Home show season is back and better than ever. The former Everett Home Show is now the Evergreen Spring Home Show, located at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds Event Center in Monroe. We hope to see you there April 22, 23, 24. Free parking, low admission rates, and plenty of fun and new exhibits await you. Click here for more details.
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Roof Now. Waiting Can Be Expensive.
By the time your roof tells you it needs replacing, you’ve missed the least expensive window of opportunity. Roof leaks can go undetected for years. By the time you notice moisture leaching through inside your home, you could have a significant repair on your hands.
Check your paperwork from the last time you put on a new roof—was it 7 years ago? 10 years? Longer?
If you bought your home within the last 5 years, do you know the age of your roof? Check the house inspection report and see. It’s worth looking into this!
EASY TO KNOW IF IT’S TIME FOR A NEW ROOF OR REPAIR
Check for any of these signs
- Close to the end of the warranty
- Buckling, curling, or missing shingles
- Water stains on the ceiling, around windows or doors, or water entering through exhaust vents in the kitchen, bath, or elsewhere
- Have a professional inspect the roof at no charge if you suspect any problems or your roof is nearing 20 years old
FIND AN HONEST, RELIABLE, READY-TO-START ROOFER
Contractor Hotline connects you with vetted professionals ready to complete your new roof or roof repair. Take the guesswork out of the contracting process. Move forward quickly, with confidence.
- One call with us brings you up to three roofing contractors to choose from
- Experts available for roofs with unique lines, solar panels, and skylights
- All roof types including composite, metal, shake, and flat roofs
- We screen every contractor we recommend and monitor licensing credentials and contractor performance
- You meet with the contractors and hire who you want
- FREE SERVICE TO YOU!
- We provide pre-screened contractors for just about any home improvement project you can think of. Just ask!
Off-Season Savings
If you hired a home improvement contractor in the last couple of years you likely experienced some sticker shock and delays getting your job scheduled. Many things contribute to this all too common phenomenon. While we can’t control a lot of it, there are some things we can do to minimize scheduling delays and possibly save some money. Understanding what drives some of these delays and cost increases is helpful.
For starters, contractors in Western Washington are in high demand. One of their challenges is finding experienced, skilled labor to hire. There is a shortage of skilled labor in Seattle and the surrounding area. Contractors must pay higher wages and benefits to attract and retain good employees. This affects both contractor availability (or lack thereof) and the cost of doing business.
Another factor is material costs. The cost of construction materials is on the rise and expected to continue to increase. Inflation and tariff increases have driven up the cost of lumber, steel and aluminum, concrete, gypsum, and plastic products, to name a few. These costs add up on a sizable remodeling project or upgrade.
These reasons, among many others, affect contractor availability and the increased costs associated with home improvement. If you are willing to get a little creative, there are ways to get around some of this.
OFF-SEASON SAVINGS
Many trades have a high and low season. Scheduling your projects during the off-season whenever possible is worth considering. Doing so will minimize scheduling delays and could save you money. Some trades even offer discounts during the off-season. Be sure to ask!
HEATING & AIR-CONDITIONING (HVAC)
The non-heating and non-cooling seasons are the best time to schedule tune-ups, repairs, or new installs of these systems. Typically, HVAC companies provide both heating and cooling services. Aim to have the heating system serviced in the warmer seasons and the air-conditioning in the cooler seasons.
CHIMNEY CLEANING & REPAIR
Chimney cleaning is a great summer project. Oftentimes this important maintenance project is overlooked until it is time to stoke up that first fire. By then, the chimney sweeps are booked for weeks. Thinking of adding a gas insert? Summer is also an optimal time to refurbish or reface the fireplace or have an existing gas insert serviced.
PAINTING
Exterior painting is seasonal in Western Washington. There isn’t a lot we can do about that. If you need your house painted it will be done as weather allows. The key take-away here is plan ahead. By late spring, most painter’s schedules will be booked for the summer. To ensure your job is completed while the weather allows, start getting bids by late winter and get your job scheduled by April or May, latest.
