Deck Design

It’s been three years since the pandemic hit and forced everyone inside for an extended period. Now, outdoor living is becoming more and more popular with homeowners. Creating an inviting and engaging space for family, friends, and neighbors to hang out is quickly becoming a new priority. With that, homeowners want to upgrade or design a deck space that marries the practical with the beautiful. Decks expand usable outdoor space while improving the functionality of entertaining. They can surround pools and create outdoor patio areas that make it easy to establish multitiered living spaces, enhancing the functionality of outdoor areas. …

Award-Winning Outdoor Space Inspiration

(Family Features) Renovating your home’s outdoor spaces not only enhances the aesthetic but can also provide a host of recreational benefits. Taking a look at award-winning projects can help many homeowners draw inspiration while also identifying capable, reputable contractors to take on the project. For example, selected by a panel of industry experts based on functionality, aesthetics, craftsmanship, innovation and degree of difficulty, these 2021 National Association of the Remodeling Industry National Contractor of the Year (CotY) Award Winners showcase a variety of ideas for upgrading your outdoor spaces. Find the complete list at nari.org/cotywinners. Residential Landscape Design/Outdoor Living Under …

Five fall fix-ups for your outdoor space

(BPT) – After a long summer relaxing on your deck or patio, autumn is a great time to renovate your outdoor space — or build one from scratch. Home improvement expert Alison Victoria, host of HGTV’s “Windy City Rehab,” offers five tips for fabulous fall fix-ups. 1. Get decked out. Fall is an ideal time to tackle a deck project, whether it be repairs, board replacement or a completely new build. In addition to offering more pleasant temperatures for working outside, fall and winter are typically slower times for contractors, meaning you won’t have to wait as long to get …

Upgrade Your Outdoor Living Space

(Family Features) Transforming your backyard into a true extension of your home’s living space is a relatively easy way to add usable square footage and increase enjoyment of your home. Making outdoor upgrades is also a scalable project, meaning you can do as little or as much as your budget allows and continue enhancing the space over time. Start planning how you’ll create a backyard paradise with these ideas from the experts at the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI): Living Space Living rooms and kitchens are among the most popular choices for upgrading a patio space. This approach …

Hot Ideas for Outdoor Living

Create the backyard retreat of your dreams (Family Features) Livable space may be traditionally confined to a home’s interior, but the growing popularity of outdoor living design suggests that homeowners are broadening the definition to make the most of a home’s total footprint. An outdoor patio is a natural extension of the home, offering additional seating and, with the right amenities, a way to enjoy meals and entertainment al fresco. After the sunlight fades, features powered by propane – like full outdoor kitchens, patio heaters, fire pits, flame lighting and more – can keep the fun going well into the …

Spruce Up for Summer

Make your backyard the perfect outdoor space (Family Features) To make the transition to summer season effortless, there may be some backyard upgrades and prep to be done to ensure your outdoor space is in tip-top shape. From your pool and patio to the grill, these tips can help get your backyard summer-ready. Overhaul the Patio Patios and decks are often considered the hub of the backyard, so consider sprucing yours up by power-washing the stone to remove any winter buildup or use stain for a complete refresh. Adding a pergola or umbrellas can help protect you from the elements …

5 spring remodeling projects sure to brighten your home

During the coldest months of the year, it’s hard not to think about the warmer months to come — and all that they hold. You may already be planning your next vacation or outdoor activities to host in your backyard this summer. Now is the time to brainstorm about your spring home remodeling projects that can add enjoyment and value to your humble abode. Home remodeling projects on the rise As the U.S. economy continues to strengthen, home improvement project investment by homeowners has increased, according to the latest Residential Remodeling Index (RRI) study. As spring is a popular time for …