Iowa has eight months of weather worth being outside in. The right outdoor living space turns those months into the best part of the year. Pool decks, outdoor kitchens, covered loggias, sport courts — when designed thoughtfully, the backyard becomes the room everyone ends up in.
What we build
- Pool decks + surrounds: Concrete, stone, or pavers; integrated lighting; coping; pool-house structures
- Outdoor kitchens: Built-in grills, refrigeration, sinks, prep counters; under-counter cabinetry rated for outdoor use; ventilation hoods where covered
- Covered loggias + porches: Year-round usable covered spaces with ceiling fans, heaters, weather-protected lighting
- Sport courts: Tennis, pickleball, basketball, multi-sport; lighting for evening play
- Fire features: Fire pits, fireplaces, integrated into hardscape
- Hardscape + landscape integration: We coordinate with landscape architects to make the hardscape feel inevitable, not added-on
Typical timeline
Outdoor living projects typically run 3 to 8 months, with weather as the dominant variable. Iowa winters pause concrete and major hardscape work. We plan starts to land construction completion before the next winter wherever possible.
Cost considerations
Outdoor living costs vary enormously by scope. A simple covered porch adds $30K-$80K. A full pool deck with outdoor kitchen and covered seating area runs $150K-$400K+. A serious sport court adds $40K-$80K. Pools themselves (which we coordinate with specialty pool contractors) start around $120K heated and easily reach $200K+ with hardscape integration.
What we'll watch for
- Drainage — outdoor spaces that don't drain become unusable spaces. Done right at design.
- Electrical — outdoor kitchens and lighting need GFCI-protected, weather-rated circuits
- HOA approvals — many subdivisions have specific rules about pool fences, structure heights, sound mitigation for sport courts
- Tree preservation — mature trees are an asset; protect them through construction
How to start
Schedule a consultation. We'll walk your existing yard, talk through how you want to use the space, and sketch what's possible.
