If you’re considering a new deck for your home, you know a lot of planning is involved. Decisions on designs and placement have to be made. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, here are a few ways to make the most of your new deck.

Choosing the Perfect Spot

The very first step in planning for your new deck is deciding on its placement. You may want it near a pool if you have one or built in multiple levels extending from your house. If you live on a hill or slope, you may have thought you could never have a deck. This is untrue, as today’s rooftop deck systems can make installation on uneven surfaces possible. Anyone can create the deck of their dreams.

Installing a Hot Tub

A popular option for decks is the installation of a hot tub. A spa can be the centerpiece of ultimate relaxation. Surrounded by lighting or greenery, a hot tub can be just steps from the inside of your home. That’s why so many people incorporate it into their design plan.

Adding a Fire Pit or Grilling Area

Many people choose to install a fire pit or grilling area into their deck. Nothing beats the convenience of hosting a party or get-together when you cook and dine outside. Gathering around a fire pit with a glass of wine tops off any evening. You’ll be taking advantage of the outdoors all season long.

Landscaping and Flower Beds

If you love gardening, a deck can provide a stunning backdrop for flowers, tropical plants and even an herb garden. You can have flower beds built right into the design. Accent your greenery with well-placed solar lights and your area will look incredible. The options are endless.

Years of Enjoyment

A deck is a fantastic place for you to relax, sunbathe and entertain. There are endless options for decks no matter where you live and you’ll enjoy it for many years to come.…

You take pride in the way your home looks, and taking care of it inside and out is a priority. Lately, work has gotten the best of you, and you haven’t had the time to spend on it. You’ve done an excellent job maintaining the inside, but the front yard leaves something to be desired. You want to make it more appealing, but don’t have a lot of time or money to do it. Luckily, there are some great simple ways to make the front of your home stand out.

Add a Coat of Paint to the Door

You don’t have to repaint your entire house to make it look fresh and new. Take some time to hose the front down, paying special attention to clear spider webs. There are cleaners you can purchase that will help remove a layer of dirt without the use of a pressure washer. Applying a fresh coat of paint to the door can make it stand out. Choose a bold color, such as red or navy blue. Add some decor to the door as well if you want to draw the eye.

Install Lighting

Accent lighting on your house or in your yard not only helps provide security, but lights also allow you to direct attention to specific elements. If you have a palm tree or flower bed that looks especially nice at night with the right lighting, outdoor lighting florida may have something that will work. Adding a decorative light on your porch or either side of your garage may also add to nighttime and daytime appeal.

Keep Gutters Clean

If you have trees, you know how easy it is for gutters to accumulate leaves and branches. Have you ever noticed how unsightly it makes the front of your home look? The pile of debris goes from inside the gutter to spilling out, leaving dirt and grime in its place. Keep the gutters clean and install gutter guards or screening to minimize the collection of foliage.

Taking a bit of time to spruce up the front of your house may add value with little to no upkeep.…

Are you getting ready to move? If so, you’re probably working feverishly to get your current home in mint condition so you can get a good price for it. While you may want to gut the entire thing and start from scratch, doing so wouldn’t be practical. The key is to make the most important updates that will give you the most value for our money. Here are the top ways to get your home ready to sell.

Update Your Kitchen

Ask any buyer what room is most important when buying a new house, and many will say “the kitchen” without hesitation. If your kitchen is too cramped, dark or out-of-date, you’ll have a hard time convincing people to buy. When you update your kitchen, replace old appliances, apply a fresh coat of paint and upgrade your kitchen countertops milwaukee. These changes will help make your kitchen attractive to buyers.

Replace the Flooring

Is your flooring noticeably worn and in disrepair? If you leave it that way, you’ll send buyers running the other way. Whether you have carpet, hardwood or vinyl, you should replace or refinish it if it’s in bad condition.

Clean Up Your Property

As important as it is to update the inside of your house, you shouldn’t neglect the outside. After all, your home’s exterior is the first thing potential buyers see when they drive up. Make sure it looks nice by cleaning up any trash or overgrown weeds. The cleaner and more inviting your property looks on the outside, the more buyers will want to see what it looks like on the inside.

Repaint

It’s amazing how refreshing a new coat of paint can be to the interior of a home. To appeal to most buyers, repaint in neutral, light colors that make the space look larger.

Once you’ve finished these steps, deep clean your home’s interior and get it staged to sell. Although these processes take time, they will increase your chances of selling your home for the amount you desire.…

The thought of a pest infestation is enough to make anyone cringe, but it’s important not to look the other way. Learning how to recognize the telltale signs of pest or rodent infestations is key to taking care of the problem before it gets worse. If you aren’t sure what to look for, here are common signs that indicate a pest problem.

Piles of Wood Shavings

Piles of wood shavings around window sills, door jambs and baseboards are usually indicative of termites or carpenter ants. To figure out which pest you’re dealing with, do some investigating. If you have a termite problem, you’ll probably see mud tubes on your property. If you notice fallen wings, you’re probably dealing with carpenter ants dallas or.

Odors and Droppings

What goes in must come out, so if you think you have a pest problem, look for droppings. You may also notice an unpleasant smell along with the droppings. In either case, it’s imperative to call an exterminator immediately to get rid of the hazard.

Late-Night Sounds

Many pests are nocturnal, which means they become more active at night. Mice and rats typically choose the evening hours to search for food and wander your house. If you hear a scurrying sound when you’re in bed, you probably have at least one unwanted creature sharing your amenities.

Gaps and Cracks Around Your Home

It’s wise to walk around your home and examine your foundation, garage and any other access points for cracks and gaps. If you notice any, have them filled as soon as possible. Gaps are irresistible to unwanted critters and give them easy access to the interior of your home.

If you notice any of these signs of pests in your home, don’t wait to take action. Most pests can reproduce in alarming numbers, so taking care of the problem early on is key to keeping them out of your home.…

These days, more people are spending money on home improvement. More and more, remodeling projects include advancements that not only modernize the home, but also help reduce energy costs. Whether you’re planning a major renovation or smaller enhancements, here are three upgrades you should consider to improve the energy efficiency in your residence.

Energy-Efficient Lighting

Energy-efficient light bulbs come with many benefits, including reduced electricity usage and longer life span.  Most of the energy from traditional incandescent lighting was given off as wasted heat. Halogen incandescents, compact fluorescent lamps and light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs are commonly available alternatives. LEDs, in particular, are especially popular due to their relatively long life span which offset the initial costs. Some LED lights can last up to 30 years with typical daily use. As technology continues to develop, pricing on energy-efficient bulbs continues to decrease. This is a relatively simple upgrade that anyone can make.

Go Tankless

Tankless water heaters are another way to improve your home’s long term energy efficiency. These devices can use up to 40% less energy than standard tank hot water heaters. With tankless heaters, you don’t have to wait for hot water. These appliances generally have a much longer lifespan than their standard counterparts.  Consult a professional for tankless water heater installation San Ramon CA to explore all your options.

Smart Home Technology

Implementing smart devices can also improve energy efficiency. Although full-scale home automation can be expensive, devices such as smart thermostats and smart lights allow for a relatively inexpensive entry into the smart home arena. These machines work with Wi-Fi networks to use location-based technology to determine when to heat or cool your abode or turn on exterior lights as the sun sets.

As you plan your next home improvement projects, consider making energy-efficient upgrades. You can go big or small on changes that will not only save money in the long run but are also eco-friendly.  While some options require the aid of a professional, all can go a long way towards a more energy-efficient home.…

They say eyes are the windows to the soul. Does that mean the windows are the eyes of your house? They give you a view to the outside world, certainly, and they can be a feature that draws the gaze of people admiring the beauty of your home. Are your windows clear and classy, or are they bloodshot and bleary? Maybe it’s time to give those peepers a little pickup.

Prettier Panes

Dress up a plain old piece of glass with some window grids that give the illusion of a much more decorative and creatively designed space. Stained glass is another way to take a window from faded to fab, and if it’s not practical to completely replace the clear glass with something more colorful, try hanging a small pretty piece at the top of a window to draw the sun and admiring glances.

Classier Coverings

The loveliest window won’t get much attention if it’s covered with drab drapes or droopy blinds. Invest in some new curtains or a snappy shade, and you’ll be surprised how much wow you can get from your windows. At the very least, throw your current covering in the wash or give it a good spray and wipe.

Glossier Glass

Speaking of spraying and wiping, the simplest way to make more of your windows is to make sure they are brightly, gleamingly, transparently clean. Whether you choose to wash them yourself or hire a professional, get rid of all the grime that’s built up on the outside due to weather and wear. Wipe the fingerprints and pet nose-prints off the inside surface of the windows. While you’re at it, hose off any screens so they’re not looking shabby.

Make your house’s eyes pop with some careful applications of style. You’ll see and be seen all the better.…

Ants are one of the most common pests that make their way into the home. And once they make their way inside, they’re quite difficult to get rid of. An ant infestation isn’t something you want to just live with. Ants can pose several risks and need to be dealt with immediately.

Some Ants Sting

Not all ants are a risk of physical damage. However, there are some (such as fire ants) that sting. These stings can be painful. Some people may have allergic reactions that can cause some potentially dangerous effects. Because it can be difficult to identify the type of ant infesting your home, it’s best to have professional pest control services cape coral fl provide treatment.

Health Risks

Even if the ants in your home are physically harmless, they can carry all kinds of bacteria, including E. coli. They can then track the bacteria over your countertops and any food that’s left out in the open. Eating contaminated food, or food that has touched contaminated surfaces, could put your health at risk.

Home Damage

There are some types of ants that eat wood. If they get in your home, they could destroy the wood structures including furniture, walls and support beams. Not only are you left dealing with an ant infestation, but then you’re stuck dealing with the costs of replacing damaged furniture or repairing compromised walls.

They Can Deter Visitors

Even the cleanest homes can get an ant infestation. But any guests who see them might instantly assume that your home is dirty. Ants give off a very bad impression and can make your guests unwilling to come back for another visit.

Ants aren’t a creature you want taking up residence in your home. Treating an infestation quickly is important for getting them out as quickly as possible.…