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Does Your Porch Truly Reflect Your Lifestyle?

porch

In the past, the porch had quite a prominent place in every home. It was a place of gathering, family reunions, friendly neighbor visits and small talk. It was a sort of a summer living room, where homeowners and their guests could catch the refreshing breeze in the shade while the rest of the garden basked in buzzing sunlight. The porch brings memories of a creaking rocking chair and grandpa reading his daily papers. Don’t deny your children these memories when they grow up. A splendid porch should be the elemental to every suburban home.

Where to Start?

The porch should first and foremost be an extension of your house, and as such comfortable as any living room or study. A well-designed and functional porch on the other hand requires careful planning, and a lot of inspiration and creativity. For the beginning, in order for people to feel comfortable, the porch should be spacious. Which can be achieved in two ways, either you make it bigger, or you smartly outline and draw the arrangement of the furniture. You can find different ideas online that can inspire you and let you see what works for you. Whichever option you choose, remember that the porch is a relaxing and soothing space, which shouldn’t break your budget.

How Big is Enough?

back-porchIt goes without saying that the size of your porch will be determined by the thickness of your wallet. You should know that there are several types of porches, like rooftop integrated, wraparound porch, sunroom porch and front porch. Every type comes with its own set of pros and cons, and with a different price. The most common type, however, is the roof integrated, but be warned that this is also one of the most expensive, as it follows the roofline and requires more calculation and complex construction. If you’re looking for a more available option, there you have the front porch, which can be added any time later.

Decorating the Porch

The only rule in decorating your newly built porch is that there are no rules. Everything you do will be directed by your budget and creativity. The safest and the most effective way is to decorate it in a way that reflects your lifestyle and the home interior décor.  In a recent chat with reputed Sydney-based outdoor furniture retailers , I found out that another approach is to decorate the porch according to its purpose. If you want a nap spot, involve a daybed, a swing, a hammock or just a softly cushioned rocking chair with a wool blanket. It is often said that what makes a good porch is a good nap. The best strategy is to have several more chairs on reserve for guests.

Accessories and Embellishment

screened-porchThe extra stylish look of the porch is achieved by decorative wall hangings, while potted plants bring it close to the garden. Match the blankets and pillows to the rug, creating a serene and peaceful color effect. The key is to use as few metal objects as you can and to consider taking the pillows, blankets and even rolling the carpet up indoors, as they tend to absorb moisture if left unattended in rainy weather.

Eventually, you should try to envisage the porch as a sanctuary, a place where you can escape from the stress of your work or house chores. So, however much you invest in it, it will pay back tenfold, providing you with countless hours of pleasure and joy.

 

6 Creative Backyard Improvements for the Summer

Backyard improvements

Summer is almost here and it’s time to leave the house and start enjoying in your backyard. There are some improvements you can make in your backyard in order to prepare it for many interesting things to do during the summer. You will want to create a place where the whole family can gather and spend time together, or where you can organize a party for your friends. Be sure to check out the following tips and start preparing improvements for your backyard.

Prepare a hammock to rest in

Backyard is definitely the best place for resting during the hot summer days. Making a hammock is a great option for an improvement before the summer starts. It provides you with a great place to rest even while you are making other improvements in your backyard. A hammock is the ultimate symbol of relaxation and surely lives up to the name. You can easily make the hammock yourself and place it in a shaded part of your backyard.

Make your own outdoor theater

If you want to gather the whole family in the backyard or call up your friends and make a party, an interesting thing to do is to make an outdoor theater. The only thing you would actually need is the projector. Screen fabric is quite cheap but another idea is to simply pin white sheets to the trees or the wall. Prepare comfortable sitting chairs and get ready to play a movie for your family and friends. You can also make a drink cooler near the chairs in order to make your backyard a great place for watching a movie or a game.

