Outdoor Environments http://blog.outdoorenvironments.com Just another Design-sherpa.com Blogs weblog Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:43:01 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 outdoorenvironmentshttp://feedburner.google.com Research Shows that Consumers Want Green Building and Remodeling http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/outdoorenvironments/~3/3Zjmt0YRlOo/ http://blog.outdoorenvironments.com/outdoor-design-ideas/research-shows-that-consumers-want-green-building-and-remodeling/#comments Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:43:01 +0000 tmaberry http://blog.outdoorenvironments.com/?p=1662 Are green building products important to you when it comes to remodeling? According to new research, they probably are. It seems as though the green movement is finally hitting home with consumers because now they are expecting green materials for their residential projects.

But why exactly are green building products so attractive to consumers? Mainly because their environmentally friendly, cost-effective, beautiful and high-quality.

Some of the specific research findings include the following:

  •  72% said that green building materials are more important than five years ago.
  • 18 % responded that a product’s sustainability is an extremely important decision factor.
  • 60% anticipate an increase in the importance of green building/sustainable materials in the next five years for their building/construction needs.
  • 39% of total respondents listed environmental factors as key in selecting green building materials.
  • 31% of total respondents listed aesthetics as key in selecting green building materials.
  • 30% listed cost savings (rebates) as key in selecting green building materials.

To learn more about our green building capabilities in the Kansas City area, contact us today!

Image by Dorling Kindersley on GettyImages.com

]]> http://blog.outdoorenvironments.com/outdoor-design-ideas/research-shows-that-consumers-want-green-building-and-remodeling/feed/ 0 http://blog.outdoorenvironments.com/outdoor-design-ideas/research-shows-that-consumers-want-green-building-and-remodeling/ Protect the Walkway with a Pergola, Shade Arbor or Overhead http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/outdoorenvironments/~3/B15ZA9Neq8A/ http://blog.outdoorenvironments.com/slider/protect-the-walkway-with-a-pergola-shade-arbor-or-overhead/#comments Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:26:45 +0000 tmaberry http://blog.outdoorenvironments.com/?p=1654 On this blog, we have always discussed ways in which your outdoor space can add value, beauty and functionality to your home. If you’re in need of a new idea before spring arrives, then we’ve got another one for you!

Have you considered protecting your walkway(s) with outdoor structures such as pergolas, shade arbors or overheads?

When protecting your walkway, it literally creates a tunnel that leads up to the entrance of your home. It draws visitors in, forcing them not only to admire the unique outdoor structure, but to anticipate what’s to come once they get inside. As an added benefit, these structures also help to provide an added layer of privacy around your home.

Are you confused about what a protected, tunnel-like walkway looks like? Here are some examples from Houzz.com:

To see examples of our completed pergolas, overheads and other outdoor structures, visit the Outdoor Environments Facebook photo gallery.

]]> http://blog.outdoorenvironments.com/slider/protect-the-walkway-with-a-pergola-shade-arbor-or-overhead/feed/ 0 http://blog.outdoorenvironments.com/slider/protect-the-walkway-with-a-pergola-shade-arbor-or-overhead/ It’s Not Too Early to Think Spring! http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/outdoorenvironments/~3/TFpUQpONOBE/ http://blog.outdoorenvironments.com/outdoor-design-ideas/its-not-too-early-to-think-spring/#comments Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:57:50 +0000 tmaberry http://blog.outdoorenvironments.com/?p=1649 Sure, spring is still weeks away. But who knows… it may come a little early this year! And if it does, you’ll want your outdoor space to be ready for a season of fun in the sun!

If you’re in the Kansas City area, don’t forget that Outdoor Environments is here to help. Our areas of expertise include the following:

  • Single and multi-level decks
  • Under deck living areas
  • Gazebos, arbors and overheads
  • Hot tub and spa enclosures
  • Screened patios and 3-season rooms
  • Room additions and extensions

Would you like to discuss how we might be able to prepare your outdoor space for spring? Contact us today! And be sure to view our Facebook photo gallery for examples of our completed projects!

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