EXPANDING YOUR LIVING SPACE OUTSIDE | CREATE VALUE FOR YOUR HOME | ENTERTAIN
NORTHERN KENTUCKY
OUTDOOR
LIVING DISCOVER THE HOTTEST TRENDS OF INDOOR LIVING IN AN OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE
Learn from local Building Industry Association experts on what works (and what doesn’t) for extending your homes living and entertaining space
Maximize your home value with outdoor entertaining spaces
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The mission of the Building Industry Association of Northern Kentucky is to promote and enhance the integrity and visibility of the construction industry and the members of the organization through advocacy, communication, education and political action. Northern Kentucky Outdoor Living™ is an official publication of the Building Industry Association of Northern Kentucky, 2751 Circleport Drive Erlanger, Kentucky 41018. It is published in the interest of the Northern Kentucky building industry and read by home builders, remodelers, general contractors, developers, engineers, bankers, Realtors,Ž architects, material dealers, subcontractors and manufacturers. All rights reserved. Copying or reproduction without the expressed permission of the Building Industry Association of Northern Kentucky is strictly prohibited. 859.331.9500 or fax 859.578.3393 email homebuilders@buildersnky.com
NORTHERN KENTUCKY
OUTDOOR
LIVING
2018 Board of Directors John Curtin/Paul Hemmer Company, President Bill Cullen/Cullen Brothers, Immediate Past Pres. Tom Withorn/Craftsmen by Design, Vice President Ross Kreutzjans/Legacy Management, Secretary/Treasurer Watson Jones/C.K. Ash Insurance, Associate President John Cain/Wiseway Supply. Associate Vice President Mike Willenbrink/Bayer Becker, LDC President Michelle Caldwell/Huntington Bank, SMC President Shad Sletto/Al. Neyer, Builder Director Ben Taylor/Drees, Builder Director Fred Cernetisch/Pella, Associate Director Nick Smith/Keller Williams, Associate Director Mike Riegler/Riegler Blacktop, Inc., Associate Director BIA Staff Brian A. Miller, Executive Vice President Jessica Rose, Director of Shows & Events Charley Wayman, Director of Sales & Marketing Vicki Berling, Director of Professional Development Dan Smith, Director of Finance Tammy Arvin, Director of Membership Mandy Trenkamp, Administrative Coordinator Editors Charley Wayman
EXPLORE TRENDS
Outdoor Living Goes Far Beyond the Grill and Lawn Chairs.............................................. 4 Urban Dwellers Bring the Outdoors to the City............. 8 Expand Your Living Space Outside to Bring the Value Into Your Home............................. 10
Writing Vicki Prichard Staff Advertising Sales Charley Wayman To inquire about 2019 advertising rates, call 859-331-9500 or email charley@buildersnky.com The Building Industry Association of Northern Kentucky is open to the world, visit our web site for up-to-date information on BIA services and programs, including extensive public referral directory to Registered Builders, Registered Remodelers and Associate Members.
LOCAL EXPERTS
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Cru Cutters..................................................................... 7 Townescapes................................................................ 12 Gustin Construction.................................................... 14
Outdoor Living Goes Far Beyond the Grill and Lawn Chairs
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utdoor living is much more than patio chairs strewn around a deck. Today’s homeowners are seeking an authentic extension of their homes into nature’s elements, and builders, remodelers, designers, and landscapers have the innovative solutions to make outdoor spaces function like interior spaces.
Core features can range from outdoor kitchens that allow homeowners to enjoy cooking, dining, and entertaining outdoors throughout the seasons with outdoor appliances build into cabinetry that withstand the harshest elements. Outdoor patios are transformed with a range of bricks or stones, and fire pits which crate a cozy gathering space and focal point. TOUGH TIMES LEAD TO INNOVATIVE TREND Sometimes, great things are born out of tough times, and some say the desirability of outdoor living was spurred by a decades’ old economic downturn and challenged housing market. “I believe that outdoor living has become such a focal point in new construction and remodeling because it is a way to expand your usable square footage of a home in a way that is cost effective and enjoyable,” says Chris Cook of Cru Cutters Landscaping. “When you think of modern interior remodeling, one of the biggest trends is an open floor plan. With outdoor living, that is what you get in most situations – a feel of openness and fresh air. By removing the walls, you literally are bringing the family room or dining room out to mother nature.” Brian Stegman, of Stegman Landscaping says he took notice of the increased interest in outdoor living areas more than ten years ago. “I think that I noticed it beginning about 2005 or 2006. We began to get more calls for fire pits, fire places, larger and more ornate patios and decks, and outdoor living areas.”
