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Research Shows that Consumers Want Green Building and Remodeling

Are green building products important to you when it comes to remodeling? According to new research, they probably are. It seems as though the green movement is finally hitting home with consumers because now they are expecting green materials for their residential projects.

But why exactly are green building products so attractive to consumers? Mainly because their environmentally friendly, cost-effective, beautiful and high-quality.

Some of the specific research findings include the following:

  •  72% said that green building materials are more important than five years ago.
  • 18 % responded that a product’s sustainability is an extremely important decision factor.
  • 60% anticipate an increase in the importance of green building/sustainable materials in the next five years for their building/construction needs.
  • 39% of total respondents listed environmental factors as key in selecting green building materials.
  • 31% of total respondents listed aesthetics as key in selecting green building materials.
  • 30% listed cost savings (rebates) as key in selecting green building materials.

To learn more about our green building capabilities in the Kansas City area, contact us today!

Image by Dorling Kindersley on GettyImages.com

Protect the Walkway with a Pergola, Shade Arbor or Overhead

On this blog, we have always discussed ways in which your outdoor space can add value, beauty and functionality to your home. If you’re in need of a new idea before spring arrives, then we’ve got another one for you!

Have you considered protecting your walkway(s) with outdoor structures such as pergolas, shade arbors or overheads?

When protecting your walkway, it literally creates a tunnel that leads up to the entrance of your home. It draws visitors in, forcing them not only to admire the unique outdoor structure, but to anticipate what’s to come once they get inside. As an added benefit, these structures also help to provide an added layer of privacy around your home.

Are you confused about what a protected, tunnel-like walkway looks like? Here are some examples from Houzz.com:

To see examples of our completed pergolas, overheads and other outdoor structures, visit the Outdoor Environments Facebook photo gallery.

It’s Not Too Early to Think Spring!

Sure, spring is still weeks away. But who knows… it may come a little early this year! And if it does, you’ll want your outdoor space to be ready for a season of fun in the sun!

If you’re in the Kansas City area, don’t forget that Outdoor Environments is here to help. Our areas of expertise include the following:

  • Single and multi-level decks
  • Under deck living areas
  • Gazebos, arbors and overheads
  • Hot tub and spa enclosures
  • Screened patios and 3-season rooms
  • Room additions and extensions

Would you like to discuss how we might be able to prepare your outdoor space for spring? Contact us today! And be sure to view our Facebook photo gallery for examples of our completed projects!

17 Ways to Spot a Shady Contractor

Outdoor Environments is proud to belong to both the National Association of the Remodeling Industry’s Kansas City Chapter and the Home Builder’s Association of Greater Kansas City. Our membership, along with a long list of industry awards and recognition, prove that we are a reliable and trustworthy contractor to do business with.

But when searching for a contractor to remodel your home, you may come across some red flags. These warning signs should be enough to show you that something is wrong. According to NARI, watch out for the following bad moves.

  1. You can’t verify the name, address, telephone number or credentials of the remodeler.
  2. The salesperson tries to pressure you into signing a contract.
  3. The company or salesperson says your home will be used for advertising purposes so you will be given a “special, low rate.”
  4. The builder/remodeler tells you a special price is available only if you sign the contract “today.”
  5. No references are furnished.
  6. Information you receive from the contractor is out-of-date or no longer valid.
  7. You are unable to verify the license or insurance information.
  8. You are asked to pay for the entire job in advance, or to pay in cash to a salesperson instead of by check or money order to the company itself.
  9. The company cannot be found in the telephone book, is not listed with the local Better Business Bureau, or with a local trade association, such as NARI.
  10. The contractor does not offer, inform or extend notice of your right to cancel the contract within three days. Notification in writing of your Right of Recision is required by law. This grace period allows you to change your mind and declare the contract null and void without penalty (if the agreement was solicited at some place other than the contractor’s place of business or appropriate trade premises-in your home, for instance.)
  11. You are given vague or reluctant answers.
  12. The contractor exhibits poor communication skills or descriptive powers.
  13. The contractor is not accessible.
  14. Your questions are not answered to your satisfaction.
  15. The contractor is impatient and does not listen.
  16. Only the work is addressed, instead of your needs as the homeowner.
  17. There is no way to see previous projects, either through a presentation book, an online presentation or via the company’s Web presence.

Image by Alistair Berg on GettyImages.com

7 Reasons to Add a Room at Home

A room addition or extension at home might sound like a good idea, but what exactly would you use the extra space for? Luckily, there are tons of ideas out there.

  1. Home office – Working from home has become a way of life for many. But not having a dedicated space for office needs can make working from home more of a hassle than it needs to be. By adding a home office, you’ll guarantee a quiet, isolated space to get your job done.
  2. Children’s playroom – Few things are more frustrating than having to clean up after your kids. From toy firetrucks to Barbie dolls, a playroom makes it easy to keep the kids in one safe area without them making a mess all over the house.
  3. Hobby or craft room – No matter what your hobby might be, you deserve a space to enjoy it. Scrapbooking, sewing, painting and woodworking are all good examples of hobbies that should have their own room.
  4. Wine cellar – Wine collecting has become a pretty common hobby. And many homeowners choose not to store their precious bottles in the kitchen. So why not build a special room for them?
  5. Reading room – Book worms usually require a distant cozy and quiet spot to catch up on their latest read.
  6. Game or media room – These days, technology seems to have taken over the entire house. It might help to cut down on the chaos by limiting use of laptops, video games and tablets to a media room.
  7. Workout room – If you plan to stick with your New Year’s resolution, a room just for exercising would be a good way to encourage yourself to keep up the good work!

