The House That Wisdom Built - EP 15: Outdoor Living Done Right

In this episode, Vince and Nathan break down how to design porches, patios, and backyard zones that you will actually use. They compare fixed vs. motorized screens, explain why patio heaters belong in the plans and not as an afterthought, and map out comfortable footprints for lounge, dining, and cooking without crowding. You will hear the real talk on outdoor kitchens, pizza ovens, sun and wind management, turf inlays, and whether a fireplace or a fire pit makes better sense. They also cover pool timing, features that matter, and why a separate spa often delivers more value. If you are building or renovating, this guide will save you from costly do-overs and help you create an outdoor space that feels like a true extension of your home.

What we cover

• Front porch comeback: Community, airflow, and simple upgrades that make it usable.
• Screen strategies: Fixed panels vs. motorized systems, when each makes sense, and why power and framing prep matter.
• Heat and comfort: Ceiling and wall-mount patio heaters, sleeves, clearances, controls, and why this is a mechanical-stage decision.
• Layout zones: Lounge with fireplace, dining for 8–10, and a real cooking station. Typical footprints that avoid a cramped feel.
• Outdoor kitchens: The standard kit (grill, Kamado, sink, trash, drawers, beverage cooler), plus pizza ovens and wood-fired setups.
• Deck vs. slab vs. pavers: Hardscape choices, paths, turf inlays, and maintenance tradeoffs.
• Sun, wind, bugs: Western exposure solutions, overhangs, screens, and the reality of pollen and flies.
• Pools that fit the lot: Why many pools are built with the foundation, tanning ledges, beach entries, and when a separate spa is smarter.
• Fireplace vs. fire pit: Heat, conversation flow, and where each belongs.

Pro Tips

• Plan outside like the inside. Run power, gas, water, and conduit during rough-in. Pretend the patio is a kitchen and living room.
• Oversize now, thank yourself later. A comfortable three-zone porch often needs about 16’ deep by 26’–28’ wide.
• Screens are a system. Budget for power, headers, tracks, and access panels before you frame.
• Heaters need design. Confirm gas vs. electric, amperage, sleeve kits, and control locations during the plans phase.
• Future pool? Ask for the larger gas meter and extra electrical capacity now. Stubbing lines is cheap during rough-in.
• Outdoor audio. Pre-wire landscape speakers along paths and garden beds during trenching.
• Hose bibs everywhere. Add one on the porch and any upper decks for cleaning and plant care.

Gear and ideas mentioned

• Motorized screen systems and fixed panels
• Infrared patio heaters and ceiling sleeves
• Kamado cookers, built-in grills, pizza ovens
• Turf between pavers, crushed granite paths
• Sunken fire pits and pool-adjacent cook sheds

Building Brews & BBQ
Instagram: @buildingbrewsandbbq
YouTube: YouTube.com/@BuildingBrewsandBBQ

Hosts:
Vince Longo
longocustombuilders.com
Instagram: @longocustombuilders

Nathan Walters:
massarossa.com
Instagram: @massarossa

Produced by:
Michael Newman
michaelnewmanfilm.com
Instagram: @michaelnewmanfilm