Better weather is rapidly approaching, are you prepared to enjoy it? Have you considered adding a sunroom or an all season room to your home? BUILDING TRUST BLOG EMBRACE THE OUTDOORS: 6 HOME RENOVATIONS THAT CREATE BACKYARD BLISS How to build to bring the outdoors in. Back to Blog 2024-04-04 Creating your Outdoor Oasis In Upstate South Carolina, enjoying the outdoors often means finding ways to manage heat, humidity, insects, pollen, rain, and seasonal temperature changes. Renovating can create a comfortable transition between the home and backyard while providing natural light, outdoor views, and protection from the elements. When homeowners say they want to “bring the outdoors in,” they are usually looking for living space that connects the conditioned interior of the home to the backyard. They want sunlight, fresh air, and outdoor views with more comfort and protection than an uncovered patio provides. How do you choose the right solution for your family? Decisions, Decisions Preference dictates the perfect design. How much nature feels natural for your space? Some families want a climate-controlled room that functions like the rest of the house. Others mainly want shade, airflow, and protection from insects or pollen. Features such as large sliding or folding doors can also allow a conditioned room to open onto a porch or patio, creating a flexible connection between the two spaces. The decision ultimately depends on end use. What elements will support the household’s routine? Will it serve as a year-round daily living space? Is protection from insects and pollen the priority? Will the family cook outdoors, watch television, entertain guests, or gather around a fire? How important are fresh air, outdoor views, and direct access to the yard? The same space may serve several purposes as the weather and the homeowner’s needs change. Budget then helps determine the appropriate level of structure and enclosure. An uncovered deck or patio is generally the least costly category, while a fully conditioned sunroom addition is usually the most expensive. Covered porches, screened spaces, and vinyl enclosures fall somewhere in between. Project costs increase with the level of enclosure and complexity at the rough-in stage, which includes electrical systems, plumbing, and HVAC. If you want to modify your home, these six options can maximize your connection to the outdoors. Each offers a different level of comfort, weather protection, maintenance, and investment. Four-Season Sunroom A true sunroom is a four-season room. It is conditioned, insulated, and constructed to function as another room in the home. An abundance of glass introduces natural light and broad outdoor views while the structure itself protects the interior from changing weather. Since a four-season sunroom is connected to a permanent heating and cooling system, it can be used as a sitting room, television room, den, dining area, home office, or other daily living space throughout the year. A sunroom may be built as an addition, an expansion of an existing room, or a detached structure. Regardless of its location, it requires many of the same components as other finished living spaces, including a proper foundation, insulation, electrical work, and HVAC. A new sunroom is generally the most significant investment among these options, but it also provides the highest level of comfort and year-round usability. Three-Season Room A three-season room is a compromise between a conditioned sunroom and a screened porch. Rather than insulated glass windows and permanent HVAC, it often uses flexible vinyl window panels that resemble glass and can be opened or closed as conditions change. These panels help block wind, rain, and pollen, which is especially valuable during spring in the South. A three-season room is not typically connected to the home’s central heating and cooling system. Though it isn’t a fully conditioned living space, portable heating or air-conditioning equipment can extend its functionality for most of the year. Screened Porch A screened porch provides shade and airflow while keeping insects out. Screens may be permanent, manually retractable, or motorized. Retractable systems offer greater flexibility because the space can function as an open porch when the screens are raised and a protected gathering area when they are lowered. Some screened porches combine retractable screens with retractable vinyl panels. This allows the same area to function as an open porch, screened porch, or three-season room depending on the weather. It is a useful option for homeowners who enjoy open-air living but want additional protection. Covered Porch, Patio, or Pavilion These structures offer overhead protection without side enclosures. A porch is generally a raised, deck-like structure attached to the home, while a patio is usually constructed at ground level with a masonry surface. A pavilion is typically detached from the home. A roof can be added when the foundation and framing are designed to support the additional load. Fans, built-in heaters, and fireplaces can make a covered space comfortable during more of the year. These areas are more exposed to the elements than screened or vinyl-enclosed rooms, but they provide a direct connection to fresh air and the surrounding landscape. Open Deck or Patio An uncovered deck or patio provides the most open outdoor experience. Decks are typically elevated and constructed with wood or low-maintenance composite material. Patios usually sit at or near ground level and use concrete, brick, stone, or pavers. Without a roof or enclosure, these spaces remain exposed to sun and precipitation. Firepits and portable heaters can improve comfort during cooler weather, but they do not offer the same protection as a covered or enclosed space. Conservatory A conservatory is related to a sunroom but has a more specialized architectural character. Conservatories traditionally feature a high percentage of glass in both the walls and roof, creating a bright environment for plants. A custom conservatory can also serve as a sitting or dining area. However, the extensive use of glass requires careful planning for solar heat gain, moisture, ventilation, and structural loads. Popular Amenities for Outdoor Living An outdoor kitchen is an amenity that can be incorporated into a patio, deck, porch, pavilion, or courtyard. The design may include a built-in grill and work surface or a more complete arrangement with refrigeration, plumbing, storage, a sink, and specialty appliances such as a pizza oven. The appropriate scope depends on how the homeowner plans to cook, entertain, and dine outdoors. Other popular features include fireplaces, built-in ceiling heaters, fans, sound systems, large sliding or folding doors, porch swings, and hot tubs. Low-maintenance materials that do not require frequent painting or staining are also popular. These features must be considered early because they affect the structure and utilities. A hot tub adds substantial weight and requires proper structural support. Heaters, televisions, lighting, and sound systems need electricity in specific locations. An outdoor kitchen may require electrical, gas, water, and drainage connections. What’s the Plan? It is most economical and efficient to select the amenities of your outdoor space before construction begins. For example, if a homeowner builds an open deck and later decides to add a roof, they may learn that the original footings and framing were not engineered to carry the additional weight. A complete plan does not require every feature to be installed at once. It allows the structure, electrical service, gas lines, plumbing, drainage, lighting, and controls to support both the current project and possible future phases. Outdoor electrical work also requires appropriate weather protection and code-compliant placement. Existing structures must be evaluated before a roof, screen system, or enclosure is added. Their suitability depends on age, condition, construction quality, code compliance, foundation, and framing. Building onto an older structure can be difficult if it was not designed for additional loads. Getting Started Daniel Builders has created outdoor living environments throughout Upstate South Carolina that incorporate covered decks, retractable screens, pavilions, covered patios, vinyl-enclosed three-season rooms, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, heaters, game rooms, courtyards, and four-season sunrooms. For homeowners in Greenville, Anderson, Seneca, and the surrounding Upstate communities, the right solution begins with evaluating the site, intended use, and budget. Daniel Builders develops the architectural plan, selections, scope of work, and fixed price before construction begins, providing clarity around both the design and investment. If you are considering a sunroom, three-season room, screened porch, covered patio, deck, or custom outdoor living space, speak with a Daniel Builders Project Guide at 864.506.5546 or get your renovation started here! < Previous Next > Back to Blog SEE OUR WORK LET'S TALK We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re ready to start a major remodel, or simply learn more about our process, we’re ready to assist. How can Daniel Builders renovate for you? GET STARTED

