Let’s be honest. Here in Texas, Outdoor Living Space isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s part of our DNA. Whether it’s cooking on the patio, watching the kids splash in the pool, or sitting around the firepit on a cool fall night, our lives happen just as much outside as they do inside.
But you’d be surprised how many folks forget that when designing their custom home.
They get so caught up in floor plans, paint colors, and kitchen tiles that outdoor spaces end up an afterthought. Or worse, a regret.
I’ve seen it happen. And I’ve helped folks fix it. But here are three critical things I tell everyone before they even break ground…
1.Think Long-Term: Plan for Now (and Later)
There are two kinds of outdoor living plans.
The first is building it all upfront – pool, patio, fireplace, outdoor kitchen, the whole deal. If your budget allows, this is the dream. You move in, and it’s all there waiting for you.
The second is building in stages. Maybe you do the pool next year. Perhaps the patio comes after that. Either way, the key is planning now for what you’ll want later. Because if you skip that step, you could find yourself tearing up your brand-new yard just to add plumbing or power lines down the road.
Want an outdoor kitchen eventually? Get the gas lines in place during construction. Thinking about dropdown patio screens? Your builder needs to frame for that differently. Planning on a pool? Run the electrical where it needs to go, even if you’re not digging just yet.
Because if you want an outdoor space you’re still in love with years from now, you need to design with intention – even if it’s built in phases.
2. Know Yourself (And Design For That)
This part’s important. Not every person is an “outdoor” person. That doesn’t mean you don’t deserve a beautiful backyard. It just means it needs to be designed for how you actually live.
Do you entertain a lot? Love grilling? Want to cool off in the pool with your kids? Great – let’s build something that makes that easy and fun.
But if you hate the heat, don’t like bugs, and only step outside to get the mail… maybe an oversized patio isn’t your best investment. Or at least let’s plan for shade, screens, and maybe even some outdoor cooling to make the space usable.
The biggest design mistakes happen when people build for a version of themselves they wish they were… not the one they are.
3. Don’t Let ‘Sexy’ Become a Setback
They look amazing, right? A 20-foot glass wall that opens up your living room to the outside. I get it.
It’s. Showstopping.
But if you install one and forget the drop-down screens? You’ve just opened your home up to a full-blown mosquito party.
Plus, once you open that wall, your house stops being 75 degrees. Unless it’s a perfect spring or fall day, your comfort (and energy bill) is going to feel it.
So if you’re dreaming of big glass sliders, great. Just make sure you’re adding the screens, the shade, and the planning to actually use them without regret.
Your Outdoor Living Space Deserves More Than a Second Thought
Outdoor Living Space in Texas isn’t a “nice bonus.” It’s half the reason we love where we live.
So whether you’re grilling, chilling, or cannonballing – that space needs to work. Not just look good on paper.
And that means thinking ahead, being honest about how you’ll actually use it, and making sure the sexy stuff (like sliders) doesn’t come back to bite you later.
Because when it’s done right? Your backyard won’t just be part of the house.
It’ll be the best room you’ve got – without a roof.
Ready to Design a Home That Works Inside and Out?
Before you start planning patios or picking tile, there are a few must-knows that’ll save you from common headaches down the track. That’s why I put together a free, practical guide:
7 Things You Must Know Before Designing a New Home
It’s packed with practical tips to help you:
- Dodge design traps that cost thousands
- Plan smarter for outdoor spaces (even if you’re staging it out)
- And make sure your dream home doesn’t turn into a regret
It’s quick to read, easy to use, and built for Texans who want to get it right the first time.
Click here to grab your free copy and plan your outdoor living space like a pro.
Read about the journey of Victor. Victor Myers Custom Homes proudly partners with NAHB, TAB, and Dallas BA.
