As the days get longer and the weather warms up, it’s natural to start thinking about spending more time outside. In the New England suburbs, many homes have green lawns, patios, or decks—but not everyone takes full advantage of the potential these exterior spaces offer.
At Gallagher Remodeling, we believe that outdoor living spaces should be just as intentional and enjoyable as the indoor living spaces in your home. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, lounging with a good book, or creating the ultimate play zone for your kids, the right design can make all the difference.
And it’s not too late—spring and early summer are a great time to start planning your exterior remodeling project.Here are a few standout examples of how we’ve helped clients enhance their outdoor spaces to create beautiful, functional environments for gathering, relaxing, and entertaining.
Classic Tudor Backyard Transformation
Our clients had long enjoyed spending time in the backyard of their classic Tudor home, but the aging patio and walkways were in need of repair—and persistent drainage issues were causing water to seep into the basement. They came to Gallagher Remodeling looking for a comprehensive solution: improve the infrastructure, and create a dynamic outdoor space that felt both inviting and functional for entertaining.
Working closely together, we reimagined the backyard as a multi-purpose retreat. The redesigned space now features defined zones for dining, grilling, lounging around a cozy fire, and relaxing in a hot tub. Despite the upgrades, we made sure to maintain a generous lawn area for play and open-air enjoyment.
At the heart of the patio is a round dining table with a built-in lazy Susan, expandable to seat ten—ideal for hosting family dinners or summer parties. Overhead, a pergola-mounted fan keeps the air moving and helps ward off mosquitoes during the warmer months. Materials like the herringbone brick pavers and a curved seating wall echo the architectural character of the house and garage, blending the new outdoor environment seamlessly with the home’s historic style.
With thoughtful design, strategic lighting, and carefully planned construction, this outdoor living space has become an extension of the home—ready to be enjoyed day and night, season after season.
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Award-Winning Backyard for Entertaining and Everyday Enjoyment
When these homeowners turned their attention to the outdoors, they were looking to create a backyard that was as inviting and functional as their newly remodeled interior. The result is a layered outdoor living space that blends natural materials, thoughtful design, and personal touches to make it truly one of a kind.
The elevated deck, built from beautifully weathered red cedar, offers a cozy spot for outdoor dining beneath the shade of a custom pergola. Just steps away, a built-in grill area creates the perfect hub for weekend cookouts. A low stone wall surrounding the barbecue doubles as casual seating—ideal for gathering with friends and sampling one of the homeowners’ own craft brews while the meal comes together.
A curved stone staircase leads down to a spacious lower patio, where a gas fire pit anchors the scene and creates a welcoming spot for conversation long after sunset. Lush plantings frame the entire yard, keeping it vibrant and colorful from spring through fall.
This beautifully executed outdoor space didn’t go unnoticed—it received the Gold Award for Best Residential Landscape at the 2023 PRO Remodeling Awards, and also took home a 2023 PRISM Award from the Builders and Remodelers Association of Greater Boston for “Best Design for Outdoor Living.”
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A Classic Deck for a Fully Renovated Home
While not every outdoor project needs dramatic flair, a well-designed deck can make a world of difference—especially when it connects seamlessly to the heart of the home. That was the goal for this 1936 residence, which underwent a complete renovation both inside and out.
As part of the transformation, we added a spacious new deck directly off the open-concept kitchen and family room, accessible through new sliding doors. The result is a natural extension of the main living space, providing an easy transition to the outdoors for everyday meals, morning coffee, or casual get-togethers.
Simple, timeless, and functional, this deck is a great example of how thoughtful design can enhance daily living—without overcomplicating things. It offers plenty of room for a dining table or lounge furniture, and with its proximity to the kitchen, it’s an ideal spot for family dinners or relaxed weekend entertaining.
This deck was just one element of a much larger whole-home renovation, which also included a stunning kitchen with walk-in butler’s pantry, new bathrooms, a finished basement family room, and dedicated spaces for fitness, laundry, and work. The project earned top honors with a Gold Award for Best Remodel of an Entire Home at the 2024 Professional Remodeling Awards.
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Ready to Transform Your Outdoors?
Whether you’re dreaming of a new patio, an expanded deck, or a full backyard retreat, now is the perfect time to start planning. At Gallagher Remodeling, we’ll work with you to design an outdoor space that reflects your lifestyle, complements your home, and becomes a place where memories are made all summer long—and beyond.
Contact us today to start the conversation. Let’s make your outdoor living space a true extension of your home.