5 ways to revamp your outdoor living space this year

(BPT) - Do long, winter days holed up indoors have you dreaming of a new deck to relax on come springtime? Whether you envision transforming a deck into a personal sanctuary or building a new outdoor living space for backyard entertaining, now is the perfect time to start turning those dreams into reality.



Get a jump-start by preparing to enjoy warmer weather with these five easy steps that will take your deck from functional to fantastic.



1. Add lasting style underfoot by selecting the right decking product.



A deck only looks as good as its boards, which is why it is important to select decking that is as durable as it is attractive. Even well-designed outdoor living spaces can disappoint if deck boards crack, fail, fade or warp.



Many deck products are available, but composite decking is one material that has quickly grown in popularity, and market research firm the Freedonia Group predicts the material will see continued growth in the coming years. Composite decking products fuel this growth by helping homeowners realize that decks can require minimal upkeep while still providing lasting beauty.



"Homeowners are looking for outdoor living spaces that will allow them to relax and enjoy their backyards," says Scott Spencer, ChoiceDek national account manager. "They don't want to worry about the chore of cleaning or maintaining their outdoor products regularly. Composite decking brings the beauty of real wood to a deck with less maintenance and lasting durability."



2. Design your outdoors as an extended living space.



Once you have the perfect materials in mind, consider that your outdoor living space serves as an extension of the home. Your deck, patio or porch doesn't have to be boxy in design. By incorporating level changes, handrails, lighting and the right furniture, you can clearly define areas for eating, socializing and relaxing. If you have multiple outdoor living spaces you can also incorporate pathway features and ground lighting to connect the spaces and help your guests travel smoothly from one area to the other.



Don't let difficult terrains or space limit you. By using platform decks to tame hard-to-navigate slopes and including raised portions in smaller designs, you will be able to expand your usable space and extend your views of the scenery.



3. Create drama on deck.



Once you've got a basic idea of how you want to design your deck, get creative and pinpoint areas where you could make use of artistic focal points that will make your deck even more unique.



Some of the simplest ways to add distinction to your deck are to alternate the plank directions, create in-laid patterns and inset frames. With moisture-resistant deck boards you can accent nature in your design by simply encircling a tree near the deck or highlighting a water feature. Similar levels of creativity can also be applied to fire pits, planters, built-in seating and storage boxes.



4. Stay ahead of the curve.



If those simple design tricks aren't enough to set your outdoor living space apart, consider incorporating curves into your deck design. Circles, sweeping arcs and other unique shapes that are juxtaposed against straight lines can add a distinctive touch of customization that will showcase your creativity.



Contemporary materials like composite decking make shaping deck boards into these eye-catching curves a breeze. Contractors and do-it-yourselfers following manufacturer instructions can rip, route and bend the boards into a range of one-of-a-kind custom shapes.



5. Give guests something attractive to lean on.



While railings are an important safety feature, they can also double as a decorative accent that takes your deck to a whole new level. You can finish out your deck with color-matched composite railing components and accessories for a seamless look, or contrast colors to create visual interest. If preserving views is important, consider using tempered glass panels, horizontal cables or shaped metal instead of traditional balusters.

Beyond white: Hot color trends for the kitchen and bath

Consider these top five color trends for kitchen and bath spaces:



1. Gray reigns king



The NKBA Trends Report names gray the coveted color of the year. According to the report, use of gray color schemes in both kitchens and baths has dramatically increased, particularly over the past year. The hue is currently used in 55 percent of kitchens and 56 percent of bathrooms.



"I regularly work gray into my projects because it instantly elevates the design and adds depth to the palette," says senior interior designer Travis Rotelli, who works at the Kohler Design Center in Kohler, Wis. "I love incorporating it with Kohler enameled cast iron sink - there are five different shades of gray to choose from, which makes it easy to find one to complement the other colors in the space and then echo that shade through the backsplash tile or paint color."



2. Bold and beautiful hues



Neutrals are classic, but pops of strategically placed color add life to kitchen and baths. "Emerald and varying shades of green are hot pops of colors, and the color will be all about cobalt," states Rotelli. While he says "it" hues are fun, he encourages homeowners to identify colors they personally enjoy. "We all have one color we're always drawn to; the one that repeats in our wardrobes and home decor. That is the color to use as an accent in the kitchen or bath. Color trends come and go, but one that resonates with your design aesthetic and reflects you as an individual you'll always love," Rotelli says.



3. Evolve from white



Neutral no longer simply means white. Homeowners are eagerly embracing other colors in place of white, like Dune from Kohler, available for sinks, baths, shower bases and toilets. "Dune is a subtle balance of beige and gray that brings a cool tone to the space - a true neutral that works well in place of white and adds a nuance of sophistication to the room's color palette," says Rotelli.



