Special Section : Home & Garden Renovation Guide
of the option you choose , you ’ ll get a positive return on your investment — somewhere between 30 and 75 percent .
For a wood frame house , wooden , composite or PVC decks can match the trim of the 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 . Experts say there are cost differences , but PVC and composite decks require less maintenance in the long run .
The costs of materials for a deck have risen dramatically over the past few years , running anywhere between $ 15 and $ 35 per square foot depending on the type of material . Wooden decks 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 require significantly less work but aren ’ t entirely hassle-free . You should be sure to power-wash your deck for cleaning , with frequency depending on location . If the deck is adjacent to trees and shrubbery , leaves and pollen will settle on the frame , so 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 .
Homeowners are especially keen to add a fire feature to their outdoor area , functioning 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 who don ’ t have the space for a fireplace , fire pits or fire tables make a great feature , with some creating a beautiful flame that glows through crystal rock . Tables are available in three different heights , with a lower coffee-table height , dining table , and bar height . Homeowners also have the option of selecting wood- or gas-burning fire pits .
Kitchen in the Great Outdoors
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 to maintain a cool house . This simple idea can really help keep your home comfortable 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 . Having a cover for rainy days and outdoor heating available , it can
SPRING CLEANING LIST
As the final snowflakes melt away , it ’ s time to start thinking spring . Most of us start our spring cleaning checklist by sweeping out the garage or uncovering stored patio furniture . But the real cleaning should start from the inside . It is critical to give attention to heating , ventilation , and air-conditioning ( HVAC ), to ensure comfort inside your home . Follow the checklist below to give your home the boost it needs before spring sets in .
• Check and replace filters . Changing the filters in your furnace and air conditioner about every three months ( depending on your filter type ) keeps the air in your home clean and allows for your system to continue to run efficiently . Be sure to first turn off equipment before replacing anything .
• Dust and wash bathroom fans . Clean exhaust fans help with bathroom odor and keep moisture out , guarding against mold and mildew . To clean , remove the bathroom fan cover from the ceiling and wash with warm , soapy water and allow to dry completely . Be sure the electricity to the fan is off before you dust the fan blades .
• Drain and air-out the dehumidifier . Dehumidifiers have several health benefits for your family , including reducing allergens such as dust mites , mold , and mildew . Empty and clean the water collection tank with warm , soapy water and vacuum the intake and exhaust grills to keep your dehumidifier running clean .
• Remove plants around the air-conditioning unit . Allow for maximum airflow around your air conditioner unit by clearing any encroaching weeds or plants , keeping a twofoot radius around the system .
• Install a programmable thermostat . If you ’ re in the market for a new thermostat , consider a programmable one . These thermostats increase your home ’ s efficiency and offer cost savings through adjustable timing and consistent temperatures throughout the house , optimizing your HVAC system .
If all else fails , put your trust in the hands of the professionals . They ’ ll ensure that your HVAC system is ready for spring .
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ROSS TOWNSHIP ❘ SPRING 2023 19