
- The Surprising Benefits of Junk Removal and Deep Cleaning
- Illuminating Your Spaces: The Role of Lighting Specialists in Brampton, Mississauga, and Caledon
- Vintage Furniture Trends: Armoires, Rustic Mid-Century, Farmhouse Styles
- Rustic Lodge Décor with Heritage Antique Doors and Furniture with a Soul
- Handcrafted Antique Wood Doors for Cottages: Vintage Charm and Elegance
- Illuminating Your Space: Discovering Lighting Stores in Brampton, Caledon, and Mississauga
- Rustic Carved Doors for Offices: Adding Charm and Character to Your Workspace
- Elevate Your Farmhouse Design with Antique Wood Doors
- Comparing Quick Dry Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Methods with Conventional Hot Water Extraction
- Removing and Preventing Black Mold on Windows
- Can I Spray Wicker Furniture? A Comprehensive Guide to Painting and Revitalizing Your Wicker Pieces
- Where to Buy the Perfect Office Chair: Your Ultimate Guide to Comfort, Style, and Productivity
- Top Cleaning Tips for Toronto Residents: How to Keep Your Space Spotless
- How to Paint a Vanity Cabinet: A Step-by-Step Guide to Transform Your Bathroom
- What is a Writing Desk? Exploring its Purpose, Design, and Benefits for Your Home
- Vintage Bohemian Charm: Creating a Home Office Retreat