Design ideas, custom renovation inspiration, kitchen remodels, bathroom remodels, and updates from Daniel Builders. Subscribe to the Building Trust Blog today. BUILDING TRUST BLOG CLEAR FILTERS Please select one filter at a time. Click the CLEAR FILTERS button between selections. START HERE (Click here to select) ABOUT US (Click here to select) ASK THE EXPERT (Click here to select) RENOVATION GUIDE (Click here to select) TRENDING TOPICS (Click here to select) TOP OF PAGE MAKING THE CUT: WHAT IT TAKES TO JOIN OUR BUILD TEAM 2026-09-25 Read More Sam Parkinson, Build Director, discusses how he defines professional success. THE BUILD PROCESS: WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A HOME REMODEL FROM DEMO TO COMPLETION 2026-08-28 Read More Sam Parkinson, Build Director, discusses what happens on the job site during each step of a home remodel. CLEMSON RETREAT TOUR & TIPS FOR REMODELING A SECOND HOME 2026-07-31 Read More Join David Bass as he walks through a recent collaboration between Daniel Builders, Brad Ramsey Interiors, and MHK Architecture. GUIDING THE VISION: HOW TO DEFINE THE SCOPE OF A RESIDENTIAL REMODEL 2026-06-26 Read More Patrick Rawlins, Project Guide, shares how he helps clients determine whether remodeling is the best path forward. A SPEC-TACULAR BUILD: WHY BUY A SPEC HOME? 2026-05-29 Read More Our co-founder, Daniel Jachens, tells the story behind the first Daniel Builders spec house. Are you looking for renovation inspiration and insight? Thought provoking topics abound! Explore the art, science, and options of remaking your home with a custom renovation. 1 2 3 4 5 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 ... 28 1 2 3 ... 28 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 ... 28 CENTURY HOME REMODEL This must-see documentary chronicles the renovation of a home that was constructed over 100 years ago. Daniel Builders performed a full remodel of this beautiful historic home. WATCH THE VIDEO