On the flip side, interior painting can be done year round. However, unless you hire a painter that specializes in or prefers interior painting, you may have a hard time getting a painter’s time and attention during the summer season. If you can, plan your interior painting projects outside of the summer, exterior painting season.
KITCHEN & BATH REMODELS
Remodeling contractors don’t have much down time these days. That said, there is still a spike in spring and a slow-down in late fall for many types of remodeling projects. Many folks don’t want their home to be a construction zone during the winter holidays. This can be a tremendous opportunity to get your remodeling project completed timely and with less competition than the rest of the year. If it’s an option, crash someone else’s home for the holidays or plan a well-deserved vacation and take advantage of this window of time. Keep in mind, a remodel requires some advance planning. Ideally, by summer your plans have been finalized and you are scheduled with your contractor of choice for a fall or winter start date.
DECKS & FENCES
The calls for deck and fence repair and new installations peak in spring and summer. The first warm days of spring beckon us outdoors, perhaps reminding us that our deck or fence is in a state of disrepair. By then, deck and fencing contractors are flooded with calls. Get in line. If you’re lucky, you might get your deck completed in time to enjoy the final dog days of summer. Those same contractors would love your business in the winter. Fall is a great time to start talking with contractors. They are winding down from summer and able to start scheduling winter projects. Your project will be completed and ready to enjoy by the time the first warm days of spring arrive.
ROOFING
We don’t always think of replacing a roof outside of summer, and for good reason. You certainly don’t want to expose your home to adverse weather conditions. A reputable roofing contractor won’t either. Most roofs can be torn off in a matter of hours promptly followed by the installation of a waterproof felt paper. It usually only requires one reliably dry day for this procedure. The new roofing material can be installed during inclement weather. Most roofs will be completed in less than a week, start to finish. There are many opportunities throughout fall, winter, and spring where the weather cooperates for this often overlooked ‘seasonal’ project.
If you need assistance with any of these projects or upgrades, we can connect you with the appropriate service professionals for your specific needs. Just let us know how we can help by completing our online Work Request today!
Make The Most Of It!
As a homeowner, it can be fun and exciting to decide how best to use your space. Let’s put our creative thinking caps on and consider some of the many ways to better use some underutilized space around the home. Whether it is creating more storage, a special cubby for some quiet time, or getting better organized, I bet there is some place in your home that isn’t living up to its fullest potential.
Whether you incorporate a creative idea into a remodeling plan or pull it off as a stand-alone project, it’s always a great time to repurpose a room or underutilized space to fit your current and future needs. In addition to a welcome change, it may also add value to your home.
There are many options when considering unused or underpurposed space. These areas can be premium targets for additional rooms, hobby spaces, a media room, a home office, or even a reading nook (my personal favorite).
For more ideas, you are welcome to refer to our past posts about how to transform an extra room into a man cave or she shed or advice on how to best utilize attic or basement spaces.
A ‘FLEX’ ROOM
Yes, I’m talking about that room. The one that was a yoga room, then an extra closet, and now it’s home to all the stuff you don’t really need but haven’t gotten around to giving away or selling. No more rushing to close the door whenever guests tread too close to the room. Do yourself a favor and transform it into something useful for you or your family.
As more and more people are working from home, it might be useful to turn the room into a home office. Set apart from the traditional clutter of your home, it can be a tranquil space to be productive and creative. A home office might be an obvious choice for an extra room, yet getting creative with the space usually means finding multiple purposes for an area.
A growing family is always in need of additional space. With a few functional pieces you can create a multipurpose room which can transition from an office or playroom to a guest room, with additional hidden storage. Add a stylish ottoman to store extra blankets and towels. Decorative baskets or storage bins keep children’s accessories in one area while easily hiding the clutter from guests. Murphy beds are also making a comeback.
KNOCK ‘EM DOWN
Adding extra space can be as easy and inexpensive as tearing down a wall or two in order to create one large space. Open floor plans often transform closed-in spaces into an open concept floor plan with better natural lighting. If the walls are not load bearing and don’t require moving electrical or plumbing, this renovation project can be inexpensive, yet have limitless possibilities. By tearing down a wall you can finally make room for that large kitchen with an island you have always wanted, with a full bar and wine collection to match. Combine your living room and family room to create a media room where your family and guests can enjoy a hit movie. Your family, guests and your wallet won’t be disappointed.
