SPECIAL SECTION: HOME IMPROVEMENT
deck can be placed pretty much anywhere, including a hilly or uneven
lawn.
According to Marci Buckiso of The Fireplace and Patioplace,
and local expert in furnishing outdoor living spaces, homeowners
are especially keen to add fire features to their outdoor area, which
functions as a gathering point for both family and guests. Traditional
wood-burning fireplaces not only add physical warmth and beauty, but
emotional warmth as well.
Contemporary homeowners are opting for very modern linear gas
fireplaces, with smooth, clean lines to mirror the style of their home.
“For those homeowners who don’t have the space for a traditional
fireplace, fire pits make a great feature, creating a beautiful flame that
glows through crystal rock,” says Buckiso. And they’re available in
three different heights, with a lower coffee table height, dining table
and bar height. The homeowner also has the option of selecting
wood‑ or gas-burning fire pits.
EXTRA SPACE IS ON DECK
One of the most inexpensive ways to add living space to your home
is the addition of an outdoor deck or patio. Having a great outdoor
space is like adding an extra room to your house. It can be enjoyed by
the whole family, or experienced in quiet solitude as a retreat to the
Zen of outdoor living.
If you like to entertain, then an outdoor space is a must. Guests can
spill out onto the patio, extending your home to allow more freedom
for guests to mingle, both inside and out.
Though the words “patio” and “deck” are often used interchangeably,
there is a difference. A patio is generally constructed of stone pavers,
tile or a simple concrete foundation that sits squarely on the ground.
Decks are usually made of wood, PVC (also called vinyl) or composite,
which has wood content that has been encapsulated in a PVC wrap.
Decks can either be ground level or elevated. When considering which
option is best for you, you’ll want to look at the costs and also which
one works well with the style of your home. The good news is that
regardless of the option you choose, you’ll get a positive return on your
investment, somewhere between 30% and 75%.
For a wood frame house, wooden, composite or PVC decks can
match the trim of your existing home. Since wood can be painted, a
wooden deck offers the most color options; however it will also require
frequent repainting. Both PVC and composite decks are available in a
wide range of earth tones to match your home’s style.
Vince Lorenzi, owner of Lorenzi Home Design Center, explains
that there are cost differences, but feels the PVC and composite decks
require less maintenance in the long run.
He says wooden decks will run about $2 - $3 per square foot. These
are attractive, but they do require more maintenance and will have to
be resealed every few years to give them maximum life.
Both PVC and composite decks will run an average of $8 - $9
per square foot. They will require power-washing for cleaning, with
frequency depending on location. If the deck is adjacent to trees and
shrubbery, leaves and pollen will settle on the frame and washing is
required to keep it looking sharp.
If your home is made of stone, you may opt for a patio that is a
continuation of the stone look, but this also works well with a wood
frame or brick home. Patios work best in yards that are level, while a
OUTDOOR KITCHENS –
FOR THOSE WHO CAN’T STAND THE HEAT
When the summer heats up, the prospect of slow-cooking a roast or
searing some ribs is just not as appealing when you know it’s going to
heat up your house and drive up your air conditioning bill. Take a tip
from our pioneer ancestors who baked their bread and cooked their
meats outdoors in the summer in order to maintain a cool house. This
simple idea can really help keep your home cool during the dog days of
summer, while saving you money on energy costs.
With an outdoor oven and grill, barbeques can be a spontaneous
dinner idea, rather than a major event that must be plan