Outdoor Living Is Just What It Sounds Like: Outdoors

I'm sitting in my chair on the patio right now, and I look up and see cobwebs underneath my brick ledge. Leaves blown up against the house. Grass creeping in where it shouldn't. My outdoor furniture cushions could use a good cleaning, and the screens need washing.

And it hit me: outdoor living is just what it sounds like — outdoors. And outdoors comes with upkeep.

Folks dream about the perfect patio or the covered porch — and don't get me wrong, you should build the thing. But here's the honest truth nobody tells you: that beautiful space needs maintenance just like the inside of your house. Maybe more. Depending on your OCD, outdoor living can be harder to keep up with than indoor living, because nature doesn't take a day off. The wind blows, the spiders build, the leaves fall, and the rain leaves its mark.

Your Weekly 30-Minute Walkthrough

So here's my quick rundown. Walk your space once a week or so and knock this out:

• Knock down cobwebs under ledges, eaves, and patio covers
• Blow off leaves and debris from the patio and out from under the furniture
• Pull or trim grass creeping up around edges and pavers
• Wash down screens — pollen and dust build up fast
• Clean the cushions on your casual furniture before the grime sets in
• Give everything a once-over — tighten a screw, oil a hinge, catch the small stuff

Thirty minutes here and there beats a full weekend of catch-up every time.

Build It With Maintenance in Mind

And when you're planning a new outdoor space, build it with maintenance in mind. The right materials, the right drainage, the right layout — that's the difference between a patio you enjoy and a patio you dread. That's what we do at B & B Builders: build it right so living with it is easy.

Now if you'll excuse me, I've got some cobwebs with my name on them.

— Stan

If you're getting bids, we should be one of them. Free estimates: call 316-945-3232 or visit bnbbuilders.com.