EXTENDED LAUNDRY ROOM
Instead of trying to hide a laundry or mud room littered with dirty clothes or piles of shoes, why not reinvent the space to an open area with extra storage. If you have pets, and a spare corner in the room, create a dog (or kid) washing area. Add a built-in bench with storage underneath for shoes and shelves and/or hooks above for extra towels and to hang jackets.
AWKWARD CORNERS
Corners are typically underutilized because of awkward placement and furniture not meant to fit in smaller spaces, not to mention the shadows can make it hard to be very functional. This is a fun opportunity to use your creativity for space usage. Make a corner reading nook with bench seats surrounded by books. Or, turn it into a mini office with a fold down desk. Not enough natural light? Do some light construction and add a skylight or Solatube or get creative with a nice reading lamp.
Underutilized spaces can be transformed into just about anything. The opportunities are endless. Get creative on how to best utilize the areas in your home that are just taking up space but not serving you well. It’s easier and less expensive to renovate an existing space than it is to build additional space.
If you want some creative design assistance or have a plan that you need a little advice to bring to fruition, we would love to help. Please give us a call at 425-775-9085 or let us know how we can help by completing our online Work Request today!
How to Sell Your Home for Maximum Profit
For those planning to sell their home in 2019, spring can be the opportune time to place it on the market. In addition to the right timing, selling a home in a reasonable amount of time for the best possible price requires some careful strategy.
Step 1 – Consult with a Real Estate Professional
The first and most important step is to consult with a real estate professional. They will walk you through the steps of what to expect and how to best prepare and show your home to maximize return. You only have one chance to make that all important first impression. Following are tips we have gleaned from the real estate professionals we know and trust.
Step 2 – Price it Right
The next step to a successful sale is to make certain you have priced your home accurately. This means you have had a Realtor help you price your home to sell taking into consideration the market, the condition of your home, and the current competition around you. Once you have done this, you need to turn your attention to the condition of your home. The biggest mistake people make in preparing their home for sale is that they put all their efforts into the interior. They spend countless hours prepping and painting the walls making certain that everything is perfect, forgetting one of the most important aspects – the first impression.
Step 3 – Curb Appeal
The minute they pull up to a home, most buyers know if this is a place where they see themselves living. If your home is lacking curb appeal, you will have a much harder time getting someone to come inside. If your lawn is over grown and your gardens look disheveled, a prospective buyer will often skip over your home. You must have the exterior of your home match the standard of the interior or you may never get them to come inside. Serious buyers are looking at numerous houses and your home must stand out from the crowd.
The easiest way to assess your home’s curb appeal is to stand across the street. What is the first thing you see? Can you even see your home? Clear yard debris, power wash driveways and sidewalks, and bring in color with fresh bark and flowers. Pay special attention to your front door. Does it need replacing or repainting? Remove all cobwebs and make certain the entry is clean and crisp. You can be certain, while the real estate agent is busy gathering the key, the prospective buyer will be sizing up the front entryway.
Step 4 – Clean and Stage
Once you have them inside you only have a few minutes to help them see your house as their next future home. If it is in your budget, hire a professional house cleaner and home stager. Remember, your home is in competition with many other homes. Don’t leave that tattered old sofa in your living room. Remove all excess clutter and family pictures. If you are in the process of packing, designate an area in the garage for neatly stacked boxes. Make sure the kitchen and all bathroom counters are clear of personal items. Specially placed items such as a decorative cook book or splashes of color can be added in their place. Set your dining room table for two to four places. Keep it simple with a charger, plate, bowl or decorative napkin, and wine glasses. Make all the beds, every day. Invest in fresh towels and silk plants or spa baskets for all bathrooms. Stores like Tuesday Morning are great places to find inexpensive towels and linens. You don’t have to spend a fortune to make your home look like a treasure.
Step 5 – Odor out!
