Recently some family members of mine moved to North Carolina from up North. After this treacherous winter, the timing couldn’t have been more perfect for them. They were so tired of being stuck inside! As a North Carolinian, I often take for granted our relatively mild winters and sultry summers, but it allows for so much construction in our backyards. I love that in the South our backyards can be a true extension of our homes. A lot of our clients feel the same, and have invested in projects that get their families outdoors.


The most common outdoor project we see is the covered patio. It doesn’t require a big footprint, and it makes the outdoors functional, as you can turn it in to what suits your family best. Some clients just want a nice seating area for relaxing, reading, entertaining, or even TV viewing. Outdoor fireplaces are very common in these projects, adding a nice focal point and allow homeowners to enjoy the outdoors year-round. Others incorporate outdoor kitchens, often rivaling their indoor counterparts, with detailed stonework and upscale appliances.

There is no better way to keep the mess out of your house than to put your entertaining space outside. Another common outdoor project is the pool. Even for people who don’t swim often, a pool can provide a relaxing centerpiece for your backyard.

Pools come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and their construction can be just as custom-built as your home. Pool finishes, decking and coping can come in various forms of stone, concrete and tile products. Designs can range from simple to elaborate with water features and mood lighting. Other features may include gradual entries, tanning ledges, built-in fire pits, swim-up bars, slides and more. Creativity reigns when it comes to pool construction.

With pools sometimes comes the detached pool house. Many of our clients see the advantages of having a separate structure by the pool to provide necessary pool storage, mechanical space, bathrooms and entertaining areas. Being separate from the main house, these spaces provide more of a retreat from day-to-day living with added function. With a good architect/designer, these structures can complement the main home with similar design elements and building materials.

For families with kids, there is no better investment than outdoor play areas. We have done a number of custom play sets and clubhouses for clients, and we often work hand-inhand with the children to find out their desires. Outdoor play areas are not limited to kid structures. We have also put in putting greens and outdoor courts for bocce ball, cornhole, and horseshoes. Get your family outside by making your backyard a fun place to be!

Consider one of these projects for an improved outdoor lifestyle for your family. In the meantime, open up your windows and get outside to take advantage of our wonderful Carolina weather.

Will McKendry is vice president of Andrew Roby Triangle and has extensive experience in custom home project management focusing on style and craftsmanship. For more information visit our website at www.andrewroby.com or call 919-210-2928.