American Home Contractors: architecture

Showing posts with label architecture. Show all posts

Showing posts with label architecture. Show all posts

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Before & After: The Obler Family Deck

It took a lot of time and work to get all the permits required but in the end it was all worth it. David and Sheri Obler are more than pleased with their results. What was an old rotting wooden eyesore attached to their lovely Scaggsville home is now a beautiful, white, common space that makes them want to spend more time outdoors. See the photos below of this beautiful transformation.

BEFORE

Before (steps view)

Before (Yard View 1)

Before (Yard View 2)

Before (Side View)

AFTER

After (steps view)

After (Side view)

After (Gazebo View)

SIDE BY SIDE COMPARISON

Contact us today for your free estimate on Deck Refurbishment or New Deck Build.

301-209-700

410-519-9000

703-242-5000

http://www.americanhomecontractors.com

Monday, September 15, 2014

28 Outdoor Projects Everyone Should Know About

For many Americans, fall is when the scorching summer temperatures finally ease to allow comfortable outdoor living. For others it’s a time to start planning for outdoor projects for spring. Either way, there’s a lot you can do to make your outdoor space more inviting. (Outdoor shower, anyone?) Knowing how to get those things done is another story. Whom do you call? How much will it cost? Don’t worry. Consider this your guide to the ins and outs of 28 great projects that can make your outdoor space the best it can be, from adding a deck and an outdoor pizza oven to repainting your home’s exterior and, yes, even adding an outdoor shower.

Traditional Deck by FJU Photography

FJU Photography

1. Add a deck. It’s hard to enjoy your outdoor space without a proper place to kick back and relax in. If you’ve got a sloping yard or a raised home, a deck may be right for you.

Full story: See what to know about adding a deck

Modern Deck by Ignacio Salas-Humara Architect LLC

Ignacio Salas-Humara Architect LLC

2. If you already have a deck, you may need to refinish it. Wood decks are great, but without proper maintenance, they can lose their appeal sooner than they should. It’s recommended that you refinish your wood deck every year or two. Here’s what to know.

Full story: See how to refinish a wood deck

Traditional Patio by Projects by Giffin & Crane

Projects by Giffin & Crane

3. Add a built-in grill. Ditching that grill on wheels for a proper, more permanent outdoor grilling station is a dream for many of us. Here’s what to know about how much it will cost and whom to hire for help.

Full story: See how to get a built-in outdoor grill

Traditional Landscape by BrickWood Ovens

BrickWood Ovens

4. Get your own pizza oven. Imagine sitting in your backyard while a fresh pizza cooks over a wood-burning fire. Here’s how to make that dream come true.

Full story: See how to get an outdoor pizza oven

Contemporary Patio by debora carl landscape design

debora carl landscape design

5. Splurge on an outdoor kitchen. A step up from a built-in grill or pizza oven, a full-on outdoor kitchen makes outdoor living better than indoor living.

Full story: See how to get an outdoor kitchen

Rustic Patio by John Kraemer & Sons

John Kraemer & Sons

6. Add an outdoor shower.What better way to enjoy your outdoor space than by taking all your clothes off?

Full story: See how to add an outdoor shower

Traditional Exterior by Elise Moore Design

Elise Moore Design

7. Paint your home’s exterior. This is perhaps the most impactful update you can do to change your outdoor space for the better.

Full story: See how to repaint your home’s exterior

Mediterranean Landscape by Designs By Elizabeth

Designs By Elizabeth

8. Make a garden fountain. Water can have a restorative mental effect. Plus, a fountain makes a great focal point in any space.

Full story: See how to make your own garden fountain

Contemporary Garage And Shed by Princeton Design Collaborative

Princeton Design Collaborative

9. Add a backyard shed. Sheds are great for adding square footage to a home without doing an extensive remodel.

Full story: See how to add a backyard shed for storage or living

Contemporary Garage And Shed by Feldman Architecture, Inc.

Feldman Architecture, Inc.

10. Install a green roof. Green roofs add insulation to a home, which can help cut down energy costs, and they can reduce runoff pollution. Oh, and of course, they look amazing.

Full story: See how to install a green roof

Traditional Landscape by Landscape Techniques Inc.

Landscape Techniques Inc.

11. Upgrade your front yard. If pulling up to your home at the end of the day gives you anxiety because your yard is a mess, it’s probably time for an overhaul.

