Hardscape

In Los Angeles and Orange counties, we experience over 280 days of sunshine annually, and residents are making the most of it. The ability to relish outdoor living areas for the majority of the year is just one of the numerous advantages of residing in Southern California. There are various methods to craft an outdoor space that seamlessly extends the home, such as incorporating outdoor kitchens, bars, and media entertainment zones. As a contractor specializing in outdoor design and construction, we stand ready to assist you in constructing a customized outdoor living space that caters to your preferences.

Benefits of an Outside Living Room

Establishing a unified design that seamlessly connects indoor and outdoor spaces involves more than just effective space planning—it also requires thoughtful material selection. In numerous Los Angeles and Orange counties home renovations, bi-fold doors are increasingly being incorporated into outdoor areas, facilitating a smooth transition between the inside and outside of the residence. Opting for tile flooring that extends seamlessly from the interior to the outdoor California room further contributes to the visual continuity of the entire space.

Due to the extensive design and spatial considerations involved in transitioning between indoor and outdoor spaces, it is advisable to engage a design-build firm for the creation of your California Room. This is in contrast to opting for an outdoor living contractor who may not include design and space planning in their services. Unlike a general contractor of this nature, who would typically require you to provide plans, materials, and a completed design, US Home Developers Construction ensures that all these details are meticulously handled by our team of design and construction professionals.

How to Design an Outdoor Living Space

When planning an outdoor living space, it’s important to factor in your entertainment preferences and other considerations. If you imagine enjoying major sports events in the open air, think about the complexity you desire for your outdoor electronic setup, encompassing elements like TVs, internet connectivity, and sound systems. For those with a passion for culinary experiences, going beyond a standard built-in barbecue might be appealing; consider integrating a pizza oven, the trendy outdoor gas griddles, or a rotisserie into your California Room design. For enthusiasts of star-gazing, why not include a built-in fireplace as a focal point for gatherings with family and friends?

Most individuals discover the finishing touches to be the most enjoyable aspect, and this circles back to the intended use of your California Room. Are you considering incorporating one or even two beverage centers? If you plan to include any cooking tools in your outdoor space, having a sink is essential. Trust us; you wouldn’t want to constantly move back and forth between your indoor kitchen, managing two kitchens. Instead, an outdoor sink offers the convenience you’ll undoubtedly appreciate. Are you contemplating the addition of a kegerator, a smoker, unique ambient lighting, or even an outdoor oven to maintain a cool interior during summer cooking? And regarding temperature control, would you like to include ceiling fans, a mister system, or even heating for those occasional chilly weeks in Southern California?

When you find it challenging to determine the purpose of your California Room, you have the alternative of incorporating dual California Rooms. Illustrated below is a Villa Park design featuring two California Rooms—one equipped with a kitchen and the other designed for relaxation, complete with a fireplace and TV lounging area. Each outdoor space is equipped with ceiling fans, heating systems, and surround sound speakers, complemented by a dedicated TV.

US Home Developers Construction provides a comprehensive design-build team that manages the entire process seamlessly, encompassing design, engineering, and construction within a single contract. Our team comprises industry professionals with extensive expertise who go beyond your expectations. In the realm of outdoor remodeling, you’ll value the guidance of seasoned professionals capable of designing and constructing an ideal space for you and your family to cherish.

The era of simple barbecues has passed; now, it’s time to embrace the realm of possibilities. Join forces with your imagination, and together, we can bring to life the outdoor living space you’ve always envisioned!

Are my material options limited when designing an outdoor space?

This question is frequently posed by numerous clients, particularly those whose outdoor living areas will be exposed to direct sunlight or influenced by the salty, humid coastal air. The response involves two key aspects. Firstly, US Home Developers Construction advises clients to choose materials explicitly crafted for outdoor use when selecting materials for their outdoor living spaces. This is particularly crucial, especially in the case of cabinetry.

In the realm of outdoor-oriented material options, you're unlikely to encounter constraints on styles and color combinations. Specifically focusing on cabinetry, manufacturers provide a diverse range, spanning from contemporary stainless steel designs to transitional painted aesthetics and even more traditional, intricately detailed door and drawer styles. Additionally, an extensive array of finishes is available, including some remarkably replicating the appearance of natural wood, accommodating every design preference!

What limitations do I have within my property?

Each property comes with its unique array of challenges and constraints. Should your backyard feature significant slopes, contain soils deemed unsuitable for construction, be strewn with large rocks, or even have a minor water flow, you may encounter specific and, at times, expensive hurdles to address before commencing construction.

Furthermore, every city in Los Angeles and Orange counties has its own distinct construction codes and building regulations applicable to both indoor and outdoor renovations. Typically, each city mandates specific "setback" specifications, defining the required distance between your homes or outdoor living structures and the street. Essentially, these setbacks determine the limited area within your property lines where construction is legally permitted. For homeowners dealing with restricted outdoor space, constructing a California room or outdoor living area might not be the most practical choice when factoring in these setbacks.

Likewise, residing in a region governed by a homeowners association may impose restrictions on the range of finishes and design materials available to you. The homeowners association aims to maintain a cohesive appearance in the neighborhood, potentially encouraging individuals with unconventional design preferences to exercise restraint.

How can I achieve a seamlessly transition between my indoor and outdoor living spaces?

In the sunny landscapes of Southern California, the outdoor areas serve as a natural extension of a home's living spaces. The distinguishing factor of a finely crafted outdoor living space lies in the smooth and effortless transition between the interior and exterior of your home. Fortunately, there are several methods to achieve this seamless atmosphere!

The ultimate design feature for seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces is a large bi-folding door system. These systems allow homeowners to literally open up a whole section of their home to the outdoors, typically connecting a central interior living space, such as the family room or kitchen, to an outdoor dining or lounge area. Bi-folding door systems play a crucial role in facilitating indoor-outdoor entertainment and family enjoyment.

When deciding on the material for your outdoor living space, opt for something that closely matches the style and tone of your indoor flooring. This choice contributes to creating an outdoor area that genuinely functions as an extension of your home. Materials like porcelain wood plank tiles, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, effectively unify the two spaces, making them feel like one cohesive environment.

When creating an outdoor living space resembling a covered California Room, aligning it with your home's natural roofline enhances the seamless indoor-outdoor ambiance you desire. Additionally, employing the same colored stucco and/or shingling for the California Room as your home creates an optical illusion, making both structures appear as one.

In a similar vein, residing in an area governed by a homeowners association may impose constraints on the available finishes and design materials. The homeowners association aims to maintain a cohesive look in the neighborhood, potentially limiting options for those who appreciate unconventional design styles, encouraging a more restrained approach.