Tag Archives: Deck

4 Essential Tips for Building an Eco-Friendly Deck

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Building an eco-friendly deck requires carefully sourcing materials, strategically creating designs, and researching quality maintenance practices. If you’re interested in building a beautiful and sustainable deck for your home, follow these 4 essential tips for success.

green-deck

The Importance of Going Green

Gradually, the importance of living an eco-friendly lifestyle is gaining in popularity. People strive daily to discover sustainable changes they can implement in their lives to truly make a difference for the planet.

Reducing your carbon footprint can be accomplished in a variety of ways from simple changes, like choosing reusable over plastic, to major alterations, such as experimenting with alternative energy sources.

Analyze your life to uncover eco-friendly habits you can start forming today.

Building a deck is not exempt from green practices. By carefully planning and strategizing, you can build a sustainable deck that won’t harm the environment.

Ensure every aspect of your life aligns with your eco-friendly goals by discovering how to create an environmentally-friendly deck for your home.

1. Choose the Proper Materials

Constructing an eco-friendly deck involves selecting the proper materials for the job. Take time to search and analyze numerous potential materials to utilize for your deck project.

Potential sustainable and quality building materials to choose include:

When talking about sustainability, one needs to consider maximum durability and longevity. With long-lasting metal stair railings, you get good value for money and avoid adding more waste to the environment. Metal railings are a long-term investment. This means that, unlike wooden rails, it will take years and decades for them to rot and lose their function. This doesn’t only save you on costs but also helps protect the environment. When hiring professionals, notice their equipment and tools. For selecting industrial ladders for your decking project, find here the best recommendations.

Each material option provides different advantages and disadvantages for the earth and your deck. Research each type of building material to discover the decking that’ll suit your green project. Contemplate important information related to locality, production, maintenance, longevity, and recycling.

Create a pro and con list to determine the perfect decking material that aligns with your eco-friendly conscious.

Choosing the proper building materials for your sustainable project is the first step to ensuring you build an ecological deck.

2. Select a Conscious Design

Planning your dream deck should be completed with an environmentally-sound focus. Guarantee your deck design minimally impacts your carbon footprint by carefully considering important aspects.

How will you build your deck? Avoid excessive digging by marking the location of your support beams and only digging in the specific spots.

How will you position your deck? Evaluate your home and deck building space. Choose a location, if possible, that’s protected from the sun and utilizes the shade of trees. Arranging your deck with sufficient shade will help you avoid building additional structures in the future.

How will you decorate your deck? Select eco-friendly decorations to support your sustainable deck. Purchase recycled deck furniture, install solar lighting, and incorporate plants.

Create an environmentally-conscious design to guarantee you build a beautiful deck.

3. Perform Deck Maintenance Carefully

Preserve your sustainable deck by performing regular maintenance. Avoid harsh chemicals and select eco-friendly cleaners that’ll keep your deck beautiful and help save the planet.

Research a variety of methods for cleaning your deck. Search for natural cleaners, homemade solutions, and chemical-free products.

Natural cleaners for decks can be located online by performing a simple search. Research reviews for different cleaners to discover the best option.

Household solutions, such as white vinegar, baking soda, or hydrogen peroxide, can be combined with water to create a green cleaner for your deck.

Chemical-free products that serve as deck cleaners include oxygen bleach. Oxygen bleach will clean your deck without damaging or bleaching the wood.

Contemplate your deck maintenance options to ensure you don’t undermine the integrity of your eco-friendly deck by choosing improper cleaners. A lot of these improper cleaners are products that many people have sitting around in their homes… these items are what you would call household hazardous wastes.

4. Seek Assistance

Purchasing materials and designing a deck is a difficult process, especially if you’re inexperienced. Consider hiring a professional if you need assistance building a quality, eco-friendly deck.

Research different decking companies in your area. Ask friends and family for business recommendations. During your search, specifically review each company’s skills, style, and eco-friendly focus.

Ask questions about building materials, designs, and maintenance possibilities. Guarantee they’re aware of your desire to create a sustainable deck.

Select a decking company capable of completing your green project and talented at building quality Kansas City decks.

If you’re interested in building an eco-friendly deck, follow these 4 essential tips to ensure you create a beautiful deck while reducing your carbon footprint.

6 Ways on How Homeowners Can Create an Oasis in Their Backyard

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It is of vital importance that we unwind now and again, especially after a hard day at work. Spending hours staring at a computer screen, or doing physical work can take its toll on both the mind and the body. However, jetting off to a remote beach isn’t always an option. Since the pandemic began in early 2020, travel restrictions have been put in place. Although a lot of these restrictions have been lifted, people are still opting to spend more time at home.

