Posted by: Cheryl Savit, Kevin Cradock Builders, and EM NARI PR Committee Member

Since the weather warmed up in May, more of us have been spending time outdoors. Construction and landscaping jobs have heated up, too, as clients looked to improve their homes and outdoor spaces.

“Clients have always sought creative solutions for blending indoor and outdoor spaces, but this year the demand has increased with the pandemic on everyone’s mind. We have been collaborating with landscape architects and landscape construction teams to build screened porches, decks, roof decks, and patios with trellises,” says Kevin Cradock, President of Kevin Cradock Builders in Boston.  

This outdoor addition by Feinmann completed this colonial.  “Nothing says New England like the timeless appeal of a porch to enjoy the Fall, Spring, and Summer seasons. Feinmann, Inc. built a 14×37 porch for a family of three in Newton, MA, extending the footprint of their Colonial home by adding two main living areas; a sitting area and dining area.”

One of the reasons many of us are spending more time outdoors is because it seems as though it is a relatively safe way to socialize – at a distance. However, it hasn’t been easy fulfilling clients’ last-minute plans. The Coronavirus has impacted the availability of pressure-treated lumber with a 6-8 week lead time, according to Steve Greenberg of steveworks. “There’s always a demand for outdoor spaces, decks, and porches. Everyone wants a deck in June for the Fourth of July,” Greenberg said. “I suggest finding and forging a good relationship with a landscape company to build stone patios and retaining walls.”

Encourage Your Clients to Plan Ahead

“Get your clients to plan ahead,” Greenberg advises. “While you’re doing the work for a renovation, go ahead and plan for later.” He says it is smart to get the exterior surveyed and be ready for adding decks and outdoor spaces.

Steveworks is just wrapping up a screened porch for a client in Newton. The new, airy space includes a sky blue beadboard ceiling, overhead fan, and LED lighting. Exterior stone and cobbles were done in collaboration with A Yard & A Half, a landscaping cooperative.

Time is lapsing to design and complete work for the fall, but planning for next spring and summer will give your clients the results they desire.