Custom Hardscapes

In the vernacular of landscaping, hardscapes are the permanent elements built in your yards that serve both a decorative and functional purpose. As the name implies, custom hardscapes are ones that are tailor-made for you and your location. A few examples of custom hardscapes include luxury patios, garden pergolas, swimming pool construction, and other water features such as a disappearing fountain or koi pond.

At Exterior Worlds, we have used a long list of materials to build these outdoor elements—stone, brick, metals and concrete, just to name a few. We use these materials based on their texture, form and color, adding interest and variety to the overall design. We also are very cognizant of what complements the architecture of your home and the existing flora.

The process of planning and building hardscapes follows a fairly standard timeline:

• First, we believe hardscape plans begin with you, your family and what you want. For instance, do you intend to use it for formal entertaining or will it be a quiet sanctuary in which you can retreat from the pressures of the outside world? Perhaps you have a theme in mind, such as a Tuscan or English garden, or own an outdoor sculpture you want to feature.
• The next step requires hiring professionals, such as Exterior Worlds, to help with the planning, designing and building. We work hard to ensure that your plans fit the style of your home. For instance, a landscape design filled with organic features works beautifully with Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired architecture.
• Once our plans have been presented to you and we have your approval, the permitting stage begins. This step represents a compelling reason to hire us as we understand the local rules and regulations, an expertise that will, in the long run, save you money.
• Last—the implementation and project management phase. We promise to make sure you understand what to expect when. We not only want to manage your expectations, but we also realize that anticipation is part of the fun!

If your needs are more along the lines of backyard remodeling, Exterior Worlds has a special proficiency in this area, especially with swimming pool restoration. And if these plans sound too grand for your current budget, you might consider landscape phasing. It is a service we offer your clients that involves implementing your landscape design in incremental steps over time. You still get the improvements to your property, but the draw-down on your finances is spread out.
One example of a three-year phased-in plan, including custom hardscapes:

• Phase 1: Re-design and remodel your outdated swimming pool. Plant trees.
• Phase 2: Install custom-designed wrought iron fence and driveway gate. Design and build gazebo.
• Phase 3: Create pathways to connect the swimming pool to the gazebo. Update landscape lighting design. Complete landscape plantings.

Your exterior design should be all about you just as your interior design is. It should reflect your aesthetics, needs and desires, and be planned around your intended usage. Custom hardscapes help turn your exterior world into one that is uniquely your own.

Visit www.exteriorworlds.com for a full run-down of the landscaping services offered by Exterior Worlds. In Houston, 713-827-2255.