DIY hammock

Create a gym in your backyard

During the summer there is no need for you to go to the gym, since you can make your own in the backyard. It is more enjoyable to stay at home and work out outside in the fresh air. You will save more time and feel better during the training. You can do some of the exercises that do not demand equipment and the only thing you may have to buy is a workout mat.

Make your backyard storage shed

You don’t want to spend much time in public transport or your car during the hot summer days. Riding a bike on a fresh air seems like a better option. You can make a storage shed for your bike and all of your bike accessories in your backyard. You will want to have easy access to your bike since you will use it quite a lot during the summer. The shed can be made out of wood and can be attached to the house or your garage.

Backyard barbeque

Increase lighting in your backyard

If you are going to spend more time in the backyard during the summer, be sure to increase lighting in it. You can add porch lights or rope lighting if you want your backyard look beautiful at night. You can install new lights wherever you want and they will always make your backyard look better. Solar-powered lights are a great option for this, since they do not require and underground wiring and digging in your backyard.

Build a backyard barbeque

Backyard barbeque is a great backyard improvement option for the summer and you can make it by yourself. You can build it in such a way that it completely fits in the backyard. It is up to you to choose whether you want a simple barbeque or a complex smoker. You can make a fire pit or install a gas grill. Whichever options you choose, you will enjoy the meals prepare in your backyard.

If you want to enjoy summer the way you never did before, try these things and create a family or party ambience in your backyard. Prepare all of your equipment and start working on these improvements in order to get a beautiful backyard where you will spend much of your free time during the summer.

 

Grilling in the Great Outdoors – Essential Ideas for Your Outdoor Kitchen

outdoor kitchen

source: telecomwiz.com

Building an outdoor kitchen isn’t easy, and there are a great many things to consider when you’re planning your next outdoor improvement. Designing from the ground up isn’t easy, but you’re in luck – part by part, we’ll cover some of the basic elements of the outdoor kitchen and give you a solid base for the work to come.

Outdoor cooking is more popular than ever before, so there’s a lot of inspiration to go around. Let’s have a look at some of the best ideas to build around.

The Pizza Oven

If you’ve never had a brick-oven pizza, you’re missing out on something special. With the right bricks and the perfect design, you can make better pies than anyone else in the neighborhood. The best part? You pick the ingredients. Whether it’s sausage or sardines, you can choose your own daily special.

pizza oven

source: pcbrickovens.com

The Grill

Your options are virtually endless when it comes to the outdoor kitchen’s mandatory grill. If your space is located near your indoor kitchen, you can easily choose to extend your electric or gas hookups to a gas grill. Prefer charcoal? Even that can be elegant.

outdoor kitchen grill

source: baysideoutdoorcentre.com.au

The Bar Cart

If your current version involves a Styrofoam cooler and a bag of ice from the gas station, it might be time for an upgrade. If you plan to host parties involving anyone you’d like to impress, a bar cart is a worthy investment.

bar cart

source: img2-3.timeinc.net

Remember the Basics

It’s easy to get caught up in the construction and the appliances, but storage is equally – if not more – important. The more thought you put into essentials like storage and garbage, the happier you’ll be when you’re cooking in your new kitchen.

outdoor storage solutions

source: fourgenerationsoneroof.com

Protect Your Kitchen

It’s important to consider the protection of your investment. Even if you live in a region that’s not concerned with rain or snow, you’ll still have to worry about wind, dust and sun damage. Be sure to keep your outdoor living space safe.

protect your outdoor kitchen

source: img.hgtv.com

Don’t Neglect Ventilation

You may be outdoors, but that doesn’t keep you out of the woods when it comes to smoke. If your neighbors live downwind, there’s a good chance you’ll hear about the smoke produced by your cooktop or grill. Think ahead and save yourself some trouble by looking into some proper ventilation.

 outdoor kitchen ventilation

source: cchpools.com

Don’t Forget the Kitchen Sink

Even if you’re just building a small outdoor BBQ, having a sink nearby can make your life easier every time you pick up the tongs. If an extension of your water source is in the budget, you certainly won’t regret the installation.

