Here in Tampa, we can enjoy the outdoors all year round without freezing in winter like the folks up north. As a result, we need our homes and our yards to have features that are built to survive frequent use and to withstand Florida’s tropical weather, while also looking awesome. When you need outdoor renovations for your home, there are some great ideas that incorporate all these factors.
Outdoor Renovations Start with the House
Walls, windows and doors need to keep out the sudden tropical downpours that can lash your home. While upgrading your outer walls to handle hurricane-strength weather, think about adding a textured surface with a fresh new color. Your home will appear like new and will have an added barrier.
New reinforced windows and shutters will help keep the weather out and the cool air in. Different window designs and frames can really freshen up a home, and shutters with strong hinges can protect with a stylish, old fashioned flair.
Have a professional regularly check the seals and drainage around your home. Violent weather and large volumes of water can overwhelm them or wear them out quickly. If that happens, you have a much bigger job ahead.
Concrete Ideas for Outdoor Renovations
Not only is concrete tough and lasts for ages, it can be molded to any shape. Meanwhile, modern techniques can give it some stunning patterns, colors and textures. Your new patio surface could look like your inside flooring to make it appear that your room extends into the yard. Or it could have an outdoor mosaic that shows off your personality and taste. Pavers can’t do that.
How about a Roman look for your garden? Make a lush arbor and opulent outdoor living room by adding some unique concrete couches and beds (with weatherproof, removable padding). Include some statues and even a fountain for the full effect. The concrete will withstand the weather for ages.
Outdoor kitchens and dining areas are huge in Tampa, but why buy furniture that will wear out quickly and need replacing? Add some concrete counters to your home’s outer wall, include a seamless concrete sink and drain board in one piece, tap into the plumbing, inlay the barbecue, and you have an outdoor kitchen. Meanwhile, concrete tables and benches can be made into almost any elegant design you want and can be in your yard all year.
Other Outdoor Renovation Ideas
- Really create an outdoor living room by adding a fireplace or firepit. Alongside the pool, it is absolutely stunning.
- An outdoor oven/grill for cooking your favorite pizzas.
- Concrete planters in gorgeous shapes, designs and colors. Elegant, unique and hard-wearing.
- A new driveway with a less slippery surface and better drainage. Concrete lasts much longer than pavers or asphalt.
- An outdoor bathroom with tub so you can enjoy your garden and your bath at the same time, in privacy, just like an exclusive spa.
- New walkways around your home to connect different areas of the yard and help keep mud out of the home should you need to go outside in the wet.
- A gazebo for reading, gardening, dining, or even a hot tub.
Thanks to Tampa’s awesome climate, your options for outdoor home renovations are practically limitless. Let your imagination go for broke and enjoy the outdoor life.
Greg Nelson is the owner of Nelson Construction & Renovations Inc. He is a Florida State Certified Building Contractor, creating artistry in all areas of design and construction projects. He is a musician, and artist. A husband and father, Greg appreciates all the wonderful elements of family life.
Creative Commons Attribution: Permission is granted to repost this article in its entirety with credit to Nelson Construction and a clickable link back to this page.
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