Alison Windham, Author at Windham Construction

Create an Oasis With Outdoor Pools, Patios and Pergolas

August 24, 2016 by Alison Windham ·

The living space outside your home is just as beneficial to you and your family’s comfort as the indoor areas are. Outdoor entertaining and relaxation are very important in our hot. Installing unique outdoor pools, patios, pergolas and other external features can help turn a normal expanse of lawn into a true oasis of tranquility and fun.

For many homeowners, enjoying the backyard in the hot summer months begins with a sparkling blue swimming pool. Considering the exterior style of your home, you can select from many different pool shapes and sizes to suit the overall look of your property. If your house is a very traditional brick façade with columns, a rectangular pool etched in a wide brick and cement patio might match your taste. If you have a home that features natural stone and wood beams, a more free-form pool surrounded by rocks and plantings may be more your style.

Outdoor Entertaining

No matter what shape and size of pool you have installed, what really adds to the enjoyment of the area is all the hardscaping and structures you have built around it. After all, a pool is not just for swimming in. You may also want to entertain poolside or relax on patio lounge chairs and invite friends over for a pool party – complete with an outdoor kitchen.

The area directly surrounding the pool should be covered with a solid flooring such as cement, stone or brick. Some also use wood decking to form the platform for chairs, tables and walkways. The solid surface gives you not only a place to gather and relax but also increases pool safety.

Once you have made the decision about what material will surround the swimming pool, it is time to consider your comfort and enjoyment of the area more closely. Although most people purchase tables and umbrellas to provide some shade, a physical structure built into the landscape scheme will cause less problems in the long run. After all, it won’t blow over when you’re trying to eat and it will last much longer by resisting damage and wear.

If you have a large property and room in the budget, you may want to consider having a pool house built to give you and your guests a convenient place to change and to rest out of the sun. Some prefer a quaint gazebo complete with benches around the outer edge. A straight roof over an outdoor cooking area can provide even more benefits. If your family enjoys uninterrupted entertaining and barbecues, this will allow the grill to continue cooking and also protect guests should the weather deteriorate.

Another structure that can provide some shade and relief from the direct sun is a pergola. These do not have solid roofs but, instead, feature a sturdy structure with vertical wooden boards across the top to provide partial sunshade. These can be left as is, may be covered with a cloth or curtains or have a vine grown up them to provide more shade and beauty in the long run.

Isn’t it time to build your perfect backyard oasis? Outdoor entertainment, fun and relaxation are only a few steps away. Please call us today to discuss these and other options for your outdoor space.

Filed Under: Outdoor Living Spaces, Porches Decks Pergolas ·

Carpet, Tile or Wood – The Perfect Floors for Every Room

August 3, 2016 by Alison Windham ·

Forty years ago, hardwood floors were covered with linoleum and shag carpeting. Twenty years ago, parquet and vinyl tiles covered floors. Even floors from ten years ago can seem outdated and old fashioned now. Replacing carpet, tile, vinyl and wood for more naturally modern options will instantly transform the look of all your rooms.

What floors are right for you?

Carpet Options for Bedroom, Living Room and More

For decades, wall-to-wall carpeting has been the standard floor covering for rooms where people wanted something soft underfoot. With all the possible styles and colors available today, everyone can find something they love. Carpet that covers the entire floor should always be installed on top of padding by a professional. This makes the carpet even more comfortable to walk on by giving it an extra plush and cozy feel.

Natural Tiles in Bathroom and Kitchen Rule

Although tile has been used in kitchens and bathrooms because it is very easy to clean and is impervious to water, the styles of tiles that are now being used lean toward more natural materials and appearances. Vinyl is still an option for those with smaller budgets, but even those man-made fabrics are being designed to look like natural stone or wood.

Ceramic and glass are used primarily in bathrooms and as backsplash behind the kitchen sink. Some like very small colorful glass tiles while some prefer large subway tiles and, still, others choose large ceramic squares that give a smoother appearance.

So many options are on the market today so you can create the look you want. Stone is truly the best modern tile option for the kitchen and bathroom floors. Consider large tiles of pale marble for a very elegant finish or multi-colored tiles that can be artfully pieced together like a puzzle for country-style charm.

