Baby, it’s cold outside! And what better way to kickoff a dreary winter-like week than to dream of warm summer days in a backyard retreat?
This time last year, a Fort Collins couple was doing just that. They were thinking about the outdoor space of their dreams and asked HighCraft to turn their vision into reality.
(BEFORE) The homeowners wanted to transform their basic deck into a custom living space designed for relaxing and entertaining guests year round. They also wanted to add a little more privacy between their deck and the neighbors’ yard, some protection from the elements, and more architectural detail to their detached garage.
(AFTER) The result is an open yet protected, inviting yet private, outdoor living space and updated garage that check every box on the homeowners’ wish list.
The custom metal privacy screen was designed by one of HighCraft’s licensed architects and fabricated by Distinctive Welding in Fort Collins. In addition to lending privacy, it anchors the food prep and grilling stations and provides stylish definition to the space.
The outdoor living room features dimmable light fixtures and a gas fire pit, which adds ambiance and warmth when the air turns chilly.
Massive, rough-sawn Douglas fir timbers make a statement, and the LED uplighting on the ceiling beams washes the room in an amber glow.
(BEFORE) The open deck was a heat sink in the summer and a snow field in the winter. (AFTER) The covered deck offers protection from Colorado’s inclement weather, and the high-performance premium AZEK polymer decking is as durable as it is beautiful.
Step lights guide you safely off the deck at night. In addition to the privacy screen, Distinctive Welding fabricated the powder-coated hardware, metal railings and structural supports used throughout the project.
(BEFORE) The homeowners wanted their garage to have more architectural interest and new outdoor bike parking. (AFTER) The new portico offers the homeowners and their bikes overhead cover from sun, rain, hail and snow. The cedar shingle siding complements the house, and new lighting, trim and paint complete the fresh update.
The overall design was a collaboration of ideas between the homeowners and HighCraft’s design-build team, and the finished project truly reflects the clients’ goals and aesthetic.
Successful projects like this rely on thoughtful planning, and our experience has shown the more thorough the preparation the more smoothly a project will go. Although there may be snow on the ground, it’s not too early to start planning your outdoor living space.
If you’re not sure where to start with an outdoor building project, contact HighCraft Builders. Our team is happy to answer your questions. There’s no obligation – we’re here to help.