What do you need an extra room for? Contact Outdoor Environments in Kansas City today to find out if your home can accommodate a new space!

Image from ProjectNursery.com

Use Safety First with Outdoor Heaters

Kansas City has finally begun to experience below freezing temperatures after an oddly mild start to the winter season. And one of the reasons many locals love this area is because of the winter weather. So if you’re an avid fan of snow, ice and freezing temperatures, now is a good time to take advantage of your outdoor space. With the right heating mechanism in place, you can enjoy warmth in the middle of a winter wonderland!

But first, here are some outdoor heating safety tips to keep in mind:

  • Never use any outdoor heating without first reading the instruction manual and other important documentation it may have come with.
  • Keep the heater away from walls, outdoor furniture and other items that could potentially burn, melt or catch fire.
  • Never leave any outdoor heating device unattended, especially when children or pets are around.
  • Don’t leave without first making sure the heater is completely turned off.
  • Make sure there’s a first aid kit nearby to immediately treat any accidental burns.
  • A fire extinguisher should also be nearby in case it’s needed.

Are you brave enough to hang outside in this cold weather… even with an outdoor heater?

Image by Chris Pittock on GettyImages.com

Landscaping Trends for 2012

In 2012, expect outdoor spaces to take a leap into eco-friendly territory. How so?

  • Consumers will increasingly invest in plants and products that conserve and collect water. This feature is a must since much of the country has experienced severe drought over the past few years.
  • Irrigation systems now offer customized sensors that turn off when it rains, preventing a great amount of wasted water.
  • Some plants are considered drought-tolerant, which means that don’t consume large amounts of water. Examples include roses, lemon trees, hedges, grass, palms and succulents.
  • Homeowners are requesting more hardscapes and permeable surfaces that prevent rainwater from collecting in unwanted areas.
  • Year-round or seasonal landscapes keep the yard beautiful during the winter as well as milder seasons.

To find out how Outdoor Environments can upgrade your outdoor space, view examples of our work on Facebook!

Information from Ask for Lara

Image by Jordan Polevoy Photography on GettyImages.com

 

January Outdoor Maintenance Tips

When the first snow of 2012 finally descends upon Kansas City, you had best be prepared. Taking certain precautions now will not only preserve your yard, but it’ll keep everyone safe from the hazards that come along with snow and ice.

  • Before it snows, insert stakes along the pathways, driveways and garden beds. This way you’ll know where to stop shoveling.
  • Avoid using giant and/or heavy shovels. If overloaded with too much snow, you’ll risk back pain and other bodily injuries.
  • Don’t become overly concerned with shrub that are covered in snow. Shaking the snow off can be very damaging.
  • If time and energy permit, it’s best to shovel several times instead of letting snow pile up into massive heaps. You’d rather shovel two inches of snow than seven, right?
  • Avoid piling snow onto retaining walls. Once the snow melts and refreezes, it can crack and damage the structure.
  • Keep sand or kitty litter on hand to spread onto icy surfaces once the snow has been cleared. It’ll provide much-needed traction and avoid slips and falls.

Tips adapted from This Old House

Image by Danielle Donders on GettyImages.com

6 Eco-Friendly Outdoor Remodeling Ideas

Homeowners over the past couple of years have spent a lot of time finding ways to go green at home. They’ve invested in everything from Energy Star appliances to updating water fixtures. But don’t forget that you can also incorporate eco-friendly features outside the home as well!

  1. Choose native, shade-providing, wind protective, drought-tolerant plants.
  2. Divide, re-root and re-plant existing plants instead of buying new.
  3. Use permeable pavement for patios, sidewalks, and hardscaping to prevent soil erosion from runoff, filter pollutants and allow tree roots to grow.
  4. Place rain barrels under downspouts to collect water for plants and other household uses.
  5. Use solar or geothermal energy to heat pools and spas.
  6. Save healthy, old-growth trees when renovating to help shade the house.

Is your home’s exterior green in any way?

Tips from the January 2012 issue of Atlanta Home Improvement

Image by Steve Cole on GettyImages.com

Take Your Yard from Drab to Fab with Outdoor Environments

It’s a new year! What does that mean for your outdoor space?

Hopefully it means new updates, features and structures. In the Kansas City area, Outdoor Environments has plenty of experience with exterior remodeling. This includes decks (single and multi-level), gazebos, arbors, hot tubs, spa enclosures, screened patios, seasonal outdoor rooms, room additions and much more.

Is your yard in serious need of a makeover?

If you aren’t sure which of our specialties is right for you, here’s a look back at some of our posts that might help you to make informed decisions when it comes to your outdoor living plans for 2012!

  • Are things at home becoming tight and crowded? Then a room extension might be your answer to comfortable living.
  • Since the weather outside is still nippy to say the least, a hot tub might be in order. And don’t forget the cover!
  • Stay outside and keep warm with a fireplace or fire pit.
  • When spring rolls around again, you’ll need a dedicated outdoor grilling spot. And yes, we can do it!
  • To add charm and personality outside your home, consider a custom entryway arbor.
  • Read more about how a detached porch can improve your quality of life by providing the best of two worlds – inside and outside!

So, which update would you choose? No matter what, Outdoor Environments can achieve it. Visit our Facebook photo gallery to see examples of our completed work.

Image by Peter Cooper on GettyImages.com