If you have pets do everything possible to not have them in your home when it is for sale. Odors are the number one reason buyers won’t purchase a home. Musty, mildew, or pet smells will steer buyers clear of your home. If you have dogs in the home, make sure they are in crates. If possible, invest the money to have your dogs or cats boarded, or have them stay at a friend’s house.
Step 6 – Get an Inspection and Make Repairs
Last, but not least, if you know of things that are malfunctioning, get them fixed. Hire a home inspector to do a pre-sale inspection and take care of the things that are called to your attention before you open the house to the public. The inspection report, along with a list of those items that have been addressed, can be a beneficial tool to provide to a prospective buyer.
Taking the time to get your home ready to sell will save you time on the market and ultimately bring a higher return on your investment.
If you need assistance with any of these projects or upgrades, we can connect you with the appropriate service professionals for your specific needs. Just let us know how we can help by completing our online Work Request today!
For Realtor, Home Inspector, or Mortgage Service recommendations, you may consider some of the professionals we have grown to know and trust. Visit the Links Page on our website for more information.
Just Finish it! Attic and Basement Finishing
Is your family outgrowing your home? Do you want more living space but selling and buying a larger house is out of the question? A good solution might be right under your nose, or roof that is.
In multi-level houses, the main floor tends to be the most utilized and gets the most attention. Typically, this is where the primary entrance, living room, and kitchen are located. While this might continue to be the family hub, there could be a gold mine of extra space potential in either an unfinished attic or basement. Before uprooting or considering a costly home addition, it might be worth taking a closer look at underutilized space you already have. Finishing an attic or basement could give your family some much needed extra space, add value to your house, and could be less expensive to accomplish than many other significant home improvement projects.
ATTICS
An attic is typically known to house all those things we no longer remember having or seldom access. Unpacked boxes from that move five years ago, holiday decorations, vintage toys, and spiders – all preserved under a thick layer of dust. This underutilized space could be transformed into an extra bedroom, an organized storage area, or home office or studio, all while increasing the value of your home.
Not all attics are suitable to upgrade to a living space. Consulting with an architect or remodeling contractor will help determine the best approach. Building codes will dictate allowable ceiling height and overall square footage minimums, accessibility requirements, and weight load. If your attic isn’t quite up to snuff to meet code, some modifications can make a difference. Adding a dormer for extra space and light or beefing up the floor joists to accommodate extra weight load are potential options.
After evaluating the attic’s potential uses, deciding on a budget for finishing the attic will help determine which direction to go next. For the most value and cost-effective loft remodel with a mid-range budget, turn the space into a combination living space and storage area. Other uses for an attic space include converting it into an additional bedroom, play area, or bonus room. Installing a skylight or dormer with a window will help make the space larger and brighter. Ensure it is properly insulated for maximum comfort and efficiency during all seasons.
BASEMENTS
Basements often get a bad reputation. Hollywood portrays them as the dark, cold area of a house better deemed as the background of a horror movie than a livable space. Don’t let yourself be fooled. Basements, just like the attic, are typically another underdeveloped part of a house. Often this underutilized area can be finished to create an additional cozy living space in your home.
Like any remodel, having a budget and plan of how to design the space is essential. Obtaining an appraisal for the value of your basement is helpful to decide a design theme and how extensive to take the renovation. Ideally, you want to keep your budget between five and ten percent of your overall home’s value.
Due to a basements typical open floor plan, most are conducive to adding or removing extra walls. Make sure there is at least a 7-foot ceiling clearance and adequate windows or exits (for bedrooms). Unlike an attic space, which is typically more cramped with angled ceilings, the area in a basement is more versatile and usually more substantial. It can be transformed into a variety of uses such as an extra living room, storage space, or spare bedroom. Consult with a designer or remodeling contractor to help determine the best use of the space, and to ensure it meets code or can be modified to meet code.
Transforming the basement into another living space such as a home office or extra bedroom are some of the most common remodeling ideas. These multi-functional rooms are perfect for a growing family or home-based business. Perhaps a separate entertainment area is more on your agenda. The possibilities are endless from a media or game room, to a man cave, art studio, or whatever your heart desires!