at home more for meals and vacations. This was the perfect storm to help drive the outdoor living space concept. Through the recession, outdoor living became the answer for “How do we get more out of our current home without breaking the bank?” Once family and friends started to see and enjoy outdoor living, the reality of the comfort, affordability, and return on investment became the second catalyst.” DEFINE YOUR SPACE As homeowners seek to create outdoor spaces that allow them to ‘getaway,’ so to speak, making outdoor spaces and extension of their indoor life, without going any farther than their own backyard, key features and elements come in to play that transform practically any vision into reality. Homeowners look to create inviting outdoor spaces with much the same attention to detail that they give their interior space. Wellappointed outdoor rooms are designed with an eye to décor, color palettes, lamps, appliances, rugs, and flooring, and commercial designers have made sure that there is an outdoor option for practically every indoor design option. “One of the largest ideas we push on our customers is the concept of creating rooms or uses inside your outdoor living spaces,” says Cook. “One area may be for a small group, say two people or two couples in front of a fireplace, where another area may be the hot tub space, a pool, or outside bar, and grilling area. All of these spaces can be identified and set up to meet the needs of the homeowner and their family.” Hence, homeowners can create a veritable spa setting or outdoor kitchen with stunning panache, just steps away from their interior kitchen or living room.
Cook says the way Cru Cutters designs outdoor living is similar to designing the inside of the home when it comes to layout, keeping When the economy took a turn in ’08 and ’09, and the housing essential factors in mind when they begin. market took a hit, Stegman says many homeowners decided to invest in their current homes. He saw a significant uptick in outdoor “Identify the needs of the homeowner and design the right size space living areas after that. for the need,” he says. “Think of it like this – you don’t want an area that could hold 100 people acting as a more intimate type of space. Cook agrees that the recession spurred creative trends in outdoor Also, when you work in this style, it makes people interested and living. pushes them to explore the space and spread out throughout.” “People were trying to find ways to cost-effectively expand and update their homes,” says Cook. “Homeowners were also staying 4
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The Hottest Outdoor Trends Borrow from Indoor Living and Define Sophisticated Outdoor Spaces Some of the hottest trends in outdoor living are essentially found in the comforts of indoor living. The American Institute of Architects say outdoor living spaces are the most popular special function area, with many consumers spending upwards of $6 billion dollars on outdoor spaces and the amenities that go into enhancing them. Many homebuilders approach the process of designing a home focusing on the outdoor living space on the front end of design because of the increasing popularity of well-appointed outdoor features. As homeowners expand their living space by creating outdoor living rooms and kitchens, they’re borrowing from design concepts formerly confined to indoor living and designing those open spaces with sophisticated and elegant features. Chris Cook, with CruCutters, says some of the top outdoor living features they use and see include: GAS FEATURES Fire Pits, Fire Places, Gas Torches, Gas Bowles, Gas Heaters. “Gas is still being under used by many and has the ability to take your space from average to fabulous,” says Cook. WATER Pools, fountains, hot tubs, bubblers. Cook says he like to keep things simple with water. “I prefer to push our clients to pondless features as they are less maintenance.” LIGHTING Landscaping lighting can completely change a space, says Cook.
“Uplighting in trees can give a moonlight effect. You don’t want to push too much light but just enough makes a statement. It really isn’t all about the light but about the shadows,” he says. OUTDOOR KITCHENS AND BARS A place to watch a game or hang out with a group of friends while grilling up some burgers, is what outdoor living is all about for many. And Cook says anything you can have in your kitchen, you can have outside. PATIO PRODUCTS “Travertine is our favorite patio product. It stays cool around pools and is soft to walk on,” says Cook.
