Spring is here, and Cleveland area homeowners are gearing up for the season of rejuvenation and outdoor entertainment, and the summer season that will be here before we know it. If you're looking to transform your Northeast Ohio outdoor living space into a welcoming retreat for springtime entertaining, the possibilities are truly endless. We are going to explore some of the top ways Northeast Ohio homeowners can renovate their outdoor living spaces for months of outdoor enjoyment.

Renovate Your Outdoor Living Space for Springtime Entertaining

When it comes to renovating your outdoor living space in the Cleveland area, it’s not a question of what you should do, but rather when you can get started. When the weather allows us to be outside, people spend as much time as possible doing so. Having a designated space in your home for this purpose can create the perfect oasis. Whether you're considering adding a patio or deck, a custom fire pit or fireplace, an outdoor kitchen, or even all-season room additions, the tips and project ideas below will help you revitalize your Northeast Ohio home for the ultimate spring gatherings and beyond.

• Expand with a Patio or Deck: One of the most effective ways to enhance your home for outdoor entertaining is by adding a patio or deck. These outdoor extensions create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living, providing a versatile space for gatherings. Choose materials that withstand the elements, and consider adding comfortable seating, outdoor rugs, and potted plants to create a welcoming atmosphere.
• Create a Covered Space: Introduce a covered outdoor area to your home, providing a sheltered space that combines the comfort of indoor living with the refreshing outdoor ambiance. Whether it's a covered patio, pergola, or a stylish awning, this addition not only protects against the elements but also adds a touch of sophistication to your outdoor entertaining space.
• Custom Fire Pit or Outdoor Fireplace: A custom fire pit or outdoor fireplace adds warmth and charm to your outdoor space, making it an ideal spot for spring evenings and for days and nights in the cooler seasons. Gather your guests around the flickering flames and enjoy the ambiance. Whether you opt for a sleek modern design or a rustic stone structure, a fire feature becomes a focal point that elevates your outdoor entertaining experience and can make it be a space that you can enjoy longer than just in the spring and summer.
• Build an Outdoor Kitchen: Bring the joy of cooking outdoors with a well-designed outdoor kitchen. Equipped with stainless steel appliances, ample counter space, and storage, an outdoor kitchen allows you to host gatherings without missing a beat or dirtying the inside of your home. Grill up your favorite dishes, mix drinks at the bar, and enjoy the fresh air while entertaining family and friends.
• All-Season Room Additions: For those seeking a year-round solution to maximize their living space, consider all-season room additions. These enclosed spaces provide a comfortable haven protected from the elements. Whether you desire a sunroom flooded with natural light or a cozy retreat with panoramic views, all-season room additions offer flexibility and functionality, allowing you to entertain guests in any weather.

When it comes to transforming your outdoor living space for springtime entertaining and beyond, look no further than Sanctus Builders. Specializing in outdoor living space construction and renovations, we are your trusted partner in bringing your vision to life in Northeast Ohio. Whether you're envisioning a new patio or deck, a custom fire pit or fireplace, an outdoor kitchen, all-season room additions, or something else, Sanctus Builders has the expertise and dedication to turn your dreams into reality.

Contact Sanctus Builders today to embark on your home transformation journey.

When it comes to home ownership, first impressions truly matter. The exterior of your home is the very first thing you, your family, and your guests see. Valentine's Day is this month, and that is all about celebrating love, and what better way to show your love for your home than by giving its exterior a heartfelt makeover? Your home's curb appeal is like the first impression of a loving embrace, welcoming you and your guests with open arms. This Valentine's Day, let's explore some tips to enhance your home's exterior, making it a warm and inviting sight that you'll fall in love with all over again.

Curb Appeal Makeover Ideas

Your Northeast Ohio home’s exterior is a glimpse into your personal style, a reflection of your pride in home ownership, and the initial welcome to your abode. A carefully crafted curb appeal can not only make your home more welcoming, but also increase its value. Whether you're planning to sell your home or simply want to create a space you love coming home to, here are some tips on how to enhance the exterior of your house to help you and everyone else love your home’s exterior.