 outdoor kitchen sink

source: wowhomedesign.net

Rooftop Grilling

The backyard is the go-to standard when it comes to outdoor kitchens, but have you considered the roof? It can eliminate those smoke concerns we mentioned earlier, and it provides a better view besides. If your home is built in such a way as to sustain it, moving the backyard grill to the top of the roof might be the best thing you’ve done this year.

 rooftop grilling

source: kalamazoogourmet.com

Go Country

If you live in the right climate, the southwestern look is the standard for a reason. It fits in perfectly with the countryside, and it inherently reflects the natural surroundings.

 country outdoor kitchen

source: kleinslandscaping.com

Winter is Coming

Outdoor kitchens aren’t limited to dry climates. There are appliances and building materials that can stand up to snow and rain season after season.

outdoor kitchens source: weblando.com

A Garden is the Perfect Touch

Nothing goes with an outdoor kitchen like a garden. It offers more than just a vivid look and a fresh scent – you can harvest fresh herbs growing just steps away. If that doesn’t improve your culinary skills, nothing will.

outdoor kitchen garden

source: www.devcenteronline.com

An outdoor kitchen can bring another dimension to your family’s life at home, and that’s not all – it can also increase the value of your home, improving the resale value when you’re ready for a change of scenery. Making the right choices during its design and construction will pay every type of dividend imaginable.

 

Tips on Creating a Truly Stunning Landscape

garden-tips

Making your garden a functional and eye pleasing place is not an easy task. Both of these aspects require careful planning, implementation and maintenance. Of course, without an initially well thought out idea the chances of getting a satisfactory final result is practically impossible. Yes, it is true that there are many possible  and existing stunning gardens that are so different when compared, however, they all share several universal characteristics and this is what is going to be covered here, giving you

Color Harmony

garden-flowersYour house and your garden need to be in perfect harmony if you wish to leave an impression and have an overall recognizable landscape. What this really means is that the dominant color of your façade needs to be followed by complementary or analogous colors that are dominant in your garden. Chose a scheme that pleases you the most and opt for flowers and bushes accordingly. Wood and terracotta colors are always a win when it comes to garden accessories and sheds, as well as flower pots.

Surface Levels

Practically, there are two possible approaches, a single level and a multi level terrain. Both of them have their upsides and downsides and both can be a great base for creating a stunning landscape, just as is proven in nature. The safest way to go would be, if you can choose in the first place, to let your house dictate. If it is a one storey house, single level terrain would be a safe choice. On the other hand, two or more storey homes would be better accompanied by multi level terrain, that is, if the circumstances allow any adjustments at all.

Trees and Bushes

garden-tropicalThis is another area where proportion plays the most important role. By all means make a difference between the trees you choose and the bushes you opt for, in term of height. If they are of similar height they will blend into an indistinguishable whole making you uniform in all negative aspects of the term. In a recent talk with the people behind Sydney-based company Priority Trees, I found out that this type of mistake is very common and that people change their flora several years after planting it due to not being initially informed. Therefore, when you narrow your choice to a few of each category, do your research on expected height of different types of trees and shrubs you are considering and only then make your final choice.

Less is More

By all means do not clutter your garden, rather let it breathe. Every item you chose for it needs to be clearly visible and identifiable; otherwise it should not be there in the first place. This means from the distance and up-close as well, so make sure you do not put too much of anything.

Final Touches

As a matter of fact, they do not exist in the exact meaning of the word. The work and creation never ends since almost everything in your garden is a living organism. Keeping your garden landscaping ideasimpeccable is necessary to keep its stunning appearance, so, be prepared to dedicate a lot of energy and time.

As you can see, every step in creating and maintaining a stunning landscape needs to be carefully planned and taken. However, all the hard work required will be more than rewarded and surely will not go unnoticed.

You may also consider adding a stunning Gazebo or Pergola to your landscaping project!  Be sure to contact us for your outdoor addition needs!