A historic home near downtown Pendleton South Carolina was completely remodeled by Daniel Builders with materials reused from the original home. TRADITIONAL INTERIOR Pendleton Bathroom Kitchen Whole Home This home was originally constructed over 100 years ago. Daniel Builders performed a full remodel of this beautiful historic home utilizing a Guide-Design-Build process. The house was stripped down to the studs and expanded with a two-story addition, resulting in an increase of total living space from 2,200 square feet to 3,900 square space. The remodel incorporated many reclaimed materials to achieve a finished product that harkens back to the home’s original construction. The beam and mantle in the living room were crafted from old framing materials, while the wainscoting in the dining room was made from reclaimed paneling salvaged from the old addition that was demolished. The ceiling and fireplace in the master bedroom were also constructed using reused materials. Attention to detail and commitment to maintaining the original character is immediately evident upon entering the home. The additional square footage (1700 square feet) enhances functionality while bolstering the home’s historic charm. Modern and classic design elements are beautifully blended to endure for decades to come. Previous Next Back to Projects Gallery

Our best custom home renovations and home remodels. Trust your kitchen remodel, bathroom remodel, and custom home renovation to us South Carolina! RESIDENTIAL PROJECT GALLERY Custom remodels have endless variations. Hence the word “custom”. Consider your own home. What part of the layout would you change? How would you revamp the interior design? Maybe you would change the master bathroom, or maybe you have a larger scope of work in mind. Perhaps you love everything about the location of your home but not everything about your home. You’re thinking a full home remodel makes the most sense. From kitchen remodels to custom homes to everything in between, the good news is it’s possible. We do it routinely! Here’s a photo gallery showcasing beautiful homes completed through our custom process. Click an image below to view complete project details and images. Select Project Type Select Community SEARCH MODERN MINIMALIST KITCHEN OPEN CONTEMPORARY KITCHEN THREE SEASON ADDITION CONTEMPORARY LUXURY BATH TRANSITIONAL OPEN CONCEPT MIDCENTURY MODERN INTERIOR CONTEMPORARY OPEN CONCEPT HISTORIC RENOVATION TRANSITIONAL INTERIOR CONTEMPORARY INTERIOR TRADITIONAL EXTERIOR SPACE TRADITIONAL OPEN CONCEPT TRADITIONAL ADA BATHROOM TRADITIONAL INTERIOR CAROLINA CASUAL HOME CENTURY HOME REMODEL This must-see documentary chronicles the renovation of a home that was constructed over 100 years ago. Daniel Builders performed a full remodel of this beautiful historic home utilizing a Guide-Design-Build process. WATCH THE VIDEO LET'S TALK We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re ready to start a major project, or simply learn more about our process, we’re ready to assist. How can Daniel Builders renovate for you? GET STARTED

