2017 Outdoor Makeover Photo Contest

Converted a deck into a three-season porch.

Located in the Glebe, where every square inch is coveted property, these homeowners converted their rooftop deck into a second-story outdoor living space. In the end, this renovation included an enclosed three-season 'cottage' and a beautifully redesigned open and airy rooftop deck.

This beautiful home received a complete facelift. We installed brand-new James Hardie siding, Marvin Windows, and Provia Doors, and we stamped custom-design concrete for their patio, front porch, sidewalk, and driveway. We also designed a and built a new retaining wall, steps, custom gas fire pit, stone bench, new roof, new deck, etc.

This 2014 addition included a covered porch with fireplace, gas lamps, heated tile flooring, built-in bench seating, and Nanawall door which connected to the bar/lounge area (which had been an unused home/office den).

We wanted to create a backyard resort-style environment on a wide open hillside. The project started in 2015 and was completed spring 2016, and included full construction of a pool, poolhouse, carriage house, and sport court, as well as new landscaping and lighting.

This Redondo Beach, CA. design / build remodeling project was an addition that was designed to bring the outdoors in and the indoors out. The panoramic doors were the perfect solution to highlight both living areas. The deck, a composite material, was selected because it has the aesthetic and character of wood without the maintenance. The kitchen was also remodeled as part of this project.

This historic St. Louis home (by architect Frederick Dunn) has a refurbished yard designed in harmony with the clean lines of the home and grounds. A brick and metal staircase with retaining walls is the new approach to the re-graded rear yard with a heated in-ground pool, fountain, and patio area.

The patio of this recently constructed home in Coconut Grove, FL went from blah to spectacular after Habify designed and installed a luxurious outdoor entertainment space next to the existing swimming pool. Organic elements like the Ipe clad outdoor kitchen and custom built cedar pergola blend harmoniously with the Mediterranean style of the home while enhanced features like integrated LED cove lighting, a built in beverage center and bronze light fixtures elevate the mood and make this backyard the perfect outdoor escape for sunny South Florida.

Starting with a redesign of the backyard, including retaining walls and other drainage features, the home was then ready for a radical facelift. We redesigned the entry of the home with a timber frame portico/entryway. The entire portico was built with the old-world artistry of a mortise and tenon framing method. We also designed and installed a new deck and patio facing the lake, installed an integrated driveway and sidewalk system throughout the property and added a splash of evening effects with some beautiful architectural lighting around the house. More photos and video can be viewed at https://www.stebnitzbuilders.net/portfolio/backyard-portico-addition-exterior-remodel-detached-garage-design/

This house had a rather plain deck on the rear that the homeowner was not using. They felt that a sunroom would get more use, so in the summer of 2016, we removed the deck replaced it with a beautiful new sunroom.

We made a very vanilla home in Troy, Michigan completely unrecognizable (in a good way!), using LP SmartSiding, stonecraft stone veneer, and Andersen windows.

Portico replacement

TROPICAL VACATION BACK YARD! This indoor sunroom addition became a social gathering spot thanks to the refreshing view of the new pool and waterfall area outside. The large windows with transoms on three sides of the addition welcome all sorts of natural light. This project was completed in 2006.

This beautiful deck (which includes an outdoor kitchen) was designed and constructed by CORE Remodeling Services in in Douglas, MA. This project consists of Timbertech Antique Palm decking and Radiance railings with light post caps around the entire deck and finished with installing a hot tub.

This deck and screen room addition remodel in 2016 seamlessly integrated into the existing home was completed to improve, upgrade and expand outdoor living space for the client. Cathedral bead board ceiling with a skylight created an airy and outdoor feel to the screen porch while the additional covered square footage added more space for entertaining.

Our company built a powered pergola over the customer's existing patio. Not only does it make the area look better but it also makes it more functional by allowing them to enjoy their patio in a variety of weather conditions. You can see a video of the pergola in operation here: https://youtu.be/2YNuOFAxnPI

This gorgeous deck is the perfect extension to this beautiful brick home. This 28' x 60' deck includes a custom-made and tiled fireplace, cabana, covered walkway, and multiple exit/entry areas into the house and the yard.
The homeowner wanted to use this deck as a true additional living space, so many features were added to make the space as comfortable as possible. The granite countertops, gas grill, and refrigerator provide an outdoor kitchen (and the outdoor outlets make it easy to power must-have appliances - like a blender for making margaritas!). Plus, the custom fireplace adds warmth to the space and creates a wonderful ambiance. The cabana and pergola provide shelter and protection from the elements, while adding depth and aesthetic value. Railing and step lighting add to the beauty of the deck, and provide safety measures for the changes in elevation.

