Thinking Outside-The-Box Creates Outdoor Renovation Solution

Wednesday, April 25th, 2018

When a couple bought their new West Knoxville home four years ago, the only thing they couldn’t cross off their home’s wish-list was a screened-in back porch. However, there was a large patio they thought they could transform, so the homeowners shifted “screened-in porch” from the wish-list to the to-do list.

Their initial idea was to put shed roof over the patio, but as they explored that option they realized this would require moving retaining walls and cutting down trees—both of which were prohibitively expensive endeavors. A couple years passed by with “screened-in porch” still on their bucket list, but then the wife came up with another idea. Rather than building onto the existing patio, she wondered what might be possible if they built onto the side of the house, which is where the master bedroom was located. French doors could open onto an outdoor living space if they built it there. They knew right away who to consult with. The wife had been best friends with Grant’s sister growing up, and the husband had played high school golf against Grant. It was time to turn from competition on the greens to collaboration in the backyard. “I should get Grant a Starbucks gift card for how many times he came out,” the homeowner said, adding that they just couldn’t settle on the right plan. A screened-in porch on one side of the house with a patio around the corner at the back of the house just seemed awkward. Then, Grant and Ashley again visited the property, and Ashley saw a third option.

She suggested an L-shaped structure that incorporated the back patio as well as the side of the house, and Grant immediately envisioned how the structure could be tied together with architecturally pleasing gables. “It was like a light bulb went off in all our heads,” the homeowner said, and Grant drew up the plans. “I have to give big kudos to Grant,” the homeowner added, explaining, “Once he drew up the plans, I told him what my firm budget number was, and that I wanted him to nail the costs down as exact to that as possible. When it was all done, we were within 1 or 2% of my number, which is a big win for a construction project. Grant was great at estimating and being accurate.” Once construction started, Justin was the homeowners’ primary contact. The couple had built two homes before, so they were no strangers to the construction process. “I watched each of those two houses go up with minimal attention to detail given, and that was infuriating,” the homeowner said. Their experience with McCamy, however, would be a different story. “From start to finish, the process went great. Justin was terrific, he bent over backwards. And all the subcontractors that were brought in were tremendous. I spent a lot of time watching the trim guys. One of the guys was putting in a column with a rubber mallet. It looked straight to me, but he kept standing back, then he’d make two taps, check it with the level, then did it again until he was perfectly satisfied it was within 1/30 of an inch. Those guys stayed until dark, and to see the expertise and attention to detail was pure perfection. I’ve never felt that good about a project in my life.”

West Knoxville Screened-In Porch

The homeowners worked with McCamy and Holly Young Williams Architect to develop the design, going back and forth until it was just right. The plans included a fireplace with a reclaimed beam mantel and an outdoor heater so the space could be comfortably utilized three seasons. “Again, more than anything, the attention to detail was second to none. Everything was exactly how we wanted it, from the mantle on fireplace to the trex boards, to the color of the ceiling stain to the types of fans, all of it was perfect. They wouldn’t let something mediocre take place—even if I suggested it, they’d tell me why it wouldn’t work as well as I thought it might.” Overall, the homeowners say that the McCamy team’s guidance and expertise were simply tremendous. “It’s 10-times better than I imagined,” the homeowner said, “I think I had something in the back of my mind that was perfect, but I had also gotten myself comfortable to accept if it came out to be 50% of what I had in mind. However, we got even more than 100% of what my perfect vision was.” The family of five have already been enjoying their new outdoor living space. Even as spring poked along with unusually cold and rainy days, they were able to enjoy talking or watching tv outdoors thanks to the mounted heater on the back wall. And as summer rolls in, they envision entertaining and relaxing with friends in the cozy comfort of their outdoor living space.

Permanent outdoor living spaces like this one are a popular trend in East Tennessee. With endless possibilities—such as hanging bed swing or a covered patio with a stone fire pit and rustic beams, you’re ready for outdoor entertaining at a moment’s notice. Tennis courts and pool projects are also popular options. Whatever your dream may be for your outdoor space, we can build it. If you’re considering renovating or building a custom-designed outdoor living space or a new home, we would love to meet with you. Schedule your consultation by filling out this form or give us a call at (865) 247-7068. And follow us on Facebook to see updates on other inspiring projects we’re working on.

McCamy Construction