We just completed, 3rd project for “Home At Last” Project.
Dulando had the privilege to work along side other central Florida construction professionals as we constructed a new home for the “Home at Last” Project.
For this project, we donated our services and supplies for the patio and screen enclosure for a home in Oakland, Florida that was built for Marine Sergeant Stephen Tovet, returning service member and his wife, Krystina.
Your backyard space requires the same love and attention you pay your living space inside your home. Perhaps your old patio deck has wood flooring and needs an upgrade, or maybe that concrete patio space doesn’t look as inviting as it once did.
It’s easy to upgrade your patio. A few ideas can transform your old patio and create a backyard living space both you and your visitors can enjoy.
1. Create a new look with stone pavers.
Concrete shows wear and tear over the years and it cracks under pressure and beneath the hot Florida sun. A great way to upgrade your patio area is to add patio pavers. Stone patio pavers have many advantages and come in a variety of surface finishes, shapes and colors, which you can mix and match for a unique look.
2. Go with ready-to-assemble furniture.
You can save money and create a beautiful space with ready-to-assemble furniture. You can find modern and traditional outdoor furniture that fits the space and complements the natural settings. If you really want to save money on outdoor patio furniture, buy it at the end of the season. You can save almost half of the original cost.
3. Build a fire pit.
Whether in the cool winter or even in the summer time, a firepit will go a long way to freshen up your backyard space. When the sun goes down, illuminate your patio space with a fire pit. You and your guests can sit around the fire, roast marshmallows and enjoy spending time under the stars.
4. Liven the area with plants.
A few potted plants here, and a few container flowers there liven any patio space. Select colored containers that complement your patio color scheme, and choose flowers that require full sun if you have an uncovered patio.
5. Brighten the patio with more color.
Upgrade your patio by adding a fresh coat of paint to the walls to bring life into your outdoor space. You can also paint the patio door a different color to create an interesting focal point. Check out which colors affect our moods and how.
6. Shine some light on the patio.
Install an outdoor sconce next to the patio door for more light, or hang stringed lights around the patio for a festive look. You can also install lights in the patio steps to create interest and improve safety.
7. Make a splash with a water feature.
The sound of running water creates a soothing place to relax. Even if you don’t have a pool, you can upgrade your patio with a water feature. By adding a rock column fountain or a similar water feature on or near your patio, not only will you enjoy the sounds of running water, but it can also create a beautiful focal point.
8. Add stone seating for guests.
Wouldn’t it be fun to combine seating with your permanent planters. Stone seat walls add a permanent space for guests to sit and admire the view. Seat walls are an ideal way to upgrade your patio design, as they blend in with the natural surroundings and don’t take up existing space.
9. Install an outdoor kitchen.
Although this idea will take a bit more of a budget, it will definitely wow your guests. Consider adding an outdoor kitchen. You can cook and entertain guests on the patio without having to run inside every few minutes to check on the food. A new gas grill, some stone walls and a few granite countertops can transform any dull patio into an entertainment space.
10. Cool down with a ceiling fan.
A must in Florida. If you have a covered patio, consider installing a ceiling fan overhead. The fan will circulate the air and keep everyone cool in the Florida heat.
If you consider adding a ceiling fan to your patio enclosure, inform your patio contractor during the initial consultation. A fan beam is required to support the fan and hide the wiring within the insulated roof. We’ll need to know the placement of the ceiling fan to ensure the fan beam is in the correct location.
If you’re ready to create your backyard oasis, call our design specialists. We can help you decide which features will best upgrade your patio using your existing space. This list is not all-inclusive. We are sure you have additional ideas of what your ideal backyard will look like. Let us help you make it a reality. Call us at 407-862-6060 or contact us via our website.
In Central Florida, nothing is more enjoyable than a screened porch or pool screen enclosures. They will help you make the most of your outdoor living, and all in the comfort of your home! It’s one of the main reasons why pool screen enclosures and pool decks have become so popular with Florida homeowners, not to mention outdoor entertaining.