Hardwood Throughout Will Last Years

Hardwood floors will never go out of style, but they are decidedly in style these days if used throughout the entire home. The wide planks or narrower boards are installed in the same direction in every room to seamlessly draw you from one room to the next. There are many different styles and innumerable stain colors to choose from.

The benefit of having hardwood floors installed in every room of the house not only increases the look of cohesiveness but also creates a clean and traditional look that does not interfere with any decorating scheme. You can easily lay a large rug over the wood in each room to display a completely different style.

Floors in the home are one of the first things that can become worn out or outdated. If your home is in serious need of floor remodeling or renovation, you have so many options to choose from. Whether you install stone or ceramic tile, wall-to-wall carpeting or hardwood boards, you can create the look you want that will be in style and will endure for many years to come.

Filed Under: Remodeling ·

Style Ideas for a Multi-Level Deck in Your Backyard

July 13, 2016 by Alison Windham ·

If you want to improve the look and function of your backyard, I’m convinced that nothing beats a deck. These have been popular for decades as places to relax after a day’s work and entertain friends on the weekends. A single-level deck provides a sturdy floor to do that, but a multi-level deck increases use even more. Before finalizing plans with your deck builder in College Station, TX, I would like for you to consider everything a multi-level deck has to offer.

Multi-Level Deck Perfect for Sloping Back Yards

If you have a backyard that changes elevation at all, a multi-tier deck is practically essential. If you have a flat deck installed, there will be open, wasted space underneath. While I’m aware this could be covered with boards or lattice, it would still not be as attractive as another section of usable deck.

Start with a level of decking next to the house for easy access through a sliding glass door or another exit. Wide stairs can invite people to step down to the lower level and, then, on to the grass of the backyard to explore the gardens.

Separate the Private Deck from the Party Deck

This style idea is most used when there are both upstairs and downstairs decks on the back of the house. Many people enjoy having an outdoor spot right next to the master bedroom for early morning relaxation and late-night star watching. You may not want your friends and family to head up there during a barbecue, however.

Gated stairs can separate the upper tier from the lower tier in an attractive way that also improves safety if small children are present. This does not affect the style of the cohesive deck system.

Incorporate Pools, Hot Tubs, Pergolas and Gazebos

Backyard pools and hot tubs are often installed near the house and have their own deck, paving or stone surrounds. If you have a deck built at the back of your house, I would recommend extending it to go around the water feature as well. It not only gives a more unified look to the backyard but also makes using the pool or hot tub easier and more accessible.

These same rules apply to any gazebo or pergola you have in your yard. Whether your deck is one level or multi-tier, these additions make it so much nicer. In the hot Texas summers, having a spot of shade and more seating is always welcome for family and friends.

A gazebo could be built either below the level of the regular deck or above it. Pergolas frequently extend directly from the home’s roof line so they would be on the top tier of a multi-level deck setup. Sunrooms and screened porches are other options for us to consider.

Whether you love to entertain tons of family and friends with Texas-style barbecues all summer long or simply want more space to enjoy quiet moments outside, multi-level decks are great options. With the right style, they can give you plenty of room for any activity and improve the overall style of your home’s exterior.

Filed Under: Porches Decks Pergolas, Uncategorized ·

Budget-Friendly General Remodel Ideas for Your Old Home

July 7, 2016 by Alison Windham ·

TV programs, magazines and the internet show us homeowners many million-dollar remodel projects that transform an old, out-of-date house into a dream. I admit inspiration is great, but I also realize that when you look at your budget, reality crashes back in. Even without tons of money, though, it’s possible for us to update. These budget-friendly general remodel ideas in College Station, TX that I listed below can help add style and improve property value for the family home.

General Remodel Tip: Kitchens

Kitchens are one of the most popular rooms to get remodeled in Brazos Valley, TX. Redoing the whole room can cost tens of thousands of dollars depending on what materials you choose. To save money, I recommend that you focus on only one thing at first.

Here are a few affordable transformations I want to suggest. Replace kitchen counters with a modern material and style. Repaint or re-stain cabinets. Light or bright colors or espresso dark are in style right now. Add a tile backsplash in an eye-catching color or pattern. Vinyl tile or laminate flooring is affordable, attractive and durable too.