Inspiring Ways to Add Privacy to Your Yard

privacy fence

As a hot summertime is coming, we should take a proper care of our yard. It’s the only place where we can enjoy total peace and flamboyant nature. Can you imagine how amazing the feeling is when you come home exhausted from work and take a nap in your comfy hammock settled in the shade in front of your house? Our yards are our personal kingdom, a secluded getaway that we treasure and save only for ourselves. But, what happens when someone disturbs such harmony?

Over the course of time, people have become overly interested in other people’s lives and habits. If you have ever spotted your neighbor peeking through your fence, don’t despair. That happens to all of us. While some people just gave up, the other ones are still looking for most effective ways to add privacy to their yard. If you would like to make your yard more peaceful and creative, here are some inspiring tips to tickle your fancy.

Install a Fence

backyard fenceSetting the fence up is definitely the most traditional and effective way to enclose your yard. There is a really wide choice of fences, including their structure, shape and dimensions that all depend on your yard. However, you should definitely pay attention to the materials you are planning to use. Although white wood picket fence has been a dream of most house owners, you should think twice before setting it up. When installing such fences, you need to be ready for a huge commitment. You need to know how to maintain wood fence panels properly in order to make them look great. If you don’t want to spend a lot of time taking care of your fence, you should definitely choose one that is easy to maintain like powder-coated aluminum or vinyl.

Green up Your Yard with a Hedge

Some people consider walls and fences overly conservative and isolating. If they would make you feel confined in your own backyard, create privacy with beautiful hedgesmaybe installing a hedge is a perfect solution for you. Hedges have the same purpose as the most expensive fences or walls, adding both safety and aesthetical value to your yard. The choice of hedges is really wide and the most common division is into evergreen and deciduous ones. If you want to make your exterior more unique and creative, you could also combine several kinds of hedges with other plants and trees, which will add vivacity to your yard.

Opt for Delicate Lattice

If you feel that a traditional fence isolates you completely from your surroundings, you should look for alternative ideas. One of the most amazing ones is installing a delicate lattice, which has various purposes. It will seclude your yard perfectly and, since it doesn’t take up a lot of your yard, it can be installed everywhere.  Most importantly, lattice panels are easy to install and maintain. Setting them up, you will finally have an opportunity to grow your favorite flowering shrubs, climbing roses or tidy vines.

Personalize Your Favorite Nook

shade sailIf redecoration and reorganization of the entire yard is too complicated or expensive to you, you could also pick your favorite part of the yard and make it unique. Such a place should be provided with enough sunlight, shade and comfort. For example, you could look for shade sails online, as they are an amazing solution for both sunny and rainy days. You could install your favorite garden furniture, light fixtures and a comfy hammock under them and be sure that nothing could ruin your relaxation.

What we can conclude is that people who have a yard are really lucky. They are provided with an amazing opportunity to enjoy every spring or summer day in peace, isolated from the outdoor noise and views. That’s exactly why you need to add privacy to your yard. All you have to do is to be creative. You can play with various kinds of fencing, combine them and create a real heaven on earth. Following these tips, you will manage to create a safer yard and finally be able to completely relax.

4 Tips To Keep Your Air Conditioner Running Smoothly

Why Does My Air Conditioner Keep Breaking?
Common Air Conditioning Problems and Their Causes

With the heat of summer upon us, there’s no better relief than the cool breeze of an air conditioner. However, that chilly relief can quickly disappear due to several common air conditioner problems. Air conditioners are complex machines that can suffer from various issues due to lack of maintenance, age or damage. Here are some examples of the most common problems that air conditioners can suffer from to help you get out of the heat and into the cool once again.

cleaning air conditioner filters
Replacing or cleaning air conditioner filters is a critical maintenance task. | Photo courtesy of ©iStockphoto/firemanYU.

Dirty Air Filter

Air conditioners work by taking hot air from the room, expelling it outside and circulating in cool air. However, a dirty air filter can easily cause the air flow to decrease. Low air flow means it takes much longer for the room to cool down, which wastes energy and puts unnecessary wear and tear on the unit.