This checklist will help you understand and prepare for the design and build process of your screen enclosed structure. We’ll cover everything from the survey to building permits, Home Owners Association (HOA) concerns, to information concerning fabrication, installation and inspection – all to help you create the perfect screen patio enclosure or pool enclosure.
Getting Started
Building pool screen enclosures or patio enclosures seem exciting until you need to get started. But before jumping ahead and choosing the type of design and layout you would like, there are some less exciting things to consider so your project turns out just the way you want it.
We’ve prepared a simple 4-Point Checklist to make sure that your project stays on track and the project runs smoothly, from start to finish:
1. Budget: If you don’t know already you should work up an idea of how much you want to spend on your screen enclosure project. Setting a budget will help guide you as you make decisions about what to include in the structure. Once you’ve figured out a project budget amount, you’ll have a better sense of what you can spend on screening materials, fixtures, and extras.
Additional Reading: Factors in Screen Enclosure Cost and How To Maximize Your Budget
2. Time: Many people assume that if they are building (or renovating) pool screen enclosures, it will only take a few days. This is not necessarily the case. Depending on variables such as permitting, HOA approval, weather and other factors, you or your contractor will have to go through all the same steps as a larger screen enclosure. However, planning refers not only to defining the timeline of the project work but also may include intermediate steps, such as a land survey, measuring the project area, fabrication, installation and inspection.
3. Pool Screen Enclosures Sequence: When it comes to building a patio or pool screen enclosure, completing the job in a specific sequence saves you and your family any confusion or concern over what to expect throughout the building process. Yes, you may need a building permit, which includes local zoning approval before construction may begin. Here is the sequence of steps involved when building a patio and/or pool screen enclosure:
4. Enjoy Your New Patio Or Pool Screen Enclosure: Once installed, it’s yours to enjoy, year-round, with family and friends! Consider your new outdoor living space as a wonderful extension of your home. By adding décor and outdoor furniture, you will create an inviting, relaxing space for you, your family and guests.
Need help or have additional questions? Please call (407) 862-6060 for assistance from one of our friendly and helpful team members. Whatever your question, Dulando Screen & Awning is here for you!
Since 1968, our goal is to make your backyard dream a reality by turning your outdoor space into a paradise for you and your family. Dulando has created pool screen enclosures and enclosed screen patios for over 50 years. Our team of professionals will work with you on a patio screen or swimming pool screen enclosure design to best suit your needs and stay within your budget. Please ask us about our referrals and testimonials – our past clients can tell you more about the great work we’ve done for them and their home(s) over the years!
With year-round outdoor living in Florida, having patio and pool privacy is important for homeowners who spend a lot of time on their patio, or in the pool and deck area. Enclose your pool or patio with a privacy screen to keep your privacy as well as the sun’s UV rays out. An added bonus of privacy screen keeps insects out that threaten to ruin your outdoor activities. In Central Florida, we live in an area especially prone to mosquitoes and other insects. Privacy screens provide an excellent barrier between you and unwanted pests of all types.
Before adding a screen enclosure to your patio or pool area, check with your neighborhood’s homeowner’s association (if you have one) to make sure you are not violating deed restrictions. Once you are clear, you can decide on the style and type of privacy screen for your pool enclosure you would like to install. The following tips and information will help make your decision a little easier.
Patio or Pool Privacy Screen Adds Resale Value To Your Home. Installing a privacy screen will be fast to install and can instantly transform your backyard patio area into a comfortable, shaded environment. Not only are you adding an extra space for easy outdoor living, a screened-in patio adds resale value to your home. According to Zillow.com, the return on investment for this type of home-improvement project is estimated at nearly 80% in most cases! So you’ll enjoy all the benefits of a privacy screened patio or pool while you live in your home and then it becomes an attractive selling point if you decide to put your home on the market later.
Pool Privacy Screens Are Ideal for Homes in Central Florida. Backyards seem to be getting smaller these days. Some homes are even developed on zero-lot lines. With homes that close, privacy can be an issue. Privacy screened-in patios and pools create a secluded retreat for your family and friends to simply enjoy being outside day or night.