This recently purchased home did not have the outdoor space for entertaining that the homeowners wanted. Generally, cut off from the main home, this space needed help. The goal: to create an outdoor kitchen and living that can be used year-round with a full kitchen, shade and lounge that matches the existing home's style. The new space features a kitchen with Wolf appliances, Big Green Egg and pizza oven with ample counter space and storage. A full lounge with shade from above and sides for TV viewing and gatherings, and an outdoor shower.

We replaced the siding and windows with James Hardie � Colonial Smooth, and MI high-efficiency windows. We also painted the exterior. The color contrast between the trim and siding helps the home look more defined.

We renovated an old sun-scorched and splintered pressure-treated deck and dock and added stainless steel cable railing and barefoot-friendly Trex Decking.

This project's design was developed with the idea of visual continuity and functionality. In the end, this backyard renovation included a deck remodel, addition of stone path walkways, raised bed garden areas, and grilling station, and new landscaping.

This 2nd floor home addition was inspired by the views of White Rock Lake and the Dallas skyline. With this large addition, the family gained over 1200 square feet of new space. We built a large loft and wrap-around deck, in addition to a playroom, two secondary bedrooms, a shared full bathroom, and powder room. Our clients absolutely love that the outside space is open and airy and can be viewed at all times from inside. Using mid-century modern architecture, this home now has a stellar second story that fits this family perfectly!

Remodeling an entire backyard, as well as an existing pool is always tricky. You never know for certain how it may have been built or what hiccups you can expect to experience when you begin taking it apart. And when you add the task of completely changing the design aesthetic in the process, the challenge becomes even greater. The original yard reflected that of a southwestern/rustic aesthetic, complete with a freeform rock-lined pool and a slightly dated boulder waterfall. The pool was refinished with Primerastone plaster and accented with a beautiful mosaic waterline tile. We also swapped out flagstone steppers for Lueder limestone coping with a much more modern linear scored, bone colored concrete. We then opted to completely level the waterfall and implement a chic cantilevered wood deck made of Ipe Fiberon on the back side of the pool. We also opted to include a hidden sheer descent waterfall which would pour water straight down into the pool from underneath the cantilevered wood deck. The client also requested a separate kitchen/bar area where the level of shade could be adjusted. To accommodate the request, the designer opted to implement a custom designed/built bar and BBQ which would both be covered by a stand alone shuttered Equinox pergola and outfitted with drop down screens for the sides. The side yard was ripped out and replaced with a basketball court and sitting area. The last remaining piece of the puzzle would be to include a new custom built Lueder topped linear firepit with a generous seating area which happened to fit nicely in between the linear decks and walkways. Re-designing and constructing a total makeover such as this one required a keen eye and an number of talented hands. In the beginning, this client wasn't exactly sure what they wanted, but they did know that their yard needed to be a sleek and modern entertaining space that was very open and inviting for the numerous people that would later pass through the front door and in the back gate. What they ended up with was a very contemporary pool and yard rivaling some of the most modern rooftop lounges being built today, only this space can be found at ground level in the heart of North Texas. All of the decking and walkways make use of perpendicular lines that serve to modernize the look and feel of the space, which was a key element in bringing the yard out of its previous rustic and free-form existence. And while the pool still maintains its original free form shape, the raised wall and the cantilevered wood deck both do a great job of interrupting those curves with bold, straight lines that give the pool a much more modern feel that it had before. To top it off, all of the vertical surfaces in this yard are covered in warm wood tones, mosaic tile and contemporary ledge stone, which all play their own part in modernizing what used to be a rather dated space.

In the summer of 2016 the entire backyard renovation of this sloped lot suburban home was complete. The small deck was replaced with a no-maintenance decking system with the stairs located off to the side to not impeed the view from under the new dry deck lounge area. The natural stone kitchen island with a bar height is complete with gourmet appliances. A second matching wet bar island completes the outdoor living for all types of entertaining. A mounted outdoor television and sound system. A hillside was removed and a stone retaining wall and steps allow room for the pool and patio sunning areas as well as a hot tub. A natural stone patio and firepit is nestled in the landscape and hillside with the low voltage lighting. The covered pavilion with a finished cedar ceiling is the focal point of the backyard looking down from the house every day of year. Irrigaiton, a full house repaint update, and landscape in the front were all also complete.

This November 2016 project was for installation of 487ft of 6'' Half Round Copper Gutters and 280ft of 4' Smooth Downspouts on the entire home. The project was completed in its entirety by our team in only one day. The project was managed so well, with every team member assigned to an specific task, that the homeowner took the day to watch us and even said to his contractor, "If your guys worked like The Brothers Gutters I would be living in my house by now.""