The filter should always be checked and cleaned at the beginning and end of the season to ensure that it’s always fairly clean. It’s also a good idea to check the filter at least once a month to see if there is significant buildup. If there is, a quick vacuuming or rinsing it in the bathtub will make it as good as new.

Faulty Wiring

Wiring issues are actually fairly easy to detect in units with digital control panels. If the display doesn’t activate at all or shows errors, there’s likely a wiring issue present. If the panel lights up and shows no errors, it could still possibly be a wiring issue, but the chances are low. Another sign of failing wiring is if the unit turns off randomly or has difficulty turning on.

Wiring issues typically occur over time due to accidental damage, wear and tear and possibly animals. It’s always best to consult a professional when diagnosing and repairing wiring problems.

Refrigerant Leaks

Possibly the most important aspect of your air conditioner is the refrigerant. It is a chemical substance that cools down the air that enters the room. Without it, your air conditioner is really nothing more than a big fan. If your air conditioner is not blowing cool air and the filter is clean, it may indicate that the unit is low on refrigerant and possibly leaking.

Refrigerant can be replaced fairly easily, but it generally shouldn’t need to be refilled unless it wasn’t properly filled to begin with. A professional can check for and repair any leaks in the unit for you.

Drainage Problems

Air conditioners also act as dehumidifiers, which means they need to be able to drain all of the water that they remove from the air. That is why it is suggested that air conditioners be installed at a downward angle to ensure that the excess water can merely drip off of the back of the unit. Some bigger units may have a separate drainage hose to help remove the water. Drainage issues can cause the unit to suddenly shut off and it may also cause corrosion and damage to internal parts.

Drainage problems are also fairly easy to diagnose as they typically cause a noticeable tapping or dripping noise when the unit is active. Some units also have an indicator on the front that can tell you when there’s a problem with the drainage system. Luckily, it’s also fairly simple to fix most drainage issues. Repositioning the unit to point downwards can help drain the water. You can use a small piece of wood to help raise the front end if necessary. You can also carefully drill some holes in the bottom of the unit to help it drain. Keep in mind that this will likely void your warranty. In addition, ensure that you drill in areas that are open and away from important mechanical parts. For a drainage hose, remove the hose and ensure that there are no obstructions such as leaves, grime or even small animals. Ensure that the hose is properly installed as well.

Conclusion

Like any machine, air conditioners are vulnerable to damage, wear and tear, lack of maintenance and more. Luckily, most of these problems are not irreparable. With a keen eye, some simple maintenance and perhaps the help of a professional, you can get your air conditioner back in proper working order to help beat the summer heat.

6 Tips To A Successful Raised Bed Garden

raised bed veggie garden
Source: http://www.diynetwork.com/topics/raised-beds/index.html

Small yards, city dwelling or soil that’s sandy, rocky or full of clay – it seems no obstacles can keep Americans from the joys of gardening. When space constraints or soil conditions make traditional gardens impossible or inconvenient, gardeners turn to raised beds and planter boxes to grow the vegetables, herbs and flowers they crave.

The Farmer’s Almanac points to many other advantages of raised beds, such as: they can produce a big harvest in a small area, allow you to start planting earlier in the season and make gardening easier overall. If you’ve never gardened in a raised bed, you may be unsure how to begin reaping the benefits of this type of planting. Here is the 101 on growing your own produce in planter boxes or raised beds in your Westchester NY backyard:

* Finding the right spot

Space considerations will influence the location of your raised bed or planter box. You’ll also want to consider how much time you have to invest in your garden. A larger bed will require more work, but it can also deliver a larger harvest. Ideally, a planter box or raised bed should occupy the sunniest spot available. Avoid areas that get a lot of shade; veggies need a lot of sun in order to grow.

