GHBA’s Custom Builders Council members give tips to get more from outdoor living spaces

HOUSTON, Texas – Fire and water are important elements to consider when designing an outdoor living space.

Members of the Custom Builders Council of the Greater Houston Builders Association say that more homeowners are focusing on the exterior – and a bit of drama only adds to the upscale style desired.

Matt Sneller, owner of Sneller Custom Homes and Remodeling LLC, said many of his clients are requesting fire pits, water features, or both.

“Fire features are very popular,” he said. “Most people ask for gas logs. It’s easy to flip on; just turn a key and you have instant ambiance.”

However, glass crystals as an alternative to artificial logs, lava rocks or sand also are a popular addition to a fire feature.

People just want low maintenance – and ease of use, Sneller said, explaining that the same is true of water features.

“They range from simple urns with a pump to something as complicated as a koi pond with waterfalls and flowing streams,” Sneller said. “People simply like the sound of water.”

Water features are a great addition to a covered patio or paved outdoor space, especially for clients who want water without the work that comes with a pool. “They have a place to entertain outdoors – without the maintenance of a pool,” Sneller said.

There are also ways to combine fire and water features, he said. “At night, it looks really cool. You have the sound of water and the sight of fire.”

With some attention to detail, outdoor spaces can become more welcoming and functional, he said.

In addition, clients often request covered patios that can accommodate large outdoor dining tables, Sneller said. They are also installing fans, misting systems, motorized screens and even air-conditioning units.

“It’s really a whole separate room,” he said. “You can add a room without adding square footage to the house.”

James Cook, custom sales manager of Bison, a Stock Building Supply Company, said that the key to adding space is having the right door to open to the outdoor room.

He explained that there are more options than traditional single doors, French doors and sliding glass -- now there are more ways than ever to open up space. “Folding doors can open up space anywhere from 9 to 18 feet,” Cook said. “You can open up the entire space from end-to-end.”

Doors can be made from metal, fiberglass or wood and may include decorative or insulated glass or iron inserts, which may open manually or can be operated by an electronic motor. “These doors are really a great product,” Cook said. "Bison began selling those doors about five years ago, and their popularity has increased in recent months."

“We’re really starting to see the growth,” Cook said, adding that Bison also offers exciting options for exterior doors as well as a highly trained millwork team to design and build custom solutions for new construction and remodels. The Greater Houston Builders Association's Custom Builders Council is a unique resource – providing professionals who are not only familiar with the latest trends, but who can offer guidance for any type of custom home.

For information about the Custom Builders Council of the Greater Houston Builders Association, call Donna Buenik at 281-970-8970 x141 or visit ghba.org/consumers.