Clients throughout Anderson South Carolina are utilizing our custom process for their home remodel or home renovation. ANDERSON RENOVATIONS Daniel Builders is renovating homes throughout the Upstate of SC. One area we know and love is Anderson, SC! Homes throughout Anderson South Carolina are being transformed by our Guide-Design-Build team. We invite you to see for yourself. Here are some Anderson homes Daniel Builders transformed with a custom renovation. MIDCENTURY MODERN INTERIOR Previous Next Back to Communities Gallery

In addition to the kitchen renovation the scope of work included a 4 season addition that garnered a Chrysalis award. THREE SEASON ADDITION Keowee Key, Lake Keowee 2020 Bridge Award 2021 Chrysalis Award 2021 Pinnacle Award Bathroom Kitchen Whole Home Beyond upgrading the dated interior, our clients' vision for this beautiful, lakefront home was capturing lake views from multiple vantage points throughout the main level. This required demolishing the center of the home and reconstructing it as an open concept living space. Interior walls were removed, and additional support added above the ceiling so guests experience the view immediately upon coming through the front door. No detail was overlooked as the original set of disjointed spaces were reimagined into a synergistic flow that now features an expanded custom kitchen, new walk- in pantry, mudroom, laundry space, gracious living area, new outdoor three seasons living space, and an elegant master suite. The main living space boasts a custom dry bar and a tiered peninsula that offers additional seating and frames the view from the kitchen. A custom fireplace surround and built-in bookcases beautifully anchor the open great room, while exquisite stone tile and Fantasy Brown marble accentuate focal points throughout the home, providing it with a seamlessly unified aesthetic inviting you to relax and enjoy. Previous Next Back to Projects Gallery

Clients throughout Greenville South Carolina are utilizing our custom process for their home remodel or home renovation. GREENVILLE RENOVATIONS Daniel Builders is renovating homes throughout the Upstate of SC. One area we know and love is Greenville, SC! Homes throughout Greenville South Carolina are being transformed by our Guide-Design-Build team. We invite you to see for yourself. This Greenville home underwent a custom renovation by Daniel Builders. HISTORIC RENOVATION Previous Next Back to Communities Gallery

Whole home renovation started by stripping everything down to the studs before a complete transformation occurred. CONTEMPORARY OPEN CONCEPT Lake Keowee 2022 Bridge Award Bathroom Exterior Upgrade Kitchen Multi Room Whole Home At the project kick-off, the client sincerely asked, “Is this not the ugliest house you’ve ever seen?” They went on to describe their vision for their home which included a more modern feel, higher ceilings, more natural light, space to entertain friends and family and to be able to see straight through the entrance of the house to beautiful Lake Keowee. The original home had low ceilings, dark wood paneling on the walls and several small rooms that made entertaining very difficult. The clients desired a more modern look on the exterior which we achieved by raising the roof, adding some architectural interest at the entry, painting the stone and using a composite material on some of the siding and decking to give a wood look without the added maintenance. Some unique features of the inside of the house included: a vaulted ceiling with timber beams, wood slat wall in the bar area, a hidden pantry entrance in the kitchen, a Zen-like shower with loose stones in one master bath and tile slat walls and a walnut floating vanity in the other. Wood beams in the ceilings highlighted the drastic change in ceiling height as did the new clerestory windows. This home went from being a dark and dreary 1970’s ranch to a sleek contemporary lake home filled with lots of natural light and wood elements, reminding you that it is a lake house after all and it’s ALL about that VIEW!! Previous Next Back to Projects Gallery