Full story: See how to upgrade your front yard for curb appeal and more

by Jen Dalley ||||||||||||||

Jen Dalley ||||||||||||||

12. Get a greener driveway.No, not greener in the sense of color, but in its environmental friendliness.

Full story: See how to build a greener driveway

Traditional Exterior by Diamond Homes, Inc.

Diamond Homes, Inc.

13. Install a new doorbell.Though it’s a small detail, a doorbell makes a big first impression. Plus, it’s a relatively low-cost, high-impact update to an exterior.

Full story: See how to get a new doorbell

Eclectic Exterior by Rill Architects

Rill Architects

14. Update your walkway and driveway. Your front driveway and walkway also make a big first impression. If yours are underwhelming, consider repairing, replacing or enhancing them.

Full story: See how to give your driveway and front walk more curb appeal

Traditional Landscape by Katia Goffin Gardens

Katia Goffin Gardens

15. Reseal your asphalt driveway. Sometimes your driveway just needs a new face. In fact, asphalt driveways should be resealed every two years. The cost isn’t bad, between 10 and 25 cents per square foot, and the result can make a huge difference.

Full story: See how to reseal your asphalt driveway

Contemporary Landscape by gytis

16. Add a ramp. Because you never know when you or someone you know will want wheelchair access to your home.

Full story: See how to add an indoor or outdoor ramp

Craftsman Garage And Shed by Saussy Burbank

17. Replace or revamp your garage doors. Garage doors are another one of those things that make a big first impression, and not only for you when you arrive home — if your garage faces the street, it effects guests, neighbors and passersby as well.

Full story: See how to replace or revamp your garage doors

Contemporary Landscape by Art in Green

18. Implement a landscape lighting scheme. Just because the sun goes down shouldn’t mean you have to scurry indoors. With the proper lighting scheme, you can extend the use of your outdoor space well into the night.

Full story: See how to light your landscape for drama and function

Traditional Exterior by Metro Solar

19. Add a solar water heater. Heating water accounts for a huge chunk of our energy usage. Solar is a great way to heat water with a renewable energy source — and without doing an extensive home remodel.

Full story: See how to add a solar water heater

Traditional Pool by Pool Environments, Inc.

Pool Environments, Inc.

20. Replaster or remodel your pool. Like anything, pools don’t last forever. The expected life span of plaster on gunite pools is only 10 to 15 years. So if you purchased a home with a pool, or it’s been decades since you installed one, it’s probably ready for an update.

Full story: See how to replaster or remodel your pool

Contemporary Landscape by Genus Loci Ecological Landscapes Inc.

Genus Loci Ecological Landscapes Inc.

21. Put in a natural swimming pool. These pools avoid chemicals by keeping the water clean and clear through the use of plants and sand filters.

Full story: See more on natural swimming pools

Mediterranean Landscape by June Scott Design

June Scott Design

22. Replace your lawn with a garden. Less water use and maintenance are just two benefits of ditching your thirsty lawn for a more native garden.

Full story: See how to replace your lawn with a garden

Eclectic Patio by Sarah Greenman

23. Decorate your patio. If you have a deck or patio, chances are that you won’t use it unless you’ve got a place to sit and other things that entice you to venture outside.

Full story: See 10 ways to deck out your patio

Traditional Landscape by Sasha Newman

24. Hide your air conditioning unit. Eyesores in the yard might make you think twice about stepping outside to relax. That’s why hiding your air conditioner can allow you to enjoy your space more.

Full story: See 5 ways to hide that big air conditioner in your yard

Traditional Landscape by NatureWorks Landscape Services, Inc.

NatureWorks Landscape Services, Inc.

25. Design a colorful flower bed. Before you begin, you’ll want to think about choosing a spot, shape and color scheme. Here’s what to do.

Full story: See how to design a colorful flower bed

Traditional Porch by Dalrymple | Sallis Architecture

Dalrymple | Sallis Architecture

26. Design the perfect front porch. If you’re thinking of adding a front porch or remodeling one, you’ll want to know the right measurements for the most function.

Full story: See key measurements to help you design the perfect front porch

Contemporary Patio by Axis Mundi

27. Keep your outdoor furniture looking new. Nobody is going to sit on a cushion that’s green with mold. Here’s how to properly care for your outdoor furniture.

Full story: See how to keep your outdoor furniture looking new

Rustic Landscape by Planters

28. Add a fun feature. Because sometimes all your outdoor space needs is a playful focal point.

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