Attics and basements have nearly endless potential, depending on how you wish to transform them. Breathing new life into these typically underused spaces can be more cost-effective than an addition and add overall value to your existing home. Make sure you work with a reputable designer or remodeling contractor to ensure your upgrades comply with local building codes and best suit your needs and desires.
Let us help you find a home improvement professional that can help make all your attic and basement finishing dreams come true!
If you need assistance with any of these projects or upgrades, we can connect you with the appropriate service professionals for your specific needs. Just let us know how we can help by completing our online work request today!
Man Cave Essentials
Ahh, the iconic man cave. An escape from screaming children bouncing from one wall to the other, household chores, yard work, and any other “manly” responsibilities one might have.
A home improvement project to build a man cave is an opportunity where the man and the man alone, has free-range for design and creativity. An article from Men’s Health Magazine stated, studies from a 2010 survey done at the University of Southern California of couples in their 30s and 40s found that men’s cortisol levels significantly dropped when they had more solo leisure time in their own homes. Want your man less stressed? Start planning.
If you are in the market to remodel an existing room or transform space in a garage or basement to create the perfect shrine of testosterone and a little piece of heaven for the man in your house then below are a few tips and steps to get you started. A man cave renovation can be as simple or as complicated as you want, it all comes down to space, design, and budget.
Choosing a space
Unless you have an abundance of extra rooms in your home this can be a tough decision. A den or office space is an ideal room to transform into a man cave, but usually, space is limited. Make detailed plans that align with what you deem the most important part of the room. For example, a bar, or entertainment center would be an excellent place to start. If you plan on installing additional plumbing or alternative water sources, make sure to hire a contractor to ensure your renovations are installed correctly.
Budget
Other than choosing a space, this is an essential part of prepping a man cave, because you could quickly go broke. Create a list of essential items you want for the room. For example, one of the most envy-inducing elements of a man cave is a big screen, HDTV. A budget will help you limit your desires from an unrealistic fantasy to only the necessary ones.
Layout
Designing a layout is a crucial part of any home improvement project, including a man cave. Center your design around a critical object, like an entertainment center or a bar. Make sure the most important element (to you) is the focus of attention. Complete the room’s look with plenty of comfy and relaxing furniture. A bar might be an essential piece of a man cave. You can either hire a contractor or extend your budget by building your own. Construct a bar using 2X4’s for the frame and standard plywood for the base–available at Lowe’s or Home Depot. Use granite, tile, or similar material for the countertop, and paint or tile to dress up the front.
Developing a space, sticking to a budget, and figuring out the perfect design are just the basics of creating the ideal man oasis to escape into, but putting your personal touches to your man cave will make it your own. If you’re doing any major home improvement projects, it may be best to hire a certified contractor to help with the renovations. Let us help you find the perfect one today!
Upside to Downsizing
Downsizing can be challenging, especially when it comes to reducing the amount of ‘stuff’ one has. After living in a home for an extended period, possessions tend to pile up. However, making the effort to clear the clutter and reduce your possessions to those ‘must-haves’ can be very liberating. Plus, there are many financial and physical benefits of moving towards a smaller home, including a smaller mortgage or rent, lower property taxes and insurance, and reduced utility costs. Intangible advantages include a “less is more” mentality and reduced home maintenance and upkeep.
According to the census bureau, in 2016 the median size of a completed single-family house was 2,422 square feet. This size is smaller than the all-time high square footage from the 2015 census, which was 2,687 square feet. As a society, we are moving toward less square footage year by year.
A smaller, more compact home is much easier to manage because of the limited space available. Therefore, it’s essential every area of the house is utilized. Creating flexible spaces that can accommodate versatile furniture is useful and necessary. For example, transform an open area to a space with better storage capacity. Or, convert an existing space into a multi-purpose room, like combining the laundry and mudroom.
If you are looking to significantly downsize a tiny house might be an excellent option to consider. Tiny houses are becoming more popular for both functionality and affordability. Think of a tiny-house as a better version of a motorhome. It can be hitched up to a trailer and travel anywhere. Some tiny houses are entirely self-sufficient and include rain catchers and solar panels; others need water and energy hook-ups.