You might not have known how lucky you were to have a backyard on your property prior to the pandemic. However, when the coronavirus started spreading across the globe and governments started to enforce lockdowns to help reduce the spread of the virus, homeowners were able to enjoy the great outdoors without having to put others at risk by relaxing in their backyards. These unprecedented times have motivated a lot of people to invest in their yard to make it even more appealing. Some find it the best area to relax, and by making transformations to your yard, you can create a tranquil environment where you can switch off from the rest of the world. Here’s how to turn your backyard into an oasis:

How Homeowners can Create an Oasis In their Backyard

1. Swimming Pool

You don’t need to install an Olympic sized swimming pool at home, but a small sized outdoor pool can completely transform your property. Most swimming pool companies offer a range of different pools, so you are bound to find one that suits your yard. There is nothing better than diving into your own pool at home during a hot day. Kids can spend hours splashing around without getting bored. It will encourage your friends and family members to pop over for a visit (which might be a good or bad thing!) more often. You can spend your afternoons relaxing in the pool, but swimming is also a great exercise. Click here to know how to make your pool sustainable.

However, purchasing a pool can cost a pretty penny, and the maintenance cost can add up too. You will need lots of cleaning equipment and chemicals to keep it spotless. If there are small children in your family, make sure that you install a sturdy fence around the pool so kids are unable to gain access to it.

2. Install a Deck

If you have a lot of free time on your hands, you might be interested in designing and building a deck in your yard. A deck is a great place for families and friends to enjoy a meal and socialize with one another. Kids can enjoy playing in the yard while their parents can keep an eye on them while relaxing on the deck. Some people hold birthday celebrations and other events on their deck, especially during a nice day.

A deck creates another space for people to hang out, which is ideal if you are expecting a lot of visitors. You can set up a BBQ on the deck, along with tables and chairs. Families can enjoy eating outside on the deck on a regular basis.

ways to increase the value of your home

Installing a deck without experience can prove challenging, especially if you don’t have the proper tools on hand. You will want to make sure your deck is completely safe so nobody sustains an injury while on it. It might be a good investment to hire a reputable company like McNish deck builders Orlando to build and install your deck.

If you wanted to go all out, you could consider installing an outdoor kitchen on your deck. Outdoor kitchens are becoming extremely popular nowadays, and if you love to cook, then it might prove to be a superb investment.

3. Plant Flowers

Unlike installing a pool or a deck, planting flowers is easy, so you don’t need to spend money on hiring a professional to do it for you. You don’t have to be an expert to plant and enjoy flowers, and you can even get the kids to give you a helping hand. They will add color to your landscape and brighten up your property. When the flowers are in bloom, you can take cuttings and give them away as a gift or put them in a vase in your home.

Gardening itself can be a lot of fun, and it can help reduce feelings of stress. It’s an inexpensive hobby people of all ages can enjoy. Flowers can help add curb appeal to your home, so if you are planning on selling down the line, you can expect potential buyers to take notice. Consider hanging plants in different areas around your yard as this can help add to the ambiance of your home.

4. Declutter

Adding new things to your backyard is one thing, but sometimes taking away a few items is the best way of creating a backyard oasis. If there are lots of objects lying around your yard, it is going to be hard to feel relaxed. It might be time to dump some of the items in your yard or move them to a different area if you want to create a peaceful environment. Get rid of things that aren’t any use to you, even if they have been in the same position for several years.

For example, if there are children’s swings in your yard but the kids don’t seem to use them anymore, perhaps it’s time to give them away or put them up for sale. You can then utilize this free space for something else. Damaged furniture can be an eyesore, so either refurbish them or replace them with new comfortable tables and chairs.

5. Invest in Solar Powered Outdoor Lighting

Solar powered outdoor lighting to help enhance the mood of your backyard. You won’t need any electrical wires connecting to the mains in the house if you invest in solar powered lights, and you should have no issues installing these lights into the ground. You can create a pathway around your yard with lights, or even use them for security purposes. Some even have a dimmer feature so you can alter the brightness of the lights depending on the type of atmosphere you are hoping to create.

solar-powered-lights

Solar powered lighting won’t increase your utility bills and they are extremely easy to maintain. Most online marketplaces stock a variety of solar powered devices, so you should easily find nice lights for your home. A compact 200W solar panel is more than enough to handle your lighting needs.

6. Build a Fire Pit

Another area where people like to socialize with one another is by a fire pit. A fire pit or an outdoor fireplace could be exactly what your yard needs to transform it from a basic yard to an oasis. Building a fire pit is easy, and there are several DIY stores selling all the equipment you will need to create this beautiful feature. Having a fire in your yard can provide people with heat and comfort. Even when the temperatures drop, your guests and family members might want to stay outside by the fire.