* Choosing the right material

The material you use to build your planter or raised bed garden can influence your garden’s overall success. Savvy gardeners often turn to untreated Western Red Cedar when constructing planters or beds. The lumber is naturally rot and weather resistant, so it’s a better choice than manmade products or other types of less impervious woods that may need to be treated with potentially dangerous chemicals that could leech into the soil. Light and straight, it’s an easy material to work with, and it is more affordable than composites. Western Red Cedar is sustainably harvested, and its harvesting, manufacture and transportation all generate fewer greenhouse emissions than other types of materials – so it’s appealing to the environmentally conscious gardener.

* Right-sizing

Your bed or planter should fit the available space and leave plenty of room for you to work the garden without requiring you to step into the bed. Width can range from 2 to

raised bed garden
Source: http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/how-to-plant-a-raised-garden/index.html

4 feet, and the ideal length is typically 8 to 12 feet. Beds and planters should be at least 6 inches deep, with 12 inches allowing an optimum depth for good root development.

* Preparing the soil

If you’re creating a raised bed, you’ll need to ensure the soil beneath is not compacted. Dig down 6 to 8 inches to loosen the soil. For both planters and raised beds, create a mixture of topsoil and organic material such as compost or manure. Remember, even with this good, nutrient-rich start, you’ll need to regularly fertilize your garden throughout the growing season.

* Watering, weeding and fertilizing

Once plants are growing, you’ll begin to experience some of the conveniences of planter or raised bed gardening. It’s much easier to keep a raised bed garden or planter garden well watered, properly drained, weeded and fertilized. Caring for plants will require less bending, especially if you’ve opted for a planter that’s a bit higher off the ground. You may find your garden dries out more quickly in the hot summer sun, but a layer of mulch or hay will help the soil retain moisture.

* Harvesting and getting ready for next year

Harvest vegetables, herbs and flowers just as you would from a traditional garden. You may find that working with a planter or raised bed extends your growing season and produces a more bountiful harvest. At the end of the season, prep beds for winter just as you would any other garden.

5 Simple Tips To Brighten Your Interior Design

Try these tips to brighten your interior design for Summer!

wood look wall tile
Source: www.porcelanosa-usa.com

As warm weather arrives, the changing scenery outdoors is natural inspiration for homeowners to update their interior design. Luxurious textures, bright colors and bold accents help to define today’s most popular summer decor trends, adding emotion and energy to any space.

For those redecorating or looking to make a change in their home, the season’s top interior design tips and trends will help you inject magazine-worthy style into your home for an elegant look guaranteed to impress:

  • Wood alternatives

The organic look of wood is timeless, providing a warm and rustic elegance to rooms. Wooden walls and floors have broad appeal, but homeowners often tire at how quickly dents and scratches appear. In addition, these blemishes require constant maintenance and upkeep. To avoid this expensive maintenance, many homeowners in are turning to wood porcelain tiles. The Porcelanosa Parker Oxford Collection features porcelain tiles designed to look like luxury hardwood, but with all the maintenance and performance benefits characteristic of tile. Choose traditional patterns or get creative with unique inlays for a look that’s one of a kind, durable and easy to maintain.

  • Metal hardware

One of the easiest and most affordable ways to update interior spaces within a home is to replace hardware. Just as accessories pull together an outfit, knobs, backplates handles and hinges help to define a space and give it personality. Oil-rubbed hardware continues to be popular, and gold tones are gaining interest once again. Mixing various metals in different sheens and textures adds a unique element that dresses up a space instantly.

  • Tile trends

More designers are paying special attention to how textures and patterns effect the emotion of different rooms, and tile is being used to achieve stunning results. The Suede Collection of wall tiles from Porcelanosa are designed with reliefs that form overlapping patterns emulating pressed cement. The result is flowing patterns of curvilinear lines that add beautiful texture to walls. Another top tile trend is hand-assembled mosaics made from geometrically cut tiles to create spectacular wall and floor coverings.

