Austin Outdoor Living

Austin Outdoor Living Group typically only refers a couple of deck stain companies.   Believe it or not there is more to refinishing and old deck or staining a new wood deck than you would imagine. 

*Remember, CONTACT AOLG for consultation and we will come out and do the footwork and evaluation of your project then help you find the right Stain Professional for your Deck.

Here is a stain process video from Zdecks:

 *Always Remember to consult with a professional if you have any question about your stain/refinishing job.  Sometimes it can cost more to do it yourself.  AOLG Design and Evaluation Group works closely with Zdecks and DeckMasters of Austin to provide quick Deck Checks that will save you money in the long run.   CONTACT us today and we will assist you in a structural evaluation and surface Deck Check.  Then we will provide a Estimate based on our trusted Proffessionals pricing schedule.

This is a topic that is discussed at every meeting with an AOLG designer.   Whether you are installing a new Cedar Fence, Composite Deck, Stone Patio, Play scape, or a Swimming pool in the Austin or surrounding areas you will most likely need an HOA approval, City permit or both.  I once walked into the City of Austin Residential Permitting office to get a permit.  During my conversation with the attendant I ask the simple question.. “So how many deck permits do you issue a week?”  Thinking to myself it must be hundreds.  The attendant simply looked up at me and said.. “Oh a couple, probably 2-3.. And they always seem to be from the same couple of companies.”  At the time I was working with Archadeck of Austin which always recommends that their clients obtain permits when necessary.  So my question is,  when is it absolutely necessary to have a permit and when don’t you need one?  The answer from most cities in our Central Texas area is simple….”You always need a permit.”  I have definitely learned through the years that many slide by the city Permitting officials when it comes to outside projects.  But, there are many factors to consider when sliding by the citybecause the fact of the matter is that you may save $150-$250 now for the cities fees but it may cost you in the long run.  We will explore this subject in detail in later posts.  And as far as neighborhood HOA approval… Always check to make sure if there is a process that they request of you.  I have found them all to be a little different but they can sure make your project miserable if you do not obtain the approval from the beginning.  Typically, the HOA has up to 30 days to approve or deny your submitted plans.  So get organized early in the process if you want to meet the date you are planning “the big party”.  It is not your contractors fault for not completing the project in 1/2 the time if you do not do your part to turn in all information needed in a timely manner.  AOLG designers can help you with both of these stages even before you meet your chosen contractor.  Please feel free to use the comments section below to ask more questions about this topic.   I will also publish a list of City permit offices and their numbers along with Pdfs for HOA groups as they are obtained.  Have a great day!

City of Austin Res Permit Application

I am working on building AOLG.. This is a very exciting process.  I am learning how to navigate WordPress so that I can Blog often and share new information about Austin Outdoor Living!  My passion for outdoor living will show alot more now that I can share it with everyone.  If you live in Austin or the surrounding areas and are planning to build a deck, stone patio, outdoor kitchen, or hire a contractor to install a paver stone driveway.. AOLG can help.  We generate the plans and specs necessary to to do the job right.  When you meet with 3-5 contractors out of the phone book you will recieve 3-5 different answers to the same questions.  My question is… Why not bring in one designer and let them assist you in creating your outdoor dreams?   Once you speak with us for your free initial phone consultation you will understand our process and how it will help you make the best decisions for your home.  The process is simple,  I have been working in what we now call the Outdoor Living industry here in Austin Tx for over 15 years .. Believe me when I tell you…. if you are prepared with a design when you meet refferred contractors you will end up saving money and time because you are comparing apples to apples.  Who wants to schedule an entire week to meet contractors.  AOLG will assist you in building your dreams on paper, then we can assist you by obtaining bids for the work to be completed.  Once you decide on a contractor… We will set up a proposal meeting where you can interview them and decide for yourself whether you will allow them to work for you. 

Check out Pacific Outdoor Living .. They are an amazing company that I follow quite often.  they do alot of Paver Stone Driveways and patios.  This is an application I believe will begin to take over our market here in Austin as well.  Price is typically less than Flagstone and it has many features that make it very desirable. 

Check out this video featuring Terry Morrill with Pacific Outdoor Living: