Decks have been a part of human relaxation for over a century. Often built to surround homes, they later moved into backyards as families developed more time out of the office. Once decks were constructed solely of wood, but modern technological advancements developed materials that feel and look like wood, and these composite materials are used by homeowners across the United States. When you begin your custom deck building design, keep these tips in mind to create a deck that fits your lifestyle.

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Lofts bring a lot to the table when you’re looking for an urban living space that gives you versatility and breathing room without making you overcharge for the extra air. They duplicate some of the most desired features of freestanding houses in that regard, providing a little more elegance than a standard apartment. Not all loft spaces are equally spacious, though. Often, the lofted area is itself a little cramped, even if the extra head space in the living room is great. That’s where adding a dormer window can be a great help to homeowners who have recently purchased loft properties, as well as to landlords looking to offer a little more on the next lease cycle.

How Loft Dormers Work

By adding a window and the additional infrastructure to support its view, the head space in the loft area is expanded, and it takes just a couple of extensions at right angles to the existing roof to install. This simple change not only gives you more light and more personal space without a lot of hassle, but it can also add a safe exit route in the event of a fire or another emergency. It’s a matter of working with your professional installation team to ensure the new window choice is the right size and placed to facilitate access to a fire escape or another safe route to ground level. It might not always be possible for your architecture, but it’s worth exploring if it is.

Work With an Experienced Team

A new dormer window should be installed professionally, especially if you’re having the dormer area built for the first time instead of replacing an existing window structure. Professionals know how to properly alter the structure without compromising any integrity, and they guarantee their work, so you don’t have to worry about getting it right. Experienced installation professionals also bring a level of familiarity that even a talented do-it-yourself expert just won’t have.

• Save time
• Schedule at your convenience
• Get robust advice about your options
• Consult about other home improvements
• Gain the consumer protections that come from working with home contractors

In the end, there are a lot more reasons to let a professional install your dormer window than to go the other way. Consider an installation team for your next project.

As springtime blossoms with budding flowers and chirping birds, more and more homeowners want to renovate their yards. One popular way of adding outdoor living is with outdoor gazebos. These structures provide an escape from the heat, a pleasant place to picnic and a relaxing location to enjoy the beauty of nature.

History

Gazebos were originally built using mortar and concrete for easy maintenance. Beams and pillars support the roof structure. The style may have changed as the years have passed, but they still remain popular structures in community areas such as parks and gardens. The roof offers respite from the elements whether rain or shine, cold or hot.

Design

Outdoor gazebos are traditionally octagonal or round but come in all sizes from a small backyard one to a giant wedding venue. Build one out of wood, concrete, metal or a combination of materials to suit the look you want to achieve. The weather conditions of the area influence the best materials to use for your specific gazebo. The wrong material cannot withstand the elements such as snow, ice, rain or heat. Treating and finishing materials can be used to extend the life of certain materials such as wood. The price of the gazebos depends on construction costs, material costs and detail work such as intricate wood carvings.

Maintenance

The traditional concrete gazebo had nearly no maintenance requirements, but wooden gazebos have considerably more. Pests and the elements can attack your gazebo and render it useless unless care is taken. Cleaning, servicing and protecting the materials extend the life of your backyard structure.

Outdoor gazebos let you get more out of your yard. Family and friends have a natural gathering point outdoors. The roofed structure makes a great place to escape a sudden rain shower or to relax in the heat of the day. The beauty of nature surrounds you in the open structure whether enjoying a lazy summer day or participating in your child’s wedding.

If you’re planning a home remodeling project, don’t forget to consult a home improvement specialist. Nowadays, DIY is one of the biggest trends. For crafts and décor, this might be great. For something as big as home remodel, you need to consult a professional.

How a Contractor Helps You

Contractors not only provide you with a wide range of services but they help you in a number of other ways. For instance, if you’re worried about budgeting, the contractor can help come up with an estimate and help you stay within budget. Likewise, he or she can tell you what will and will not work with your particular home. For instance, you may consider breaking down a wall to expand the living room, only to find out it was a load-bearing wall. A contractor keeps you from making costly, serious mistakes.

What to Do Before Hiring a Contractor

Before you hire a contractor for your home remodeling project, you need to gather some information on your own. Here is some of what you need to know before you call a specialist for help:

• Design plans
• Information on your home
• Details on the condition of roofs, foundations and electrical work

The contractor can give you a solid estimate when he or she has the right information. They can take all of the information that you have and put together a game plan. In addition, you’ll learn what will work and how much it will cost. The more information you have before your first point of contact, the smoother the process will go.

Home remodeling improves the interior or exterior of your home. With a home improvement specialist, you can change up various aspects of your house. For instance, you can have your windows redone, your home painted or an entirely new kitchen added. With the right contractor, your dream home isn’t out of reach.

As loved ones age, home safety becomes more of a priority. When it comes to home living, most seniors prefer to keep their independence. This means aging in place is becoming more popular and caregivers need to understand proper safety procedures at home. To retain mobility and stability, here are some tips to renovating your home.

Floors and Storage

As someone loses balance and stability, broken bones become more of a risk. The best thing that you can do is to remove obstacles from the floor. Make sure walkways are not too narrow, that magazines, dog beds or extra clutter doesn’t pile in places that would make it difficult for someone to walk through. In addition, inspect for any cords that might be in the way.

Of course, as you gather the clutter, you may need to find a safe place to store it. You should scale furniture down so that maneuvering is easier. Likewise, you should either remove all throw rugs or tape them down. If the rug slips, your loved one may fall. In addition to removing obstacles, wearing shoes indoors can alleviate some risk of slip and fall accidents.

Stairs and Steps

Stairs and steps are difficult for older adults aging in place. First, make sure that the handrails are sturdy and that the carpets are secure. There should also be plenty of lighting so no one misses a step. In addition, make sure that you never store anything on the stairs.

Kitchens, Bathrooms and Bedrooms

Kitchen, bedroom and bathroom safety are crucial. Everything should be within reach, the rooms should be well lit and grab bars and transfer chairs make a big difference. When it comes to aging adults, everything should be accessible.

Seniors deserve to age gracefully in the comfort of their own home. With the right renovations, you can support aging in place. With some extra lighting and a little decluttering, you will be on your way to a more accessible home.

So you’re considering a new home additions project. This can be a great way to increase the value of your home or to make it your dream house. Of course, before you call a contractor, you should consider the advantages and disadvantages.

Home Addition Advantages

Adding onto your home has many different advantages. Some of these benefits are as follows:

• More cost effective than buying a new home
• Gain some control over the design
• Allows you to stay in your location

New additions bring you closer to your dream home without buying a new property. In addition, you get to control the design. You lay down the rules for the contractor. While the contractor may give you solid advice, you have control of the layout.

When it comes down to it, adding home additions gives you more freedom. If you love your neighborhood, you don’t have to leave it. You can stay home; you simply make it a better home.

Home Addition Disadvantages

Like anything, there will always be disadvantages to a new home addition. Here are some of those:

• Requires a lot of savings
• Increases your monthly costs
• Takes up lot space

First, it does cost money to renovate or expand. It may not be as costly as purchasing a new property, but it does dip into your savings. If you already have money set aside or saved up for the occasion, then this is less of a disadvantage.

To expand your home means that you have to cut into some of your empty lot space. This is fine if you have a large yard or a lot of wasted space outdoors. If you’re worried about lot size, however, this is a concern.

Home additions can be a great way to increase curb appeal and improve your quality of life. It’s important before any home renovation project, however, to consider the advantages and disadvantages.

Adding to your home’s existing value is always good, and nothing increases said value quite as much as brand-new roofing. However, before you can begin reaping the many benefits of installing a new roof on your home, you have to find the right contractor and lay the plans. If you really want to ensure the job gets done right, though, you don’t want just any old roofing contractor. You’ll need to keep an eye out for the one that fits your needs as a homeowner. Having the right team of professionals on your side and understanding just a bit about the upcoming process can make things easier all-around easier, so you can enjoy your new roof sooner and with less stress.

 

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It seems that not too many years ago, front porch construction was part of most homes. If you took a walk down the street in your neighborhood, you would likely pass at least a house or two that contained a front porch with a swing or chair, a neighbor enjoying the sunset and children playing in the front yard. You may share a wave, a smile and even a little conversation. Front porches connected neighbors to each other and made communities stronger.

 

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Sometimes, you just want to complete some home improvements on your own. However, when it comes to big, expensive projects such as garage construction, it may still be best to trust the professionals to get the job done right. After all, a few missed nails or a slightly uneven board here and there could potentially bring the whole thing toppling down over time, which could damage both you and your property.

 

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Basements offer something very important when it comes to today’s society and culture: more space. Home owners have many ideas for rooms that they want in their dream homes. Whether it be a play room for the kids, a home theatre for movie nights, or an in-home gym or office, the basement can be a versatile and useful part of the house. To understand the entire picture of basement remodeling, consider the following two points: making a plan and hiring a contractor.

 

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