Transforming a Pittsburgh New Build into a Dream Outdoor Space
Oct 2, 2024
When you build a new home, the excitement of a fresh start is unmatched. But let's face it- new builds often come with a blank slate yard that feels anything but inviting. You have your new dream home surrounded by dirt. That’s where we step in! We take that untouched land and turn it into a stunning outdoor space that feels like home.
This is the story of one of our recent projects where we transformed a new build into a beautiful, functional oasis. From creating a patio perfect for entertaining to grading the property and installing fresh grass, this project had it all.
Starting from Scratch
This property came to us as many new builds do: raw topsoil, no plants, and no clear layout for the outdoor space. As a young family, these Pittsburgh homeowners wanted an outdoor area where they could entertain, enjoy their mornings with a cup of coffee, and have a yard where their kids and dog could run wild.
Step 1: Building the Perfect Patio
The patio is the heart of any outdoor space, so we started there. Using Unilock Beacon Hill pavers in Granite Fusion as the primary paver, bordered with two layers of Unilock Courtstone pavers in Basalt, we designed and installed a patio outside their back door that's durable, stylish, and spacious enough for gatherings right outside their newly finished basement. We matched the overall style of their home with grey pavers and a sleek black border, a great combination of modern & timeless. Adding some soft low-voltage lighting that can be automated, or controlled with the touch of a button on your phone, capped it off to allow this patio to be the focal point day or night. Whether it's for summer BBQs or quiet evenings under the stars, this patio is now a standout feature of this property.
Step 2: Solving Draining Issues with a French Drain
This new build is on a slope downhill towards the house. With the falling rain, we quickly noticed excessive amounts of water pooling in the driveway. To fix this, we installed a French drain system. This underground drainage solution redirects water away from the foundation and, in this case, even the driveway.
Step 3: Adding Steps that Blend Beauty and Functionality
The design we came up with for this side of the house needed to incorporate a touch of nature with a hint of modern to complement the house. Such a small element of the yard sure made a big impact on the beauty of the overall design. Adding natural cut sandstone native to Butler county, PA was the obvious choice! We added a few steps with a landing of natural flagstone to tie in perfectly with the woods surrounding this beautiful home. Of course, we had to add a few low-voltage lights to provide function and give these steps a moment to shine morning, noon or night.
Step 4: Bringing Life to the Landscape
Once the hardscape was complete, we were excited to add some plants and trees to the property, as well as some boulders for that extra touch of detail. We worked with the homeowners to choose a custom plant design with native plants and pollinators that was both eye-catching and low maintenance. Not only do we think they are beautiful, but the local bees and butterflies tend to agree! We also added large pine trees to either side of the property to add privacy for when the other new build will be added alongside their home. Then, we created multiple mulch beds around the house with plants and hardy shrubs that now frame the home, adding color, texture, and curb appeal. All topped off with sparkling landscape lighting. In total, we planted well over 100 plants!
Step 5: Grading and Grass Installation
Proper drainage is key to ensuring your yard stays in great shape. We graded the property to promote good drainage and avoid water pooling. Then we installed a lush, green lawn to tie everything together for both kids and dogs to run around. The result? A picture-perfect yard that's as functional as it is beautiful.
The End Result
The project became a head-turner for years to come (just ask the countless neighbors who walked by and commented as we were loading up to head to another project)! The homeowners now have an outdoor space they love - a patio for entertaining, steps tying their driveway to their yard, and a beautifully landscaped property. Plus, with the fresh grass installation, the property feels complete and ready for years of enjoyment.
Ready to Create Your Custom Outdoor Space?
If your outdoor space needs a makeover, or you're dealing with drainage issues, we're here to help. From custom patios and plant designs to grading and French drain installations, we have the expertise to bring your vision to life.