• A Fresh Coat of Paint: One of the simplest yet most effective ways to give your home's exterior a makeover is to refresh the paint. Nothing says love more than a pop of color. Choose a color that complements your surroundings and stands out while blending in. Soft, neutral tones are always a safe bet, but don't be afraid to get creative with pops of color on your front door, shutters, or trim. A new paint job can transform the entire look of your home.
• Siding Revamp: A siding update can breathe new life into the exterior of your home, transforming its appearance and enhancing its durability. Whether you're looking to refresh the existing siding with a fresh coat of paint or replace it with a new material, such as vinyl, fiber cement, or wood, this home improvement project offers a world of possibilities.
• Lovely Landscaping: Well-maintained landscaping is a cornerstone of great curb appeal. Keep your lawn tidy, plants well-manicured, and the pathways clear. Consider adding some colorful flowers, shrubs, or trees to bring life and vibrancy to your yard. Symmetry in landscaping can also create an appealing and harmonious look.
• Lighting: Outdoor lighting can make your home's exterior shine, both literally and figuratively. Install delicate string lights, lanterns, or solar-powered fixtures to create a warm and romantic ambiance. Install strategic lighting fixtures to highlight the architectural features of your house and illuminate walkways.
• Front Door Transformation: The front door is the focal point of your home's exterior. Show it some love by giving it a new lease on life. Give it a fresh coat of paint, or if it's outdated, consider investing in a new one. A vibrant and inviting front door can make a significant difference in your home's curb appeal.
• Windows and Shutters: Well-maintained windows and shutters can drastically improve the look of your home. Ensure they are clean and in good condition. Consider adding window boxes with colorful flowers or updating your shutters for a more modern appearance. You can even decorate them for the season to share some Valentine’s Day love with those passing by.
• Porch, Deck, and Patio Updates: If you have a porch, deck, or patio, make it a welcoming space by adding comfortable seating, outdoor décor, and potted plants. A cozy outdoor area can be a wonderful spot for relaxation and socializing. If you don’t have an outdoor addition on your home, now could be the perfect time to think about adding one and creating an outdoor living space that you can love for years to come.
• Garage Renovations: When it comes to your curb appeal makeover, it’s important to not forget about the garage. A clean, well-maintained, and aesthetically pleasing garage can greatly enhance your home's overall curb appeal. Consider adding decorative accents and ensure it too is freshly painted and has a door that makes it look bright and clean.
• Roof Transformations: Roof updates are an essential aspect of home maintenance and improvement. Your roof not only plays a vital role in protecting your home from the elements, but also greatly influences its overall aesthetic appeal. Whether it's repairing minor leaks, replacing worn-out shingles, or opting for a complete roof makeover with a new style or material, these updates ensure the longevity and functionality of your roof. Beyond practicality, a well-maintained roof enhances your home's curb appeal and can even increase its value.

This Valentine's Day, take some time to love and appreciate your home's exterior. It's not just a house; it's a place where love, memories, and warmth reside. With these tips, you can transform your home's curb appeal. Exterior remodeling can be overwhelming, but it’s definitely worth it. An exterior home renovation can completely transform the look of your home, better protect you from unwanted damages, and lower your energy bills while raising your home value.

If you are looking to update the exterior of your Cuyahoga or Lorain County home, Sanctus Builders can help. Our home renovation experts will handle your exterior home project from start to finish. From new garage construction, to stamped concrete and custom overhangs and awnings, your exterior home remodel will start with our design experts understanding your goals for improving your home and be completed when we achieve those. Contact us today to schedule your exterior home remodel.

Summer may have come to an end in Northeast Ohio, but that doesn’t mean the time you enjoy outdoors needs to just yet. Whether you are looking to relish in as many days as possible left to take in the fresh air or thinking about the endless hours you can spend gathered outside with friends and family next spring and summer, your home’s outdoor living space is likely top of mind. It doesn’t matter if you already have a space that needs a refresh or you are looking to add one, you have some decisions to make when it comes to what is best for your outdoor living space. One of the key decisions you'll need to make is whether to go with a deck or a patio when creating the perfect outdoor living space.

In this article we are going to review the differences between decks and patios and some benefits of each option. Both selections offer unique advantages and can greatly enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your outdoor area.

What’s the Difference Between a Deck and Patio?

Many people use the terms, “deck” and “patio” interchangeably, but they are actually different things.

Deck: A deck is an outdoor area that is raised and extends from a house or building. This elevated outdoor space is usually a platform-like structure constructed above the ground and supported by beams and posts.

Patio: A patio is a paved or concrete space, situated at ground level, usually adjoining the exterior of a house or building.

Both of these exterior home living areas create the home’s outdoor living space, with the main differences being that a deck is raised off the ground and typically made of wooden materials, and a patio is on the ground and generally made of some type of stone or concrete.

What’s Best for Your Outdoor Living Space: Deck or Patio?

As mentioned above, the main distinctions between a deck and a patio lies in their construction, materials used, and their location in relation to the ground. While they are both an exterior extension to your home, there are some key differences that are important to consider when deciding which one of the two is the best option for your outdoor living space. Let’s review.

