SPECIAL SECTION HOME IMPROVEMENT
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 , it 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 that PVC and composite decks require less maintenance in the long run .
He says wooden decks will run about $ 2 to $ 3 per square foot . These are attractive , but 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 to $ 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 , 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 .
According to Marci Buckiso of The Fireplace and Patioplace , a local expert in furnishing outdoor living spaces , homeowners are especially keen to add fire features 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 homeowners who don ’ t have the space for a traditional fireplace , firepits 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 a wood- or gas-burning firepit .
IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME OFFICE
Are you one of those lucky individuals able to work from home ? The world just seems like a nicer place when you ’ re dressed in your pajamas , doesn ’ t it ? But work is still work . You need a place that ’ s organized , designed well , and in which you feel comfortable . Chances are , you may also need a degree of privacy to do your best work .
Just because you don ’ t have an entire room in your house to dedicate to your home office doesn ’ t mean you can ’ t have a dedicated workspace . Even a closet can be transformed with the right planning , and the whole office can be put away at day ’ s end by simply closing the closet door .
One of the most overlooked factors in productivity is lighting . Many studies demonstrate that natural lighting is best whenever possible , and results in more productivity among workers and a more positive attitude toward the work itself . Lighting can have a profound effect on your mood and can even influence your hormones . A good overview of this subject is provided by Andrew Jensen , a business growth , efficiency and marketing consultant , at andrewjensen . net .
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J & J Home Services Inc .
Experienced Craftsman / Personalized Service
When you ’ re looking for a home remodeling company , it ’ s hard to find expertise and personalized service all in one place . This is why J & J Home Services is the company you ’ re looking for when thinking of updating or upgrading your space . J & J Home Services is a team of highly skilled craftsman , offering personalized friendly service .
Specializing in home interior remodeling , deck building , and more upon request , J & J Home Services strives to go above and beyond customer expectations on a regular basis . It ’ s not uncommon for our knowledgeable craftsman to offer personal selection assistance and design input . If you ’ re stuck on what to do , J & J Home Services can offer free design consultation or even shopping assistance with customers upon request .
To recieve your free estimate , please contact J & J Home Services Inc . at 412.821.2930 or reach out to kerwin @ jandjhomeservicesinc . com .
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