General Remodel Tip: Bathrooms

Since bathrooms are smaller rooms, I have found that a general remodel is usually less expensive as long as fixtures are not being replaced. Cabinets can be refinished and painted or stained easily. Replace the old shower curtain with a built-in glass door. Add contrasting tile trim to the existing tile work for a boost of style. Replace old light fixtures with more modern choices.

General Remodel Tip: Living Rooms

Much of our at-home time is spent relaxing in the living room. It is the place where most guests are entertained too. This makes it the perfect place for a bit of budget-friendly general remodel action.

Painting walls a pale neutral always makes sense, but try one wall with a bright or dark accent color. Install crown molding or wainscoting to give the room a touch of elegance. The old brick fireplace may be an out-of-date eyesore. Have the surround refinished in tile or stone and add a new wooden mantle and trim.

General Remodel Tip: Exterior

Don’t forget the outside of the house for a general remodel in College Station, TX. While painting the whole exterior or installing siding may be financially out of reach, there are still some great opportunities to spruce things up with the help of a professional.

Painting the front door and all trim on the front of the house is a great place to start. Try a bold color for a splash of interest. In the backyard, consider installing a new deck, extending an old one or adding a pergola or gazebo. These remodels definitely make it easier to enjoy the great outdoors, especially in hot Texas weather.

Although remodeling and home renovation in Brazos Valley, TX could be just as expensive as you see on the home design TV shows, we don’t need to make that kind of investment to improve our homes. With the right ideas and experienced professional to help, even smaller projects can make a difference.

Filed Under: Home Remodel College Station TX ·

Adding Modern Style in an Old Bathroom Remodel

June 22, 2016 by Alison Windham ·

Bathrooms in older homes are usually coated with colored ceramic tile, have a single sink and feature a combination bathtub and shower unit. Not only is this style less attractive than many modern options, but it can also considerably lower overall property value. In College Station, TX, bathrooms are one of the most popular rooms in the house to get the professional touch.

Lose the Pink and Avocado Tilework and Countertops

Gutting an old bathroom is your best bet for bringing it up to date. Removing all the old ceramic tile from the floor and walls is necessary in most cases. Out-of-date molded countertops should also go out with the trash.

Current bathroom styles use stone, glass and ceramic tile in neutral tones, plain white or with colorful accents. Subway tile is still popular on the walls and shower surround. One popular bathroom remodeling update is to use pebble-sized tiles or stones on the shower floor. Floors can even be hardwood if treated to be more waterproof.

Install Elegant Cabinets for Storage

Under-sink cabinets only in older bathrooms left homeowners trying to find storage solutions for towels and toiletries. While this cabinet style is still the most common, other styles are also being included in newer bathroom designs. For example, installing tall or corner built-ins provides more storage without taking up too much floor space.

Very dark espresso brown and black cabinets can often be found in modern bathrooms, but white and pale neutrals are more common. Some people also choose to paint cabinets bright blue, pale aqua or another vibrant color that matches their chosen décor.

Maximizing the Size of Old, Small Bathrooms

One common problem with older bathrooms is that they are quite small. The trend these days is to have more square footage for bathrooms so more cabinetry and fixtures can fit inside. The right home renovation expert in Brazos Valley, TX can come up with a plan to best utilize every inch of the bathroom or can even knock down a wall and expand.

The master bath, for example, could be enlarged if it shares a wall with a large closet the homeowner is willing to sacrifice. During a more extensive home renovation, knocking out unnecessary walls and doing away with separate hallways can provide extra space to extend bathrooms.

Most Popular Features in Today’s Bathrooms

Many people want a separate nook or room for the toilet. This essential fixture can be hidden behind a narrow wall or completely enclosed behind a door like a public restroom.

A walk-in shower much larger than the stalls of years past is a feature many people want. These frequently include built-in tile seats or benches along the side. Multiple shower heads can create a relaxing rain shower.

One optional feature for current bathrooms is the soaker tub. These deep basins offer plenty of relaxation for those who use them, but they require a considerable amount of floor space. So, you should be aware that an older, smaller bathroom may not have enough room available.

Homeowners have different ideas about the perfect style or layout for their bathrooms, but some options are chosen more often than others. Your personal choices will not only provide a more relaxing and rejuvenating experience for everyone in the home but may also increase property value.

Filed Under: Uncategorized ·