Sun decks, wet shelves, or tanning ledges, as they’re often referred to, are generally placed at the pools entrance and run five to eight inches deep, their length and width able generally able to accommodate at least two lounge chairs. These shelves or ledges allow for staying cool while relaxing in the sun without having to completely submerge in the water. Outdoor living doesn’t mean homeowners forego privacy. Brian Stegman, with Stegman Landscaping, says privacy is central to landscape designs.
“Privacy plantings are a key part of the equation,” says Brian Stegman, of Stegman Landscaping. “We like to incorporate The durable limestone is formed by mineral deposits from hot springs or limestone caves, ornamental flowering trees and shrubs in our privacy screenings, as opposed to a big and is cut from quarries around the world. line of arborvitaes or other evergreens.” Travertine tiles feature classic, neutral colors and unique patterns that add a touch of sophistication. POOLS Cook says homeowners can gain as much visual enjoyment out of the pool as they can functionality. Whereas backyard swimming pools were once dotted with inflatables, a few lounge chairs and a cooler, today’s pool concepts have evolved to include spa features, surround sound, flat panel televisions, allowing homeowners to dip into taking a whole new level of relaxation. “The common new pools are activity driven typically three to five feet deep,” says Cook. “The ability to put a sport net up is huge. Also, sun decks and tanning ledges are a huge topic right now that gives a ton of enjoyment.”
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TOWNESCAPES For 20 years, the tristate has been entrusting TowneScapes with their outdoor living designs and installations. Our dedicated team of experienced professionals will provide you direction from design to installation. The design team will walk you thru material choices and our production team will keep you up to date on progress to maintain schedule. Providing a wide selection of material, such as stamped and decorative concrete, bluestone, travertine, designer pavers, natural stone, a wide lumber selection, plant material, lighting and more, TowneScapes is the premier one stop shop for outdoor living design and installation. This Fort Mitchell, KY home was built on a hillside with a 30’+ tall retaining wall. The homeowners wanted a poolside retreat with a pacific northwest feel. The TowneScapes team provided design options and adjustments to best meet the collaborative vision,
while carefully working with engineers for an approved design in location to the retaining wall. Stone, travertine, boulder and lumber selections were made with the best interest of the design at heart. With this and all of our projects, TowneScapes continually proves that we are Outdoor Living Specialists. FEATURES: • Custom made sculpted concrete pool slide • Cool travertine stone tile selection for west coast feel amidst pacific northwest features • Stone facing for grill bar and firepit bench-wall, working with the existing grades to accent the terrain • Space creation in careful design of elements at the slide, bar grill, under deck space, and firepit • Careful coordination amongst phases to produce a seamless and refined final product • Landscaping and lighting planned and installed to maintain the vision of the project
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Urban Dwellers Bring the Outdoors to the City
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utdoor spaces aren’t limited to the suburbs or rural settings. Urban and commercial settings are embracing the outdoor living trend, and perhaps, by virtue of their very geography, have a special appreciation for creating spaces devoted to enjoy the relaxation and beauty of nature. While traditional commercial spaces – restaurants, hotels, offices – generally see indoor gathering spaces, the outdoor living trend is seeing an increased interest and demand for outdoor areas to relax and dine. Hotels and restaurants are making a point to make outdoor spaces a priority. Roomy rooftop decks with seating and tables, spacious patios with features like stone fireplaces, bring patrons outside and create a casual ambiance that expands the dining experience. John Hodge, president of Century Construction, took the Hotel Covington experience outdoors in its design. “There were two big considerations for the design of the Hotel Covington outdoor space,” says Hodge. “The first was that the owner wanted to retain the exterior masonry walls for the existing building.” The walls, says Hodge, defined the space and, with their height, gave the patio of the Covington, Kentucky boutique hotel and restaurant an ambiance of intimacy and privacy. “The walls’ exposed brick and plaster also gave the patio a sense of history and helped tie the space into the materials used on the main building. It took a great deal of effort to rebuild and stabilize the top of the wall and tie the wall assembly into new foundations and support columns.” The second major consideration involved creating a “monumental” fireplace.
