How a Local Contractor’s Gallery Gave Me Real Confidence About My Outdoor Project

If you’ve ever tried planning a big outdoor project here in Moore, you know the feeling: excitement mixed with that “Am I really doing this?” anxiety. For us, it was spurred on by a string of neighborhood gatherings where my own bare backyard suddenly looked a little, well, underwhelming. Watching friends roll out pizzas from outdoor kitchens while our family meals perched on wobbly plastic chairs, I realized it was time to think bigger.

Talking with neighbors and scrolling through social media was helpful, but I kept running into slick, one-size-fits-all portfolios from builders who didn’t seem to know much about Oklahoma’s soil or our weather. Then I stumbled on a local business—Oasis Outdoor Living Construction in Moore—whose online project gallery felt refreshingly down-to-earth. Instead of showing off only the most extravagant builds, they featured real homes from across our area, with honest before-and-afters and details specific to Oklahoma challenges.

Understanding the Broader Trend

Spending more time at home in recent years has changed how we value our outdoor spaces. According to national studies, outdoor upgrades are among the most in-demand renovations for homeowners, with almost 80% of respondents in a Houzz survey saying they plan to invest in patios, outdoor kitchens, or similar features in 2025. This surge isn’t just about making things look nice; spacious, functional backyards now contribute as much as 15% to a home’s overall perceived value, according to Remodeling Magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value report.

Underlying it all is the shift toward multipurpose “outdoor rooms”—designing spaces for everything from work-from-home days to relaxed weekend BBQs. Locally, Moore homeowners are prioritizing durability as much as design, seeking out materials that stand up to our wild temperature swings and heavy rain. Being strategic—thinking not just about aesthetics, but about maintenance, drainage, and even privacy—has become the new norm.

Staying on top of these trends doesn’t just help avoid expensive mistakes; it also means getting more long-term use and enjoyment from your investment.

What Does an Outdoor Contractor Do?

I used to think all outdoor contractors just poured concrete or hammered together some decking, but diving deeper showed me it’s much more involved. A skilled outdoor contractor like Oasis Outdoor Living Construction handles everything from conceptual design to material selection and project management, tackling patios, decks, pergolas, hardscape installations, and outdoor kitchens.

Key services include custom planning (not cookie-cutter templates), soil analysis, drainage solutions, and handling all the paperwork around permits and local codes. Service can extend to unique challenges like sloped yards, wind exposure, and HOAs with tight rules. Behind the scenes, their expertise reduces costly errors—good contractors know how to prevent common issues like pooling water, foundation cracks, or wood rot, especially in Oklahoma’s challenging climate.

This “full-service” approach is about more than just convenience. It ensures the finished result is safe, tailored, and ready to withstand our local weather for years to come.

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Outdoor Contractor

Deciding to hire a pro wasn’t just about reducing my stress—it was an investment in lasting quality and peace of mind.

• Experience with Local Conditions: Local contractors understand Moore’s clay soils, high winds, and sun exposure, so structure foundations aren’t just strong—they’re smart for the environment.

• Quality Materials and Craftsmanship: They have access to more durable products than what’s at big-box stores, and they build for longevity, not just for the next open house.

• Code/Permit Compliance: Navigating city and HOA paperwork is notoriously tricky. Professionals keep projects legal and up to spec, saving time and money on corrections.

• Time Savings: From design to debris removal, contractors handle every step—turning what could be a summer-long project into a few well-choreographed weeks.

• Confidence and Warranties: Most reputable pros guarantee their work and materials, which adds crucial assurance when your project budget is on the line.

Working with people who know how to blend curb appeal with Oklahoma resilience was the best decision we made.

Why Choose Oasis Outdoor Living Construction in Moore?

Oasis Outdoor Living Construction caught my eye for reasons beyond their portfolio—it was their authentic local approach. Located right in Moore, they’re a small, skilled team with strong roots in the community. Their years of experience are reflected in their focus on custom-tailored designs, using materials that stand up to Oklahoma’s climate.