  • Bathroom furniture lines

Sleek furniture and flowing lines creates a larger sense of space throughout a home, but this trend is particularly prevalent in bathrooms where space is at a premium.

crystal accents
Source: www.porcelanosa.com

The Ciclo Bath Collection features KRION, a material that is smooth to the touch and endlessly customizable because it can be molded like plastic. With virtually invisible joints, the collection of sinks, mirrors, vanities and shelving makes it simple to integrate clean line design concepts.

  • Accent colors

Warm weather often calls for refreshed color palates within home design, but it’s not necessary to do a complete overhaul to inject the season’s hottest hues. Whether you go for vivid tones like radiant orchid, the Pantone color of the year, or you prefer more subdued gray and blue hues that are currently trending with interior designers, home decor accents make it easy to integrate color for seasonal updates. For example, swapping pillows, throws, paintings and photography takes minimal effort and little investment.

  • Crystal elements

A touch of sparkle is an attractive addition to rooms, particularly in unexpected spaces. Light fixtures like crystal chandeliers are no longer reserved only for dining rooms and entranceways – many now grace bedrooms and powder rooms, adding visual drama. In the bathroom, the Swarovski Crystal Elements Collection features dazzling decorative elements that reflect light and can be used to separate surface transitions on walls, showers and backsplashes. Try mixing crystal accents with organic materials like marble or wood for a striking and chic contrast look.

 

Winter Planning for Summer Projects

Tips For Planning Your Home Improvement Projects

backyard patioNow that winter is here, people aren’t thinking much about gardening, outdoor renovations, or other projects normally reserved for the spring and summer. Depending on where they live, they won’t be able to work on these projects for several months and they probably have other issues to think about if they are perpetually under six inches of snow during the winter. During the winter, gardening and landscaping is simply out of sight and out of mind, but maybe that shouldn’t always be the case.

One of the most important and time-consuming steps in any home improvement project is the planning process. Not only do you need to know the lay of your own land, you need to know about any issues that may have come up that you need to work around. You need to know something about the rest of your neighborhood and what is and isn’t allowed. If you are planting a garden, you need to plan its layout and know what you are going to plant and when. It’s a lot of work and, depending on the size and complexity of your project; you might want to start planning for it before the spring thaw. Here are just a few things you can do to start planning for your summer projects in the winter.

Performing Inspections

If your summer home improvement project is going to be a simple repaint of your home or deck, you can start inspecting your property in the winter for areas that need some extra work. The paint on your home is more likely to sustain damage in the winter, so looking for areas that have accumulated a lot of snow and ice will give you a good idea of where you need to apply some fresh coats of paint. Keep a close eye on things like garage door frames, rooflines, and your deck. You should also watch for loose boards and areas with bare wood as they can be damaged by a particularly harsh winter. If you see things such as exposed nails, peeling paint, or warped wood, you will have a good idea of where to focus your efforts in the summer.

Getting the Lay of the Land

You obviously shouldn’t start building a deck in the dead of winter, but you can still take a look at your property and decide on possible locations for a new deck. You can get an idea of the evenness of your land in the winter as long as there isn’t too much snow on the ground and you can always take a look and see what areas of your yard and home will get the most sunlight.

Planning for Year-Round Interest

Your planning options will be a little more limited if your renovation plans involve a garden, but there are still a few things you can do during the winter. For starters, you pine treescan have plants that will grow and stay green throughout the winter and summer. Take the time to plant some pine trees and evergreen bushes if you want your property to look great even in the snowiest of winters. These plants will of course look just as good in the winter as in the summer.

When it comes to home improvement and outdoor renovation, there is still a lot of work you can get done even during the winter “off season. Planning for these projects takes a lot of time, and it’s always best to get started sooner rather than later. Keep that in mind and don’t let the winter months stop you from having a beautiful home.

This article was provided by Matt Jefferies, construction firm owner and all-around handyman. If you’re looking to replace your windows –a project that can’t wait until spring– Matt recommends Home Exterior Systems.

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