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“The fireplace is a natural gathering area and adds warmth and ambience to the patio, particularly in the fall,” says Hodge. “Rusticated concrete was chosen for the design of the fire place. The fireplace’s contemporary design provides a visual contrast with the exposed brick and plaster, yet it complements them in its simple use of raw, unadorned materials.” Kim Rorick Newberry, who owns Newberry’s Bros. Coffee & Prohibition Bourbon Bar in Newport, says when she and her husband Peter opened their business, they knew they needed to catch the eye of potential customers from the curb. “We realized early on when we opened up our small business in a neighborhood that’s off the beaten path, we needed to pay special attention to making sure we caught the eye of potential customers from the curb,” says Newberry. “We knew our customers would have to make an effort to find us, and we committed to make the effort worth their while. A lot of thought went into every detail – from building and patio lighting, to creating accessibility for all patrons, to selecting tables and chairs that gave us the look and feel we wanted to convey, to window signage that informed, and promoted. Our motto is, “Love You. Mean It.” And we do.” Newberry’s outdoor patio, which is uniquely dog-friendly with special amenities such as dog bowls and treats, has a lot to offer to the canine companions as well. “Our outdoor patio was designed purposefully to be dog-friendly, romantic date-night friendly, large group party-friendly, and to be used year-round, weather permitting,” says Newberry. “Because it is the most visible space to a passerby, it acts almost as an invitation to stop in, whether you are driving, walking, running, or riding by. It also doubles our seating capacity, and serves as a great space for onsite fundraising events and private parties.” Newberry says the outdoor patio’s key feature is by far the fire pit.
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“It draws a crowd in the fall and winter months, when folks are ready to snuggle up by the wood-burning fire and enjoy a beverage of choice,” says Newberry. Seamless transitions add to the patio’s appeal. “Our beautifully backlit Prohibition Bourbon Bar space opens into our outdoor space simply by the touch of a button that opens the glass-paneled garage door that separates the two spaces,” says Newberry.
Urban dwellers – both millennials and empty nesters who are opting for a more urban vibe – don’t have to sacrifice outdoor amenities. Urban dwellers – both millennials and empty nesters who are opting for a more urban vibe – don’t have to sacrifice outdoor amenities. Brian Stegman, of Stegman Landscaping, meets the needs of clients in urban settings who want to add outdoor living spaces, whether they’re in a condo, row-house, or high-rise. “We have installed rooftop gardens in several houses that had tiny gardens,” says Stegman. “We have also created nice outdoor spaces at several of the houses in Newport that have tiny backyards. Those have been a big hit.” Chris Cook of Cru Cutters says urban landscapes and homes are “all the talk right now.” “In Northern Kentucky, we are somewhat still limited to the volume, however, we are seeing more and more each year,” says Cook. “The spaces are typically smaller and more intimate, but have a lot of the same features of the larger single-family homes. We love pulling in unique conversation pieces with something that will start a conversation or spark on the eye.”
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Expand Your Living Space Outside to Bring the Value Into Your Home
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Kim Nachazel, Realtor and Sales Vice President with Sibcy Cline Realtors says she encounters buyers who are seeking homes with wellappointed outdoor living options, “All the time.”
Whether it’s a sunny summer day or a crisp autumn evening, homeowners increasingly want to enjoy their time outdoors. One of the grand pleasures of owning a home is gathering with family and friends in a spacious backyard where they will entertain, dine, and unwind. Homeowners want outdoor space that are as comfortable and accommodating as their living room and dining room. And, as it turns out, adding outdoor features that seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor living are a wise investment for homeowners, increasing the functional square footage of a home; and, they’re a high demand item for prospective buyers.
Additionally, she says, homes with great outdoor spaces can expect to see fewer days on the market than similarly priced homes without desired outdoor amenities. Homeowners looking to add value to their property before selling during the next home-buying season, or who simply want to create a space for you and friends and family to enjoy, but that will add value are wise to consider in-demand outdoor features.
id farewell to the days when homeowners define the parameters of their home comforts to only well-designed interiors. Thanks to the quality and functionality of outdoor living spaces, homes are now enjoyed in an altogether different way.