Privacy Screened-In Patio And/Or Pool Decks Are Great Place For Relaxation. Even though others won’t be able to see into your patio, you can still sit comfortably and look out at the nature in your backyard. Just sit back, read, enjoy a cold glass of lemonade, nap, or just do nothing and enjoy the view.
Creates A Safe Play Area For Your Children And Their Friends. Even if it is raining outside, your children (and pets) can still have a place to play outside and get fresh air. And because it’s right outside your back patio door, you can keep an eye on them in a close, safe environment.
Helps Protect Your Own Personal Home Space. Just as the name implies, privacy screen helps to block out unpleasant external sights that would otherwise create an eyesore or visual disturbance. Plus they screen your activities and movements from the watchful eyes of neighbors.
Keep in mind, screened-in patios and pool enclosures will require regular routine maintenance. While the patio itself will be protected from the elements for the most part, this is not true of the screening. Dulando Screen & Awning uses only the best quality privacy screen materials, Phifer Screen. You can count on years of use before it may be necessary to replace parts of the screening.
Overall, a screened-in patio and/or pool enclosure can be a wonderful addition to any home in Central Florida. Not only does it help you better utilize your outdoor spaces, but a quality privacy screen can also add significant resale value to your home down the road. Homeowners looking to make a smart and useful home improvement investment should consider this option for themselves. Contact us for a FREE In-Home Design Consultation today: (407) 862-6060
Spring time has sprung and it’s time to enjoy why we live in Florida.
Sometimes, we only need to make a few adjustments to our outdoor living space in order for us to fall in love with it again.
Here are a few low-cost patio design ideas for your porch or patio. These will easily turn your backyard living space into a more appealing space to host friends and family.
Are you interested in beautifying your outdoor living space with paving stones or a concrete deck? Spending time outdoors, relaxing in comfort and entertaining on your deck or patio are just some of the great seasonal activities that we all enjoy in our homes. If you’re ready to build or renovate your patio or pool deck, you’ll appreciate knowing the difference between pavers and stamped concrete. In fact, we hope you’ll find that pavers over concrete is the more sensible choice.
Here’s a hint: pavers, also known as paving stones, are a top choice for durability, cost-effectiveness, attractive appearance and easy up keep. This is especially important here in Central Florida where weather, moisture and temperature change are major factors.
Let’s begin with a quick description of pavers: Paving stones are individual units or “bricks,” with natural joints between each that allows for pressure, expansion and contraction. Pavers over concrete offer great durability, a custom look and little to no maintenance. Here is some valuable information about paving stones:
For many years, concrete and even asphalt have been traditionally used as the standard paving material in home patios, pool decks and walkways. There’s no denying it’s low cost (per square foot) makes it an obvious choice for many home builders and homeowners. Though it may initially be an inexpensive option, the reality is that concrete will inevitably crack and require repair after repair, regular cleaning and even resurfacing.
These costs add up over the long-term making the initial investment a lot more costly than originally understood. Over the lifetime of use, wear and repair concrete will cost far more than installing paving stones, without providing any of the beauty, quality and little maintenance. It might be a good choice to install pavers over concrete. Other common problems with concrete decks, patios and walkways:
Homeowners might choose stamped concrete to replicate the attractive patterns associated with paving stones. Stamping is done once the concrete has been poured and before it hardens. Stamped concrete may also be tinted (a.k.a colored) before it is poured with standard or custom colors. While more attractive than plain concrete, the problems associated with trying to maintain, repair and replace portions of a slab are considerable and expensive. Trying to cover scars, wear and cracks becomes a major ordeal in both time and money.
We’ve been in this business since 1968 and have lots of experience and expertise in working with homeowners to build beautiful and durable decks, patios and walkways. We hope this information on paving stones and concrete materials has proved helpful to you. If you have additional questions and/or would like to speak with one of our helpful and friendly patio and pool deck specialists, please contact us today at (407) 862-6060 for an in-home design consultation.
