Happy Summer!
Hopefully you’re enjoying your great outdoors this summer. I know we are. Through the years we’ve done a lot of cool outdoor projects for our clients. If you’re looking for some awesome ideas to create your “dream” backyard, front yard or entry, check this month’s SGR slide show. See something you like? Call me for more information.



Backyard Turned Living Room
Imagine adding an additional 2,000 square feet of living space to your home. That’s what SGR client Laura Rector and family did one year ago. But it was to their outside… not in. Laura calls the backyard the family’s “outdoor living room.” Quite simply it’s an extension of their house.

A year after the renovation, Laura says, “We pretty much live outside during the summer.” She offers the following advice to anyone thinking about what to do with their outside areas. She says to consider multiple areas for use. The Rectors have a grilling area, a fire pit, a cabana with kitchen and bathrooms, and the pool. They recently added a pergola. The trees add privacy. A tree house was added for the kids. There are spaces for tables and chairs for entertaining, which Laura says happens a lot. “We have pool parties for kids and outdoor parties for adults. We turn on the pool’s water features in the evening and it gives great atmosphere, “says Laura.

On the topic of working with Steve Gray, Laura says, “He’s phenomenal… We like Steve. He’s a good person and a hard worker.” The Rector family was one of SGR’s first customers. Laura says when she heard Steve was opening his own business, the family called him to have their home indoor renovations completed. A few years later, they called again for their backyard outdoor project. “We weren’t buying a company. We were buying Steve and his customer service.” Laura adds she’s already envisioned what’s next and will be calling Steve for phases three, four, five … and so on.

The ABCs of the Great Outdoors

Activity: Consider the outdoor area and how you’ll use it. Do you have children? Will they play outdoors and invite their friends over for fun, too? Or is this primarily an adult space. What atmosphere and activities are you going for?

Budget: While we all dream big, budget is reality. What can you afford now for impact? Maybe you’re “great outdoors” happens over time.

Consult: Find the right professionals in town to build your dream outdoors into reality. SGR has several partners we work with who honest, ethical and professionals. Just ask.

Welcome Best Cabinets
Our newest SGR partner! Best Cabinets
What’s cool about working with Best Cabinets? Owners Gary Mears and Steve Spencer have many lines of cabinets and countertops to meet anyone’s budget. Check out their Web site for product and ideas. Then contact Gary to set up time to talk. We think he’s a really cool guy and know you will, too.

SGR in the News
We’ve been talking renovation to reporters around town… and even nationally. Check us out in the latest issue of Money Magazine.

We also had the chance to show off our latest kitchen remodel to Tree Boy on WTHR’s Sunrise Show. His story was picked up later on MSNBC.com.

Treeboy Video Part 1
Treeboy Video Part 2

We're also continuing our monthly Home Zone handyman segments on FOX59. Check us out!

Watch our projects on Facebook
Want to keep up with everything new and noteworthy? Friend us on Facebook!

Our Web site shows completed projects. Our Facebook page shows the progress. Pretty cool!

After you friend us… be sure to check out the newly completed garage makeover auctioned and purchased at a Dress for Success Indianapolis fundraiser earlier this year. Thanks again to California Closets and Indy Craft Painting for donating the auction prize in partnership.

Thanks for stopping by our site. We hope you found our newsletter helpful. If you have any questions, please email us, we will be happy to assist and respond. If you would like to receive updates or announcements from Steve Gray Renovations via email, click here.