Inviting outdoor kitchens and dining spaces redefine how we dine, and built-in fireplaces on sweeping patios with interesting textures may well be the new family room. Outdoor living and entertainment spaces are gaining momentum as the next big trend and must-have amenity for homes.The National Association of REALTORS’® (NAR) 2018 Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features, took a deep dive into 13 outdoor residential projects and 10 commercial projects, highlighting the reasons why property owners complete outdoor projects, their value – both financial and emotional – that the projects render, and the increased happiness the finished projects bring to homeowners. For instance, the report found that a professionally installed patio can cost $7,200, with the estimated cost recovered is at $5,000. Homeowners wind up with a 69 percent return on their investment. That adds up to homeowner satisfaction, both while they reside in the home as well as when they choose to sell their home. 10
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“The outdoor space is an extension of the home,” says Nachazel. “It is a desired feature at any price point, but expected at $350,000 on up.”
TRADITIONAL COOKOUT TAKES ON NEW AMBIANCE Culinary conveniences matter. Cooking and food preparation has become as central to entertaining as the meal itself, and more buyers are seeking amenities that include an outdoor refrigerator, sink, and counter space.The NAR report’s findings showed that a professionallyinstalled outdoor kitchen, at an estimated $14,000, results in an estimated recovered cost of $10,000 for a 71 percent value recovered from the project for the homeowner. As for key features homeowners are looking for, Debbie Robke, with The Scarlett Realty Group, LLC, Keller Williams Realty Services says most folks are looking for design and functionality in their outdoor space. “Whether buyers desire a yard or a balcony or patio, they are looking for a space for grilling and entertaining,” says Robke. “Features that have risen in popularity include outdoor fireplaces or fire pits for gathering with friends and family. Grilling for some has become an art form. With specialty charcoal or wood grills and smokers increasing in popularity – having a space for that has become important. Taking meal preparation outdoors is a trend that has been popular for a while.”
Nachazel says buyers also want large spaces convenient to the kitchen, with built-in or outdoor grills. She says covered porches and patios are popular, especially those that feature fireplaces. Porches remain a traditional and perennial favorite, particularly those that can be used for multiple seasons. “People are now more likely to enjoy a well-constructed screened-in porch or three-season room,” says Robke. “The additional space and privacy adds value and usable square footage and that is very desirable. This space provides for an outdoor experience, indoors.” Creating a practically seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces such as installing collapsible window walls that allow outdoor living areas, become an extension of indoor living space, Robke says it’s not surprising to see stamped concrete patios and customized outdoor spaces. “If you can dream, you can build it,” she says, adding that over half of homeowners spend $10,000 or more customizing their outdoor space. Outdoor features such as decks are moving toward more composite products which can be personalized to the taste of the homeowner. PLAN WELL BEFORE ‘DIVING’ IN As outdoor spaces go, water features are not all created equally. Fountains, waterfalls and pools, and Koi ponds are all popular features, adding an essence of serenity and sanctuary to a backyard. But pools, Robke points out, vary in desirability simply because of their maintenance. “In our area, pools do not add as much value as in warmer states, and, in some cases, can detract from value,” says Robke. If the pool is older and needs upgrading, it can actually result in a lowering of the value of a home.”
She says when buyers ask her whether they should add a pool on property they’ve purchased, she advises that they add it for their own enjoyment and not to consider it a value-added amenity for the purpose of resale. Other attractive recreation amenities include basketball and tennis courts as well as sand volleyball courts and putting greens, which appeal to health-conscious homeowners and families with active children. Such features allow for staying active without having to make a drive to the gym. these types of features are especially appealing, allowing them to get in a game without having to go to the gym.
“The outdoor space is an extension of the home,” says Nachazel. “It is a desired feature at any price point, but expected at $350,000 on up.” A LITTLE SOMETHING EXTRA The key when planning outdoor features, counsels Robke, is to avoid over-improving your home for your neighborhood; otherwise, she cautions, the return on investment for any outdoor space improvements will be dependent on this. That said, a wellplanned, well-executed outdoor feature can seal the deal and be mutually beneficial to both seller and buyer. “It may be a seller’s market, but buyers are looking for that little something extra in the home they buy,” says Robke. “Well-done outdoor spaces are the little something extra that can sway a buyer’s opinion whether to make an offer or not. With the average return on investment of 80 percent on well-done spaces, this may well be an investment now that will help with the resale later.”