If you do install a firepit, make sure that young children are aware of the dangers that a fire can cause. Consider having fire safety equipment, like a fire blanket and an extinguisher close by in case an accident occurs. Before calling it a night, make sure that you put the fire out.

6 Ways to Increase the Value of Your Home

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When it comes to increasing the value of your home, you have to keep a couple of things in mind. It is important to make changes to your home that you will love, but will also keep your home’s resale value high. Plan out the renovations you want to make and create a budget that works for you. Invest in additions you can enjoy but will also increase your home’s value in return. Even if you aren’t thinking about selling any time soon, this is something you should remember when renovating your home.

By making changes like repainting, building a deck, renovating your kitchen, or making your home more energy-efficient, you can increase the value of your home with ease.

Keep everything budget-friendly, making investments in your home that are worthwhile. Make changes that you will love, but will increase the value of your home too. This will come in handy if you ever decide to put your house on the market in the future.

If you’ve been looking for different ways to increase the value of your home, these ideas can inspire you and help you begin transforming your home into an appealing, innovative, and valuable space.

ways to increase the value of your home

1. Paint

If you are looking for an easy, do-it-yourself project that will increase the value of your home, get ready to bring out the paint and rollers.

By adding a fresh coat of paint, changing up the entire color scheme of your home, or bringing interest to a room with an accent wall, you can completely update the interior of your home. Not only will this bring a refresh to your space, but it will increase the value of your home instantly.

If you enjoy the current colors in your home, go for a quick coat of the same color to prevent the walls from looking dull. But, if you’re wanting to switch things up, consider going with an entirely new color scheme. This can completely transform the interior of your home, elevating the style you create in this space. You could even add an accent wall in your home, adding a point of eye-catching interest to any room.

The options are endless, but whatever you decide to do with the paint in your home will be sure to increase its value.

how to increase the value of your home

2. Focus on the Kitchen

One of the most valuable spaces in your home is the kitchen. This is a major selling point for most, making it important to keep this space modern and up-to-date.

Not only will you be able to enjoy the benefits of having a sleek, stylish, and functional kitchen, but making investments in this space will benefit you in the future if you did decide to sell your home.

You can start with simple, budget-friendly kitchen renovations like repainting, adding a backsplash, changing the color of the cabinets, or adding new hardware to your cabinetry. But you could also make bigger changes like changing out the flooring, adding an entirely new countertop, or replacing outdated appliances. There is so much you can do in a kitchen to make it stand out, so look for inspiration from modern design while bringing in your own style too.

stainless-steel-kitchen

3. Build a Deck or Patio

Another way to increase the value of your home is to simply build a deck or patio, making this a major selling point for your home. Having an outdoor space like that will instantly increase your home’s value, giving you a space you can enjoy with friends and family year-round.

If you love grilling out, hosting parties, or gathering around a fire pit – a deck or patio space might be the perfect addition to your home! Not only will this give you the perfect space to relax outdoors or entertain, but it will increase the value of your home.

Choose the color or stain that you want the wood, making sure that it matches the exterior of your home, then you can get to building the deck or patio of your dreams. This will bring aesthetics and character to your backyard, adding value instantly.

This is a space you can enjoy for years to come, but if you ever decide it’s time to sell, the deck or patio will be a major selling point to any future homeowner.

4. Replace Garage Heaters

It is becoming more and more common for homeowners to turn their garage into a functional space, for working out or extra hobbies. But, one thing that makes this space hard to work in is when it gets cold in the winter months. This usually means investing time and money into finding the perfect garage heater, and while they usually have many benefits, there are always disadvantages you have to be conscious of.

To keep your garage space warm, hazard-free, and safe to use year-round, you may want to consider using an alternative heating source to keep your garage warm this winter.

While it is most common to see electric fireplace inserts installed in homes, there is no reason you couldn’t keep one in your garage, for a safer way to heat this space and utilize it all year long. Electric fireplaces are not only hazard-free with no risk of gas emissions or fumes, but they are energy-efficient, they heat more effectively, and they’re easy to operate, making this the perfect way to keep your garage warm.

If your family’s safety is a priority along with the longevity of your home, put an electric fireplace to use instead of a garage heater. You’ll be more than happy you made the switch, especially when considering how much safer and hazard-free this alternative is.

5. Lower Your Home’s Energy Costs

An innovative way to increase the value of your home is to make it more energy-efficient and green, lowering your home’s energy costs in turn.

Some easy ways to do this are to utilize high-efficiency windows, install LED lights, or exchange your current appliances for a more green alternative. These changes will not only increase the value of your home, but they will help cut your typically high energy bill as a result. This will benefit you while you are living there, but it will also be a plus for new homeowners if you ever decide to sell.