Exceptional customer service begins with exceptional people. We're an Upstate, South Carolina based team of highly experienced remodelers and renovation experts, residential and commercial contractors and craftsmen. ABOUT US Daniel Builders started in 2006 with a simple, but clear vision: Build Trust. Well over a decade later, this principle still guides every aspect of our custom process. Daniel Jachens and Bob Cord, owners, offer a combined track record of construction excellence with 35+ years of engineering project management experience. As the business grew, they formed and implemented a leadership team who shared an unwavering commitment to three core values - Jesus Christ, trust, and generous giving. Having a client entrust us with their home is a special honor. This is why we take Building Trust so seriously. We invite you to get to know the Daniel Builders team prior to starting our custom renovation process. Read more by clicking a photo below. FOUNDERS Bob Cord Cofounder Daniel Jachens Cofounder LEADERSHIP TEAM David Bass Chief Operating Officer Anita Rhoads Chief Financial Officer Will Cord Chief Marketing Officer Andy DeLeonardis Guide|Design Director Sam Parkinson Build Director & Safety Manager Andrew Horne Direct Projects Director PROJECT GUIDES Patrick Rawlins Project Guide Manny Figueroa Project Guide DESIGN TEAM Vicki Jordan Design Administrator Brooks Fuller Design Project Manager Brandon Hurtado Design Project Manager Billy Zion Design Architect Lorianne Taylor Architectural Staff Deedra Franklin Architectural Staff ADMINISTRATION Candace Owens Finance Manager Aerika Paxton Sales & Project Coordinator, Direct Projects Jay Harlan Commercial Business Development/Superintendent PROJECT MANAGERS Clay Merritt Project Manager Nathan Dotson Project Manager Jeff Johnston Project Manager Josh Phillips Project Manager Tommy Dacus Commercial Project Manager Tim Cutliff Commercial Division Director CARPENTERS Jacob Santel Build Project Coordinator Chris Earl Trade Specialist Joe Carlton Project Carpenter Peter Washer Project Carpenter Matthew McCord Project Carpenter Garren Alexander Lead Carpenter Dylan James Lead Carpenter Brett Eagan Carpenter Russ Hayes Carpenter David Hudgens Carpenter Joey Sanchez Carpenter Jordan Carver Carpenter Patrick Strothmann Carpenter Whitney Cook Carpenter Ethan Gerard Carpenter Ryan Brownell Carpenter Wes Reeves Carpenter Will Wilkinson Carpenter Andy Lamb Commercial Superintendent Brad Fousek Commercial Superintendent LET'S TALK We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re ready to start a major project, or simply learn more about our process, we’re ready to assist. How can Daniel Builders renovate for you? GET STARTED

Clients around McDaniel Avenue in Greenville South Carolina are utilizing our custom process for their custom home remodel or home renovation. MCDANIEL AVENUE AREA RENOVATIONS Daniel Builders is renovating homes throughout the Upstate of SC. One area we know and love is McDaniel Avenue in Greenville South Carolina! Homes around McDaniel Ave are being transformed by our Guide-Design-Build team. We invite you to see for yourself. This McDaniel Ave home underwent a custom renovation by Daniel Builders. TRANSITIONAL OPEN CONCEPT Previous Next Back to Communities Gallery

Clients throughout Simpsonville South Carolina are utilizing our custom process for their home remodel or home renovation. SIMPSONVILLE RENOVATIONS Daniel Builders is renovating homes throughout the Upstate of SC. One area we know and love is Simpsonville, SC! Homes throughout Simpsonville South Carolina are being transformed by our Guide-Design-Build team. We invite you to see for yourself. Here are some Simpsonville homes Daniel Builders transformed with a custom renovation. CAROLINA CASUAL HOME Previous Next Back to Communities Gallery

Clients throughout Lake Keowee South Carolina are utilizing our custom process for their home remodel or home renovation. LAKE KEOWEE RENOVATIONS Daniel Builders is renovating homes throughout the Upstate of SC. One area we know and love is Lake Keowee in South Carolina! Homes throughout Lake Keowee are being transformed by our Guide-Design-Build team. We invite you to see for yourself. These Lake Keowee home underwent a custom renovation by Daniel Builders. CONTEMPORARY OPEN CONCEPT OPEN CONTEMPORARY KITCHEN Previous Next Back to Communities Gallery