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GUSTIN CONSTRUCTION Craftsmanship. Elegance. Style. If you are looking for a beautiful custom-built home, remodel, upgrade or addition, please look no farther than Gustin Construction. We are one of Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky’s premier custom home builders. For the last 15 years, we have earned a reputation as a builder of impeccable quality homes. In addition, Gustin Construction handles commercial work and tenant finish, roof repair and backyard transformations. We stand behind our work to ensure that our clients are completely satisfied with every detail of their home build or remodel. Our craftsmanship stands out – whether it’s our work on your kitchen cabinet upgrade or your new pool sitting in a backyard oasis – we take pride in everything we do. The same, time, effort and pride we take building your custom home is what we give our clients ready to tackle a remodel or addition. We provide our clients with on-time, on budget projects. Don’t just take our word for it – Gustin Contruction homes have been featured in Cavalcade of Homes, Tour of Remodeled Homes and Homefest Northern Kentucky. Gustin Construction has won many awards for their work including “Favorite Home” and “Favorite Interior Design People’s Choice Award at the 2016 Northern Kentucky Homefest. 12
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Gustin Construction founder Gustin Andrew McKinley has more than 25 years experience in the home building business, and is a member of several community organizations including the Building Industry Association of Northern Kentucky, Home Builder Association of Greater Cincinnati, National Association of Homebuilders, The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Carnegie Board Member. He has a degree in construction management from Northern Kentucky University. He and his wife Carrie and their two daughters reside in Northern Kentucky, where he has been a life-long resident. His extensive knowledge is shared with all clients from project start to finish. For a recent project in the Triple Crown subdivision of Union, Ky., Gustin Construction completed an intricate mosaic tile porch ceiling and hand-made copper features throughout. The railing system is adorned with decorative copper vines and leaves. The copper gutter system was custom made on site to divert water to the two rain chains that cascade down to a bronze statue. The upper covered porch leads down to a lower patio that has a sitting area and outdoor fireplace outdoor entertaining in all seasons. Beyond the patio is a pergola with continued distinguished details on its railings and counter top from which to enjoy a beautiful waterfall in the yard.
Housing Opportunities of Northern Kentucky (HONK) is a nonprofit organization with 25 years of success in guiding families on the path to homeownership. HONK provides affordable homeownership opportunities through a lease-to-own program, offering faith, education, and support to lower income residents of Northern Kentucky. To apply for homeownership through HONK, please visit www.honkhomes.org/apply-for-housing
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CRU CUTTERS Cru Cutters LLC is a full-service landscape design, construction and maintenance firm servicing the Northern Kentucky region since 2003. In 2007, Cru Cutters began offering construction services such as, hardscapes, patios, retaining walls, pools and plant installation, and by 2010 landscape construction became Cru Cutter’s main focus. It is Cru Cutter’s mission to provide professional quality landscape services that you can rely on any time of the year for any outdoor landscape project. Cru Cutters takes great pride in our craftsmanship and are detailoriented throughout the entire landscape construction process: design, project maintenance and installation. Our landscape maintenance division services both residential and commercial customers. Services include: mowing, bed maintenance, pruning, mulching, spring and fall clean ups, annual flowers, leaf removals and irrigation management. In addition, Cru Cutters offers a unique service during the winter months: providing snow and ice services before, during and after a storm. This project in Fort Mitchell, KY has many unique features in both the front and back yards. The front yard features gas-lit light posts, new landscaping and a new integral-color concrete driveway. The 14
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back yard is truly a unique outdoor living experience which includes a custom pool with a custom, automated safety cover and a 3 sheer descent waterfall. The pool house, which was constructed by Cru Cutter’s sister company, Beaumont Building Group, was the newest addition to this outdoor living project. The pool house includes an outdoor wet bar, while the inside features a full bathroom and basement storage. The travertine pool deck and landscaping create the flow up to the oversized custom woodburning firepit and hot tub, where this multi-level outdoor living space continues. This project encompasses numerous outdoor living features in one design, thus adhering to Cru Cutter’s motto of Creating and Maintaining Beautiful Outdoor Living Spaces.
• Pool house includes outdoor wet bar, full bathroom, basement storage
• Gunite pool with automatic safety cover • 3-sheer descent waterfall into pool • Travertine pool deck and patio • Oversized custom woodburning gas-start firepit • Driveway features integral color concrete with paver boarder • Grass paver parking area accented with stone piers and custom gas light posts