An Official Publication of the 2010-2011

Greater Houston Builders Association Remodelors Council

Houston Remodeling Guide 2010

An Official Publication of the Greater Houston Builders Association Remodelors^TM Council

Backyard retreats

Upgrade your outdoor space

Light and airy cabana built on the second floor by Legal Eagle Contractors overlooks the pool so adults can watch younger swimmers.

The cabana was built using pressure treated lumber which will not rot. The floors are covered with non-slip rubberized flooring.

ith the current status of the housing market, many economists and realtors would agree that it might not be a good time to place your house on the market. With this in mind, why not consider making your existing property more comfortable by upgrading your backyard, starting with perhaps a slate or pavers patio, or natural flagstone? A well-designed patio can be made to look even more appealing by adding stone benches. Not only will they give your patio more of a room effect, the seating areas will also give the area definition. This look can be taken a step further by adding a cedar trellis with a vine or, if you like a lot of shade, a cedar arbor with Santa Fe tails, and a 2-foot by 2-

foot shade-top is always nice.

Once the base patio is established, then comes the fun part! The work can be done all at once or in phases if you want to watch your budget. A nice feature is a stone barbecue grilling area. With so many affordable barbecue pits on the market, it is very easy to have a stone facade with a flagstone countertop to fit the new pit. Another great feature is a stone fire-pit which, with a little creativity, can be used on a year-round basis. Besides providing warmth in the winter, the cold pit can be used as a sitting area or to hold potted plants in the summer. A cooler could also be placed inside the pit to serve favorite beverages during the warmer months.

To finish your outdoor retreat, a nice landscape of your choice will complete your project. Whether it is a potted landscape or a more natural type of landscaping, the look will depend on your patio style and personal preference. Consult your contractor for suggestions and ideas.

Remember that your retreat should be designed with your comfort and relaxation in mind. Do
not be afraid to mix-it-up with natural stones and pavers or slate. Low voltage lighting can finish
the project, providing a cozy feeling in the evenings. l

Ron Stevens

Stevens Landscaping Services

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An Official Publication of the 2010-2011

Greater Houston Builders Association Remodelors Council

On the Cover

Master bath renovation by

Rob Hellyer, CGR, CMB, CAPS

of Premier Remodeling

& Construction

Design by Ed Bullock, AIA,

CEB Architecture

Tile by Daltile

Vanity cabinet, countertop, lighting & bath accessories by Restoration Hardware.

Plumbing fixtures: Westheimer Plumbing

Tub—Jason Hydrotherapy

Tub & shower fixture, Victoria & Albert Sink faucet by Hansgrohe.

The Cabinet Zavala.

Photography by Michael Hart

To find a qualified

GHBA remodeler
in your area, visit

www.ghba.org

To Advertise in the 2011-2012 Houston Remodeling Guide...

Call Fort Bend Publishing Group

Amy Robinson - 281-240-2445 ext. 117

GHBA Education

Partners

- BMC - Premier Partner

- Benefit Concepts Inc.

- DPIS Engineering

- Dow Chemical

- Dupont/Tyvek

- MASCO Environments
for Living

- Panel Rey Dry Wall Solutions

- Pella Windows and Doors

- Prudential Gary Greene Realtors

- Sherwin Williams Paint

- The Stevenson Group

- StrucSure Home Warranty