• Construction and Permits: Permits and inspections are often required when building a deck because they are attached to the home and impact its exterior structure and appearance. Due to a deck being elevated, it typically has stairs or steps leading down to the yard or other outdoor spaces. Patios are simpler to build and usually do not require permits or inspections because they sit directly on the ground and don’t affect the structure of the home (bob vila). Keep in mind, when deciding between a deck or patio, decks often have weight restrictions and limits, so if you have heaver items, like a hot tub, they may be better suited for a ground level patio.
• Cost: The cost of decks and patios can vary depending on factors such as materials used, size, complexity of design, and labor costs. Typically, decks tend to be more expensive to build than patios due to the additional materials and construction required for their raised structure. Installing a patio can be much less expensive than a deck and, as mentioned above, often don’t require the permitting fees that a decks do. While decks may cost more upfront, they have a higher resale value than patios.
• Materials and Maintenance: The primary materials used for deck construction are wood, and/or composite wood or vinyl. Wood is susceptible to weather and can rot over time and fade or become discolored (if not properly treated). A patio, on the other hand often is constructed with materials such as concrete, stone, brick, or pavers. Patios don’t require as much regular maintenance as a deck. Patios typically are longer lasting than natural wood decks; however, they can still be susceptible to cracks and stains which require minor upkeep. While you may choose to seal your patio, it’s not necessary, since pavers and stone patios are very durable.
• Customization and Flexibility: Decks can be installed on any type of land, even if your space is not level, while patios are best suited for even ground. Another thing to keep in mind when deciding if a deck or patio is best for your outdoor living space is how custom you want to get. Decks are often more versatile in terms of design options, they can be built in various shapes and sizes, and their raised nature allows for features like built-in seating, planters, and also multi-level designs. Patios, although they can be designed in different configurations, generally have more limitations in terms of flexibility due to being at ground level. Patios’ concrete and/or stone construction also makes them harder to change in appearance once installed. Decks can be restained or painted to change their look.
• Aesthetics and Functionality: When it comes to creating your dream outdoor living space the aesthetics are probably top of mind. The views from your deck or patio depend on your home’s location and surrounding environment; however, decks usually offer better views than patios, due to their elevation. While decks may provide better sights, patios are lower to the ground and are typically able to provide more privacy than decks.

While we have reviewed some of the main things to take into account when deciding what is best for your outdoor living space, you should also consider the style and size of your home, outdoor space, the main activities you want the structure to accommodate, what your budget is for the project, your local zoning laws, and what’s right for your home and family. When it comes to the decision of deck or patio, there are a lot of things to consider. Knowing the differences between the two and what characteristics and features are important to you will play a major role in your choice.

At Sanctus Builders our professionals can provide valuable guidance to help you determine the best option for your specific needs and budget. Your outdoor living space should be an extension of your home and we are here to ensure you love it just as much as the rest of your Northeast Ohio home.

From completely new covered patios, to custom fire pit builds and outdoor kitchens, and all season room additions, we are here for your outdoor living space and deck or patio remodeling projects. Contact us today to get started on your outdoor living space remodel or new addition.

With Labor Day upon us in a couple of weeks, you may be thinking about, well, laboring. Do you have the proper outdoor space to do so? The garage tends to be the perfect workspace for projects that you don’t want to take on inside your home, to limit the mess and disruption. If your garage is not up to par or large enough, you may be missing out. Not to mention, a home’s garage can serve many purposes other than just housing vehicles, it can make for the perfect additional living space, storage space, and so much more. How big should your garage be? Let’s review.

Average size of a Home Garage

While a residential garage has traditionally been defined as a walled, roofed structure for storing a vehicle or vehicles that may be part of or attached to a home ("attached garage"), or a separate outbuilding or shed ("detached garage"), that trend is changing and people are finding many other uses for this extra outdoor living space. The size of this structure, really depends on the homeowner and what they intend to use the space for.

The average size of a home garage in the United States can vary depending on multiple factors such as the location, age of the home, and local building regulations. Traditionally, a garage should be accommodating enough to house your vehicle or vehicles, while giving ample space to move in and out easily and to get in and out of the vehicle. The most common garage size is for two vehicles. The standard size for a two-car garage in the US is typically around 20 x 20 feet.

If you are looking for additional space or have a larger vehicle, you may want to have a 2.5 car garage or even more. Half car garages add additional square feet to the space. While there is not enough extra room for an additional vehicle, it can add room to allow for larger vehicles or additional uses. The size you decide to build your garage really depends on specific circumstances and personal preferences.

How to Determine the Right Size for Your Home Garage

If you are trying to decide on the right dimensions for your home's garage, you need to really understand what the space and local regulations will allow and what you intend to use it for. A garage can serve many purposes outside of just vehicle storage. Some include:

• Additional Storage Space
• Workshop
• Home Gym
• Home Office
• Recreational Area
• Entertainment Space
• Guest Suite
• Playroom

The list really could go on and on. It is always a good idea, when it comes to determining what size garage is best for your home, to make the space larger than you think you may need. If you have a family or lots of hobbies, the additional living and storage space can really come in handy and up your home exterior and property value.

When it comes to your Northeast Ohio home, whether you are looking at new construction, renovation, or adding a garage or another additional outdoor living space, the team at Sanctus Builders is here for you. We will take the time to get to know you and understand your needs, so we can help you every step of the way. We can help you determine how big your garage should be, so you can be sure you will love the space and get the most from it.

Contact us to get started today.