One element that’s becoming increasingly popular in outdoor living spaces is the hot tub. Especially in areas that experience cold winters, this can be an excellent addition to any outdoor area. It is, however, a very involved process and one you’ll need to carefully discuss and coordinate with your design build team. These are your top 8 steps and considerations for installing a hot tub in Virginia or Maryland.

Long-Term Costs of Operating an Outdoor Fire Feature in Bethesda, Maryland

Nothing provides quite the same blend of ambiance and function as an outdoor fire feature, but many people wonder about price. With so many fire features to choose from, which one is going to provide all the aesthetic beauty and functional warmth without breaking the bank?

This article compares three of the most common fire feature types: natural wood-burning fireplaces, biofuel fireplaces, and natural gas fires. For the sake of comparison, electric heaters are also included below. While not a traditional fire feature, they are a common alternative for those looking to heat their outdoor spaces.

Four Considerations For Converting a Flagstone Patio into a Screened-In Porch

If you’re considering some renovations to your outdoor living space, one common place people look to upgrade is the patio. If, for example, you want to convert an existing flagstone patio into a screened-in porch, that process is actually relatively straightforward and can completely change the utility, dynamic, and aesthetics of your outdoor space.

If you’ve looked into the advantages and benefits of porcelain pavers, it’s a good bet you’ve come across the name “Archatrak.” As one of the leaders in the industry, this brand comes across the radars of many homeowner and those in the commercial sector looking to install porcelain in their outdoor environments (rooftop decks, patios, terraces, courtyards, plazas, and more). Archatrak, however, has gone through several iterations, and with that in mind, here’s a quick overview of the brand’s evolution.

Featured DC Project: Factors to Consider When Building in the Palisades

The Palisades is a neighborhood in Washington, DC, and here at Design Builders we recently completed a backyard and kitchen renovation in that area that we’re excited to share with you! If you live in or near the Palisades and are thinking about undertaking a home improvement project, here are some details about that recent job to inspire you, as well as general reminders when looking to build in the area.