While the most popular outdoor features reflect an enduring sensibility, the interest in modern technology, like stereo systems, Internet access, and televisions, add to the growing trend of taking what clients enjoy inside, to the outdoors.


When it comes to landscape elements, efficiency and sustainability still reign supreme. The most popular for 2011 include low maintenance landscape, native plants, water-efficient irrigation, ornamental water


features, and food and vegetable gardens. Other About the Authors:


Brandon Lynch is the founder and president of Keechi Creek Builders. He is a Certified Green Professional, a Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist, and is working towards the Certified Graduate Builder designation. He is


also an EPA-Certified Lead Renovator. Brandon is actively involved with the GHBA Remodelors Council and the Custom Builders Council. He is currently serving on the RMC board as the Education Committee Chair. He is active in community outreach and charitable events, thus he served as one of the coordinating remodelers for the 2010 RMC Charity project. As well, Brandon was awarded the first Certified Green Built Gulf Coast Bronze Level Home Remodel in 2010.


Larissa Michael is a graduate of the University of Texas with a degree in Communication and has been working in the building and design industry for nearly 15 years. She recently started a new


business, Volume Control, and now handles the advertising, marketing, and public relations for several companies within the industry. As a member of the GHBA Remodelors Council, Larissa earned her Certified Graduate Associate designation, served as the 2010 Membership Chair, and currently serves as special committees – Marketing Coordinator. As well, Larissa received the 2010 Texas Association of Builders Star Award and the 2010 GHBA Houston’s Best Award for Best Print Ad – Remodeler.


popular sustainability features include permeable paving, reduced lawn and rainwater harvesting.


The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) has named its top remodeling trends for 2011, and it comes as no surprise that outdoor living spaces are in the top five. Homeowners are looking for more ways to enjoy their backyards, and at nearly every level, are still very much interested in creating livable outdoor spaces that function like indoor rooms.


PHOTOS BY KEECHI CREEK BUILDERS POPULARITY PERCENTAGE RATING:


Outdoor Living Features Lighting – 96.2% Fire pits/fireplace – 94.2% Seating/dining areas – 94.1% Grills – 93.8% Installed seating (benches, seat walls, ledges, steps, boulders) – 89.5% Utility storage – 61.3% Stereo systems – 58.3% Sinks – 54.7% Refrigerators – 50.2% Wireless/Internet connectivity – 46.3% Televisions/projection screens – 45.4%


Outdoor Recreation Amenities Decorative water elements (ornamental pools, splash pools, waterfalls, grottos, water runnels or bubblers) – 84.7% Spa (hot tub, Jacuzzi, whirlpool, sauna) – 75.9% Swimming Pools – 69.4% Sports/recreational spaces (tennis courts, bocce ball, etc.) – 47.7%


Landscape/Garden Elements Low maintenance landscapes – 94.2% Native plants – 87.2% Fountains/water features – 81.0% Food/vegetable gardens (including orchards/ vineyards etc.) – 80.3% Organic gardens – 65.5% Ponds/streams – 62.5%


Sustainable Design Elements Native/adapted drought-tolerant plants – 88.8% Drip/water-efficient irrigation – 83.1% Permeable paving – 77.0% Reduced lawn – 72.6% Recycled materials – 64.5% Rainwater harvesting – 63.6% Compost bins – 49.4% Solar-powered lights – 48.8%


Structures Fencing (includes gates) – 85.1% Arbors – 83.8% Pergolas – 82.6% Steps – 79.3% Ornamental water features (fountains, splash pools) – 77.5% Decks – 74.4% Porches – 72.3% Art (sculpture etc.) – 60.7% Utility, tool or garden shed – 59.3% Play structures (tree house, swing set) – 58.9% Pavilions – 52.9% Awnings, including retractable – 49.6% Gazebos – 49.6% Columns – 40.9% ADA-accessible structures (ramps, bars, accessible shelving etc.) – 23.5%


* Source: National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI)


GREATER HOUSTON BUILDERS ASSOCIATION – BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE | HOUSTON BUILDER | JUNE 2011 13


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