 

You could even invest in solar panels if this is something you have been wanting to do. While this is more of an investment than the other alternatives listed, since you won’t see a financial kickback immediately. But, if you plan to stay in your home for a while then solar panels will be worth it in the end.

solar-powered-home

This will increase the value of your home, keep your home energy-efficient, lower your bills, and help with resale value in the future too!

6. Add Curb Appeal

Another easy way to add value to your home is to work on your landscaping and add curb appeal to the exterior of your home. Not only will this make your home more beautiful, but it will increase your home’s value too.

By re-doing your current landscaping or installing something entirely new, you can transform your front lawn into an aesthetic and appealing place. This will grab the attention of neighbors and passersby alike, making your home an interesting and eye-catching place.

curb appeal of home

With the simple addition of flowers, bushes, trees, and greenery, your home will be elevated and its value will increase instantly. This will give you an outdoor space you can love and cherish while using this appeal to your advantage if you ever make the choice to sell.

Increasing the Value of Your Home with Ease

If you’ve been looking for ways to increase the value of your home, now is the time to take some inspiration and get started on new renovations. Plan out projects that will make you fall in love with your home while adding value at the same time. Remember to keep your budget in mind too, making sure every investment you make will be worth it.

Even if you aren’t ready to sell, there is still plenty you can do to your home to increase its value and update its style, making it a more innovative and appealing space. By repainting, updating the kitchen, adding curb appeal, or lowering your home’s energy costs, you will begin to see an increase in your home’s overall value.

To update your home, making it more functional and appealing, use these ideas to increase your home value and love the space you’re in even more.

5 Home Improvement Projects That Add Instant Value to Your Property

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It’s no secret that home improvements add to your property’s value. You can get your house looking and performing better, and when you do, you can usually sell it for a higher price when you want to move on from it.

We’ll talk about a few home improvement projects you should consider right now before you start raising funds for your home improvement. If you haven’t done these yet, you may feel that they’re worth the price.

1. Eco-Friendly Upgrades

About 70% of homebuyers seek eco-friendly upgrades, so you should keep that in mind if you have money to spend on your house this year. You can probably think of dozens of eco-friendly home improvements if you put your mind to it.

mistakes when switching to solar energy

You’ll need to look at cost-effective ones. You’ll also need to consider whether you can do any of them yourself or whether you’ll need to hire a company to do them for you.

For instance, you might switch to solar energy. Many companies will now install solar panels on your roof. They don’t usually cost all that much, and they can reduce your electric bills.

You might add color with some eco-friendly paint, or you can start a compost pile in your backyard. You can hire a company that will do an energy audit for the property. They will identify anywhere you’re losing heat in the winter and cool air in the summer. Then, they can stop up all those cracks and crevices.

2. A New Roof

A roof can last you for twenty years or longer in some instances. At some point, though, you’ll likely need to do a total tear-off and put on a new one.

Unless you work professionally as a roofer, you probably can’t do this upgrade on your own. You will need to hire a company to do it. Make sure to talk to a few different roofers so you can get some estimates. You never know if one might give you a much better price than another.

You can pick a nice color for the shingles and get the company you choose to install the roof at a time of year when the weather’s not much of a factor. Once you have that new roof on there, you can point to it as a significant selling point when you’re ready to move.

3. You Can Get a Tankless Water Heater

You might get rid of your old, bulky water heater and install a new tankless one. You’ll probably want to find a plumber to do this, although you might try it as a DIY project if you feel ambitious.

Tankless water heaters are eco-friendly, and they don’t take up nearly as much space as an old-fashioned kind. You can stick them down in the basement, and you’ll barely notice they’re there.

They usually give you faster hot water when you run a bath or turn on the shower. Also, you can often get a government rebate when you install one, so the total expense should not come to more than a few hundred dollars.

4. You Can Install a New Deck

You might have a backyard with a deck overlooking it. An old deck isn’t very nice to look at, though, and it’s probably unsafe on top of that.

green-deck

If you’ve got kids that like to run all over your deck and play in your backyard, you want a sturdy structure that won’t collapse or stick out a rusty nail that ends up in a child’s foot. Installing a new deck isn’t cheap, but that’s another potential selling point when you get ready to move on.

You can enjoy your new deck once you install it. A new deck represents a commitment to the property, but you can also spend time out there during nice weather. The neighbors will want to come by, and you can have BBQs if you set up a grill. If you want to be the next master chef in your neighborhood, don’t forget to checkout our kamado joe buying guide.

5. You Can Install a New Fence

Maybe you have a front and backyard, but you don’t have a fence yet for either one. If so, you may think about installing one. If you put in a fence, you can allow the kids to play behind the house or in front of it, or you can let your dog out and know it won’t run out into the street.

You can look into different fence styles as well. A chain-link fence won’t cost you very much, but you might want to select a more elaborate option to improve your home’s aesthetic appeal.