contractors must be able to discuss any range of possi-
bilities and help homeowners find the optimal solution.
VISUAL CONFIRMATION
e internet enables homeowners to browse outdoor living
projects from around the country and develop their own
visions for creating shade. Home design websites, such as
Houzz, allow clients to explore different approaches for
shading an outdoor living space and to discover products
that can integrate seamlessly within the project layout to
provide necessary shelter and protection.
"I like to have pictures when any homeowner is trying to
explain what they're looking for," says Missie Reed, pres-
ident of T.R. Builder, Inc., in Newport News, Virginia.
"Anybody can explain something in words, [but] every-
body interprets those words a little differently. If they can
come with a picture or if you can pull up a picture, it's
easier and less time-consuming to do that way."
e type of shading element used in a project depends
on the needs of clients and how they plan to use the
outdoor living space. For example, some homeowners
intend to utilize the area during the middle of the summer,
primarily, so they will need to block out direct sunlight.
Others might seek to employ the space in other seasons
as well and will require refuge from the wind and rain.
"When we're doing any type of design-build project,
you really want to find out what their need is," says Reed,
When installing a hard cover just outside windows or
patio doors, remodelers must consider how the structure
will affect the natural sunlight available inside the house.
T.R. Builder brings the indoors out for many of its
outdoor living projects, such as the wood ceiling and
pitched roof that adorn this large covered structure.
A pergola over the hot tub allowed T.R. Builder to let
in natural light but afford enough shade so that the area
does not become uncomfortably hot in the summertime.
Photos:
ARC
Imaging
QualifiedRemodeler.com QR May 2017 37