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Fire and water are important elements to consider when designing an outdoor living space.

Members of the Custom Builders Council of the Greater Houston Builders Association say more homeowners are focusing on the exterior - and a bit of drama adds to the upscale-style desired.

Matt Sneller, owner of Sneller Custom Homes and Remodeling LLC, said many of his clients are requesting fire pits, water features, or both.

"Fire features are very popular," he said. "Most people ask for gas logs. It's easy to flip on - just turn a key and you have instant ambience."

However, glass crystals as an alternative to artificial logs, lava rocks or sand are a popular addition to a fire feature.

People want low maintenance and ease of use, Sneller said, explaining the same is true of water features. "They range from simple urns with a pump to something as complicated as a koi pond with waterfalls and flowing streams," Sneller said. "People simply like the sound of water." 

Water features are a great addition to a covered patio or paved outdoor space, especially for clients who want water without the work that comes with a pool.

"They have a place to entertain outdoors, without the maintenance of a pool," Sneller said. "There are ways to combine fire and water features. At night, it looks really cool. You have the sound of water and the sight of fire."

In addition, clients often request covered patios that can accommodate large outdoor dining tables, Sneller said. They are also installing fans, misting systems, motorized screens and air-conditioning units.

James Cook, custom sales manager of Bison, a Stock Building Supply Co., said the key to adding space is having the right door to open to the outdoor room.

He said there are more options than traditional single doors, French doors and sliding glass to open up space.

"Folding doors can open up space anywhere from 9 to 18 feet," Cook said. "You can open up the entire space from end-to-end."

Doors can be made from metal, fiberglass or wood and may include decorative or insulated glass or iron inserts, which may open manually or can be operated by an electronic motor.

"Bison began selling those doors about five years ago, and their popularity has increased in recent months. We're really starting to see the growth," Cook said, adding Bison offers options for exterior doors as well as a highly trained millwork team to design and build custom solutions for new construction and remodels.

The Greater Houston Builders Association's Custom Builders Council is a unique resource providing professionals who are familiar with the latest trends, and who can offer guidance for any type of custom home.

For information about the Custom Builders Council of the Greater Houston Builders Association, call Donna Buenik, 281-970-8970, Ext. 141, or visit ghba.org/consumers. The Custom Builders Council is an alliance of custom builders and associate members striving to achieve the highest level of professionalism and integrity; to offer customers quality construction and excellent customer service in the industry; to offer continuing education to enhance their abilities; to provide an open forum for communication and exchanging ideas; and to strengthen their political position to help the industry.