When the homeowners moved into this house, the home had a non-functional deck and a yard comprised of primarily concrete and paving stones. Their desire was to create a space that was beautiful, functional, and environmentally friendly. TQ Construction added a new deck, landscaping, plants, and stonework in the yard, and transformed it into a beloved oasis. The sustainability of the project was addressed through the installation of a TimberTech deck (comprised of recycled wood and plastics) with a partial deck roof built of certified cedar sourced from the Forest Stewardship Council. The deck cover held a skylight in the center in order to deliver as much natural light as possible to the home's adjacent rooms. Plus, the two sections of Live Roof, which increase beauty and reduce storm water runoff, made these environmentally-savvy homeowners proud.

This October 2016 project is a complete 180 makeover from start to finish. The original backyard had a pool and the patio was all ceramic tile. We came in to design and install a paver patio, a paver pad for the homeowner's new jacuzzi, artificial turf, multiple paver seating walls, paver pillars with built-in LED lanterns, full LED outdoor lighting installation throughout entire backyard, a pergola equipped with ceiling fan, overhead lighting, electrical connections, a full oven and range, dual side burners, cabinets and drawer storage, a built-in sink, dishwasher and bbq- with natural stone bar and oversized counter space with bar seating. We also installed a water feature, a dining table with a built-in fire-pit centerpiece, and a built-in wood burning outdoor fireplace equipped with big screen outdoor weatherproof tv and dual storage for firewood.

Backyard retaining wall renovation turned into a backyard oasis.

With the Wisconsin summers being so short, Geneva Cabinets understand that our homeowners want to make the most out of the short outdoor season. We have more and more clients asking for us to design their outdoor spaces. We really needed a display to show how any space can be transformed into a backyard oasis. The designers at Geneva Cabinets designed this space off the showroom. We added a stained concrete slap and a pergola to filter the sun. The outdoor space serves as a display and has working appliances for entertaining clients.

Not wanting to take on a full-house renovation, this young family decided that a 600 square foot addition to their detached garage was the perfect solution for their family needs. With multi-functional, multi-flexible spaces for kids and adults alike, this new space offered these homeowners a great place to entertain and host gatherings, play dates and overnight guests. In the end, this addition enhanced their backyard lifestyle and strengthened their visions of a 'forever home.' The project was completed in June of 2014

Completed October 2015, this project was a whole home renovation that saw revisions to every square foot of the residence, updating both the look and function of the entire home.

Desire: The client wanted to create a comfortable outdoor environment to relax and entertain. Result: A design to bridge the multi-level patio and pool to the home was brought to life. A covered outdoor kitchen was implemented, along with various covered sitting areas, a bar top directly over the kitchen counter, and a new entry into the interior kitchen on the second level.

The renovation of the outdoor living spaces added a WOW factor to the transformation that took place at this beach home! Around the refinished pool, the concrete decking was replaced with beautiful IPE wood decking - incorporating nicely with the new stone pool coping and planter border. Along the sides, both porch wings were revamped to include a relaxing bed swing (located off the Master Bedroom porch) and a new grilling space - complete with custom cabinetry, concrete countertops and a spot designed just for the Green Egg! At the end of the pool, the doors to the Cabana were swapped out for mahogany doors and a new workout space was created. Lastly, the screened porch was removed and the interior spaces were extended to meet a full window wall that provides a beautiful view onto the Owner's new oasis!

Our clients were a couple with distinctive, discerning taste -- evident throughout their home. By designing a gorgeous patio and trellis system adjacent to the kitchen, we extended their dining and entertainment area, and took full advantage of the spectacular open space views. We knew the patio had to flatter the existing architecture and provide a feeling of resort living with picturesque views of the surrounding hills and incredible sunsets.

In March 2015, we added the patio on the same level as the kitchen, made the patio an elegant focal point of the yard, replaced a window in the kitchen with exterior out-swing French Doors to provide level and elegant access to the patio, ran discreet supply lines of natural gas and electricity for convenience, built a trellis for sunshade and wind protection, utilized rope lights in trellis, remote control fan light and carriage lights in columns for lighting and stylish accents, and most importantly, we installed four vertical columns using boxed beam construction with stone lower plinths to match the existing structure.

