HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE
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 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. 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.
PVC and composite decks require less maintenance in the long
run. Although wooden decks run about $2 - $3 per square foot,
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 deck can be placed pretty much anywhere,
including a hilly or uneven lawn.
Many homeowners add fire features to their outdoor area,
which functions as a gathering point for both family and guests.
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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 planned days in advance. The grilling process gives steaks,
chicken, fish and pork a wonderful smoked flavor, while reducing
the overall fat content.
And it’s not just meats that can benefit from grilling. Bell
peppers, onions, zucchini and tons of other vegetables take on a
wonderful flavor when tossed lightly with olive oil, wrapped in
foil and cooked on a grill.
With an outdoor kitchen, grilling is not just for summer either.
With a covering for rainy days and outdoor heating available, it
can be used virtually year round. Although just a simple oven and
grill can change the way you live, a sink with running water and
an added fridge can really make cooking outdoors convenient.
For entertaining, the outdoor kitchen offers a way that you
can spend time with your guests while preparing the meal.
There’s also an entire line of in-ground sound equipment and
specially made outdoor TVs for entertaining. The televisions are
completely waterproof and three times as bright as a normal TV,
so they can be viewed even in strong direct sunlight.
IT’S ALL FUN AND GAMES
If your family always seems to be darting about in different
directions, perhaps a game room might entice them to spend a
bit more time at the old homestead.
A ping-pong table is a great way to get some exercise on rainy
days and evenings, and a Wii will also get your family off the
couch for a workout. If you’ve always thought you didn’t have the
space for a pool table, it may be easier to fit than you think. Tables
come in 7, 8, 8.5 and 9-ft. options.
Above all, your game room should reflect who you are. It can
be fun and funky or classy and elegant. It’s all up to you!