The cost to build or purchase a tiny house is significantly less than a traditional home. The price can range from $20,000 to $50,000, which is a substantially lower mortgage. A tiny house is also super energy efficient. Say good bye to those high energy bills. Whether it uses solar power or needs to be hooked up to a power source, the energy needs of a tiny house are much less than that of a traditional home.
Perfect for the environmentalist a tiny house is so small it can be made of recycled or repurposed materials and molded into a design that you can get creative with. If you are thinking of downsizing into a tiny home, there are a few questions to ask yourself. Are you prepared to rid yourself of most of your belongings? Why do you want to downsize? Does everyone in your family want to make a move?
Downsizing into a tiny house is a dramatic move that’s not for everyone. If you plan to design a house from scratch, you might be best served consulting with a professional contractor who specializes in tiny home design and construction.
We’re moving toward an age where “less is more,” and downsizing is a perfect way to declutter your life. Whether it’s transitioning to a smaller place or moving toward a tiny home, living in a smaller space is practical, more affordable, and overall easier to maintain.
Home Design Trends for 2018
If you plan to build a home from the ground up, remodel an outdated home, or add-on to an existing home, it helps to consider the latest trends in home design. The patterns in 2018 focus on functionality, bold colors, and Accessory Dwelling Units.
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
One trend that has been gaining popularity for several years is turning your basement, attic, or other additional living space into an Accessory Dwelling Unit, or ADU, for extended family members. The extra living space can include a separate entrance, kitchen, or bedroom to accommodate aging parents or provide a private space for guests. This home improvement project involves more planning and in-depth updates, so it’s essential to hire a certified contractor to guide you in the right direction.
Kitchen Design Trends
Kitchen design trends seem to be continuously evolving. One popular kitchen trend includes open kitchen shelves. Open shelves allow you to show off your dish collection and provide more storage options for larger items. The overall design of the kitchen is elevated and gives it a brighter and more open look.
Smart Homes
Another trend gaining popularity quickly are moves toward a “smarter” home. One convenient way to transition toward a smart home is smart lighting controls. Not only can they be customized to your liking but save energy. There are many different types of “smart lighting.” One example is a light switch controlled using an app from a mobile device, and another is an actual light bulb that controls the brightness and color desired. Installation is relatively simple, so in most cases is an easy DIY home improvement project.
Tankless Water Heaters
It’s about time, but thankfully tankless water heaters are becoming more popular. The gas-fired and electric models utilize space better and provide hot water only as needed. It doesn’t produce standby energy losses associated with storage water heaters, which saves energy and money. The upfront cost is more than a conventional water heater, but the long-term payoff is worth it, and it can last up to 20 years vs the 8-12 year lifespan of conventional water tanks.
Interior Decor Trends
Interior decor varies greatly, but this year oversized furniture, dark colors, and textured walls are all popular trends.
Oversized Furniture
Oversized furniture is an excellent way to fill space in open areas. Make sure accent furniture and wall decor are more modest, as to not overpower the room with too many significant pieces.
Wallpaper
Patterned wallpaper and texture are making a comeback. It’s an easy and inexpensive way to update your home’s interior. It also adds dimension to a room. Make sure furniture and accent pieces are more neutral, so the area doesn’t come across as too busy.
Dark Colors
Surprisingly enough, dark, moody colors are transitioning their way into 2018 trends. A dark room allows the eyes to rest, in contrast to bright whites that have been popular for so long. They make a statement and have a calming effect.
House Plants
As society is becoming more conscious about the environment, house plants are making a statement in homes this year. Use larger plants as a color pop or focal point in a corner. It is a simple and inexpensive way to add color and improve the air quality in your home.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed with design trends that are always changing. When choosing which direction to follow, make sure it fits the overall space and improves your home’s comfort and functionality. The most important trend is what best serves you and your family’s needs.
What new trends will you bring into your home this year?
Outdoor Living Spaces
The Pacific Northwest weather is as reliable as winning the lottery, which might cause the outdoor spaces around your home to be overlooked. Although it’s easy to forget, in my opinion there are at least three months in the summer when the weather is perfect. Those days are nearing and it’s time to get your outdoor space up-to-date and ready to enjoy the summer sun.