Home Exterior Systems completed the creation of this private outdoor "oasis"" 2016. This large project included significant improvements to the backyard

The homeowners had an existing fiberglass pool that they were unhappy with; they felt like the pool looked like an afterthought to the home. They wanted to replace the old, failing pool with a new pool and surrounding entertainment area that would match the construction and design of the rest of the home. So, we removed the old pool (and the retaining walls) and replaced it with a brand-new one. We also added a fire pit, barbecue island, and wet bar using materials. that were complimentary to the exterior of the home.

This Roswell, Georgia project was completed September 2016. We custom designed and built the front porch, extended the roof, added columns, exterior board and batten shutters, a Precision front door, and finished off the project with fresh paint.

This was a complete overhaul for a pool project. We removed an existing spa, deck and cage and started fresh. The vision for this pool was one of a kind modern elegance with functionality. The pool features a Raised pool with 360 overflow, sun shelf, led blubbers, led deck jets, and spa built within the pool. The deck is Silver Travertine and is accompanied by an open view cage.

This project was completed in December of 2016. Fairbanks Construction transformed the lower level screen room into a beautiful sunroom, and enclosed the second story in order to design and build another sunroom.

We built a deck, an outdoor patio with a fire pit, a sitting wall, and an outdoor recessed TV built into the garage.

This project was completed in 2008. The original exterior of the home featured a small brick porch with wrought iron railings and a small seating area. The renovation resulted in an expansive porch, more in keeping with the style of the home. The new two-story porch features 3 sets of French doors on the first floor, allowing for an easy transition from the kitchen to outdoor entertaining space. White columns and handrails, Bluestone paver flooring with brick edging and a stained beadboard ceiling give the porch a traditional elegance befitting a grand Lowcountry home. The main level porch now allows for more outdoor entertaining and year-round enjoyment of the backyard water views. On the second story, the homeowners now have easy access to a large private deck from their master suite.

Built in 2013, this outdoor living addition expanded a limited backyard and covered patio into an outdoor oasis. We expanded the covered patio to create space for a full outdoor kitchen and large entertainment area. The standout feature of the outdoor kitchen is the wood fire pizza oven. Other kitchen amenities include a Wolf grill with side burners and an Alto-Shaam smoker, an under-the-counter refrigerator and icemaker, a cleanup station with an undermount sink and dishwasher, integrated trash and recycling bins, custom cypress cabinetry, and neolith limestone lava waterfall countertops. The entertainment area includes space for a full-size dining room table, as well as couches and chairs, and a wood burning fireplace with Ledgestone stone that matches the pizza oven. Outdoor fans and heaters allow the space to be used year-round. To complete the outdoor living transformation, we installed a new pool and extended wet deck and waterfall features along the back.

These homeowners had an old wooden deck that required constant maintenance. Looking for a "maintenance free" option, they chose a Fortress Infinity Composite in Kona Sunset with Expresso Roast accents. Complimenting the deck, they chose an Endurance Vinyl Railing in white, with round black balusters.

When we started this project, the backyard already had a great looking pergola as well as a covered outdoor stone kitchen that we had to match.

To start, we built a towering two story wood truss porch with grand stone tapered columns, and a two-sided stone fireplace; creating a perfect space for small gatherings. Plus, one side of the fireplace is raised and includes a rotisserie for roasting meats. Across from the fireplace is a hog pit, making this a great second cooking area for the homeowner. The porch overlooks a brand-new fabulous pool and low-profile stone waterfall, framing the existing backyard pond perfectly!

Before: The homeowners spent years cultivating a beautiful backyard garden and patios but were rarely able to enjoy their oasis because of insects and weather.

After: The result of this transformation is just what the homeowners desired; a space in which they can enjoy an evening meal in their treasured garden but be protected from the elements.

We added an outdoor kitchen/bar area and pergola.

Project completed in 2012 in Alpine, CA by Lars Remodeling & Design. Our client dreamed of creating an outdoor oasis for him and his family and friends. To achieve this, we designed an outdoor living area suitable for entertainment equipped with a kitchen sink, Evo grill, BBQ, 2 tap kegerator, pizza oven, fire pit, seated bar and counter tops blinged out with fiber-optic lighting!

A side entry was created for this young family so that they could enjoy each and every day in their beautiful, 1930's era, Georgian Revival classic. The old elevator shaft was replaced with a mudroom addition that adds visual/design interest and much-needed functionality to this entry area. The millwork detailing of the side wing was enhanced to bring back the charm of the era. The uninspired terrace was replaced with a gravel patio and stone paver walkway and landscape plantings were added to create an outdoor room for all to enjoy.

We built a large addition onto this home and created a new luxurious outdoor living space. The brand-new patio includes a hot tub and outdoor kitchen area, with stairs leading down to a pool and seating area - complete with a burning outdoor fireplace.