From the start, their focus was on listening: understanding our daily routines and how we actually use our backyard, explaining design options clearly (no jargon, no hard sell), and walking us through considerations I hadn’t thought of (like matching new patio pavers to my home’s brickwork). Their polite, hands-on way of working, plus excellent communication, made a complex project feel achievable.

Oasis’s attention to detail—in everything from drainage to seating arrangement—set them apart. They’ve built a reputation for honesty and clear expectations, which went a long way in a process that can otherwise feel overwhelming.

Local Considerations for Moore Homeowners

There’s no “one size fits all” for outdoor upgrades in Moore. Our unpredictable weather—hot summers, stormy springs, and those famous Oklahoma winds—demands flexible planning. Local soil is prone to shifting, requiring deep-set footings and attention to grading for decks and patios.

Many of our neighborhoods also face strict design guidelines from HOAs. Professional contractors like Oasis anticipate these hurdles, building within code while still finding creative solutions for privacy, shade, or storage.

Moore homeowners also know outdoor spaces get heavy use. Design must be family-friendly and functional year-round, whether it’s adding shade structures for summer, integrating fire pits for winter, or using windbreaks to enhance comfort. Understanding these unique local challenges keeps your project successful—and stress to a minimum.

Real-Life Example – Oasis Outdoor Living Construction’s Project Gallery

Instead of relying on generic inspiration, I spent time with Oasis Outdoor Living Construction’s gallery: https://byoasisofedmond.com/. What drew me in was how the gallery showcased real projects from our community—decks, pavilions, and complete backyard makeovers, all built with an eye for Oklahoma’s climate and lifestyle.

Rather than only showing magazine-ready builds, the gallery included before-and-after shots, practical details, and even explanations behind certain material choices—like why a sloped yard needed a multi-level deck, or how water management was integrated into a patio design.

For a homeowner (and nervous project planner) like me, seeing examples from actual homes around Moore, Edmond, and Oklahoma City gave me the reassurance to get started. The gallery didn’t just provide ideas; it helped me visualize solutions for my own awkward backyard—right down to patio placement, seating, and finishes designed for real life.

Tips, Ideas, or Solutions for Homeowners

From this experience (and some hard-won hindsight), here are practical takeaways for fellow Moore homeowners:

• Get Visual: Browse real local project galleries—not just Pinterest—so you see solutions built for Oklahoma weather and lifestyles.

• Ask About Drainage: Never skip drainage planning, especially with patios and decks.

• Choose the Right Materials: Composite decking, powder-coated railings, and locally sourced stone last longer and look sharp in our climate.

• Think Year-Round: Design for all seasons—include shade, wind protection, and outdoor heaters or fire features where needed.

• Start with Function: Map out daily uses before picking finishes. Family dinners? Game nights? Garden projects? Designing around actual life ensures you’ll use the space.

• Work with Locals: A builder who understands Moore’s soil, codes, and quirks will help you avoid common (and expensive) pitfalls.

• Check Permits Early: Don’t let paperwork stall your project—start the process with your contractor early, especially if an HOA is involved.

• Get it in Writing: Insist on detailed estimates, timelines, and maintenance plans.

Conclusion

Standing on our finished patio—watching my family and friends relax while a distant storm brews—I’m reminded that real confidence in home improvement comes from good information, trusted local pros, and honest inspiration. Oasis Outdoor Living Construction’s gallery did more than help me dream—it helped me plan with clarity and start my project with peace of mind.

Thoughtful, realistic upgrades aren’t about keeping up with neighbors—they’re about creating spaces that reflect our life here in Moore, through every season and storm. For anyone considering a backyard overhaul, my advice is simple: seek out real examples, learn from local experts, and take time to get it right. Your future self will thank you for it.

Tags: #OutdoorInspiration #MooreHomes #HomeProjects #BackyardUpgrade #LocalContractors