When creating or upgrading an outdoor space you might consider lighting, a dining area, a water feature, patio options, an outdoor kitchen, and fire pit variations. Including or upgrading one or more of these features can add value to your home and provide summer-long enjoyment for your family and guests.
Outdoor lighting
Landscape lighting is a key installment for your property. Outdoor lighting makes it easier and safer to navigate dark pathways and stairs and helps ward off intruders. Landscape lighting also extends time spent outdoors and doesn’t limit your lounge-time to the sun’s schedule. Architectural lighting also allows you to draw attention to different areas of the house or plantings that might not be highlighted in the daylight.
Dining Spaces
As evenings become longer and nights grow warmer there is nothing more relaxing than enjoying an outdoor meal. Transforming a piece of your yard or patio into an al fresco dining area will make this an easy transition. Take note of the amount of space allocated for your table and chairs. Position the furniture within close proximity of the outdoor kitchen (if you have one) or easy access to the indoor kitchen. Adding a shade source, such as an umbrella or removable awning, will extend the use of the space during peak daylight hours.
Water Features
If you want to make your outdoor space a place of relaxation and tranquility, maybe it’s time to consider the addition of a water feature. A water feature is visually appealing, refreshing, and emulates the soothing sounds of a natural pond or stream. Water plants are cost-effective, and if properly designed and maintained, fish can be added to enhance the feature.
Patios
Adding a patio can be a pricier improvement, but it adds value to the home and elevates the outdoor experience for your family and guests. A patio space can be used in a variety of ways but is the perfect plateau for an outdoor table and chairs. Two common types are stamped concrete and paver patios.
Stamped Concrete: This is a popular option because of the beautiful aesthetics and durability for your outdoor environment. It doesn’t take a lot of maintenance, such as required with a wood deck. Typically, the surface is sealed, which protects and gives the surface a “wet” look. Re-sealing is generally required every three to five years.
Paver Patios: Paver patios are an excellent choice if you’re looking for another long-term option. They are anti-slip, durable, and over time will withstand cracking and weather damage. It also comes with unlimited design options and virtually no maintenance costs. The only disadvantage is the potential weed-growth between the cracks, which isn’t anything a little natural, vinegar-based weed killer can’t solve.
Outdoor Kitchens
If you’re a self-proclaimed Martha Stewart in the kitchen, and enjoy the great outdoors, why not converge the two for an outdoor kitchen extraordinaire? Outdoor kitchens are a useful way to utilize outdoor space and provide an elevated dining experience, not only for entertaining but for everyday use.
If you are contemplating installing an outdoor kitchen don’t cut corners on quality, make sure the location is near the kitchen and has minimal exposure to the elements-or rain, for us Pacific Northwest folks. Keep in mind the outdoor kitchen needs a water supply, access to an electrical outlet, and possibly gas. Since plumbing, electricity and zoning rules might get a little tricky for this home improvement project, a certified contractor is helpful for this type of outdoor upgrade.
Outdoor Fire Pit
The popular Christmas Song lyrics “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire,” didn’t materialize out of thin air. There definitely was an outdoor fire pit to initiate that famous melody. Even so, an outdoor fire pit is useful for more than just roasting chestnuts. It can extend the amount of time one can spend outdoors during all seasons.
The common options are gas and wood burning fire pits. Gas is clean and easy to light and doesn’t give off smoke. If you like chopping wood and enjoy a natural flame, then a traditional wood burning fire pit is for you. However, check with your city’s zoning and planning to see if wood-burning fire pits are allowed in your area.
Each of these outdoor enhancements are a guaranteed way to sizzle up your summer, convince your guests into thinking they stepped onto the pages of Landscaper’s Digest, and get the kids away from being glued to their screens.
We invite you to get creative. Even the smallest of updates can elevate the outdoor experience for yourself, your family, and your guests. For larger projects such as a kitchen or patio installation, make sure you have a certified contractor who specializes in that specific type of outdoor renovation.
If you need assistance with any of these projects or repairs, we can connect you with the appropriate service professionals for your specific needs. Just let us know how we can help by clicking on the work request today!