4. Colors that evoke emotion



"Color psychology is a powerful thing," Rotelli says; restaurants use appetizing hues to stimulate hunger, and stores harness its influence in hopes that you'll shop more. "Certain colors can evoke certain emotions throughout the home, as well." Homeowners who keep the emotional aspect of color in mind during the design process reap the reward of a truly personalized space. "Blues and greens are popular bathroom choices for good reason: both evoke a soothing sense of calm and healing." When it comes to kitchens, Rotelli says people are often drawn to colors from their past, because it evokes fond memories from their childhood.



5. Unexpected color



When it comes to color, sometimes you need to break the rules. Some of the best kitchen and bath designs incorporate color in unexpected ways. Remodeling projects provide the perfect opportunity to incorporate color beyond a fresh coat of paint or new window treatments. "Glass tile in kitchens or baths make it easy to introduce new color and texture," Rotelli says. For those looking to create a more cultivated color scheme and palette, he also suggests thinking outside the box by considering a new faucet finish or incorporating new materials, such as metal. "I always encourage clients to have a little fun in the bathroom, and the sink provides a perfect opportunity, whether it's a cast iron sink in a bright color, or a vessel sink that serves as functional art and a focal point for the space."



If you're ready for color, but still feel a little unsure, Rotelli has one final piece of advice: "When you do select a color, bring samples, swatches and chips home. Let them sit in the space and observe them at different times of the day. Materials can look much different in your home than how they appear under the bright lights of a showroom," he says.

Reasons to consider using keyless entry deadbolt for your home

Are you thinking about using a keyless entry deadbolt for your home, but are not sure this is smart? Then you need to be aware of the many reasons why it is smart for anyone.



There are a number of reasons that you have to be aware of, but the following are the most essential reasons for you to know.



One: Security - When you use a keyless deadbolt, this will make your security much better for your family. No burglar is going to be able to just break into your home anymore.



They will have a very difficult or even impossible time trying to get in. These deadbolts are designed so they will be able to keep people out that you don't want in your home.



When you want to keep your family safe, security is the most important thing you can provide them against burglar danger. The only way to make sure that your family stays safe is to make sure that danger can't get into your home and this lock was designed to do just that.



Two: Convenience - You will not have to worry about losing your keys and not being able to get back into your house, when you have this type of lock for your home. With it being keyless, it is very simple for anyone in your family to get in and not get locked out.



Three: Prevents theft of your keys - Using a keyless door lock requires the use of your fingerprints for your family to get into their home. This means that you will be safe from someone taking your keys and using them to gain access to your home and they won't be able to make a copy of them either.



This will prevent anyone from being able to get into your home from the theft of your keys. That means better security and safety for your family, which is very important these days.



Four: Multiple users - You can choose to add as many people's fingerprints to the deadbolt system as you need to. Adding and removing fingerprints is really easy for any family to do.



This makes it simple for everyone in your family to have their fingerprints added so that they never have a problem getting into your home.



These are the main reasons that you want to consider using a keyless entry deadbolt for your home. There are many benefits to using this type of lock for your home, as you can see. Now, you just need to decide if this is the right type for your home, or if you prefer another type that may not offer these benefits for your family.



by: Jeff Schuman

http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_6661.shtml

10 tips to help you save home energy

Before you spend money on the latest energy-efficient gizmo that's supposed to save you money let's look at some energy saving ideas that will really help you save home energy. The strategies that we will look at maximize the effort you put in and help reduce your home energy consumption.



First sit down and think about all the different ways your family uses energy around the house. Now put an approximate type and cost of energy used. You may have trouble breaking down the cost but try to do it. Now all you have to do is find ways to save on your resources at the same time cut your costs. You may have to think creatively but it can be done.



So here are some tips to get you started:



- Turn the lights off when you're not using them. This is really simple and easy to do. Do you really need your bedroom light on when you're in the living room? Do you leave lights on when you leave the house? Do you even need more than one light on in a room for what you are doing? Believe it or not it makes a big difference.



- Turn all electronics and other appliances off when you're not using them. No one can do everything at the same time. Can you really listen to a radio watch television and use your computer all at the same time?



- Set your thermostat down a couple of degrees in winter or up in summer, to conserve energy. And dress appropriately indoors for the time of year it is. For instance in winter, put on a sweater or some extra clothing, or may snuggle under a blanket to stay warm. In the summer, wear less and stay cooler naturally.



- Only turn an appliance on when you have a full load. This is true especially for the washing machine, dryer and even the dishwasher. It is amazing how much extra energy is used doing multiple small loads in comparison to one full load.



- Do regular maintenance on your appliances. Keeping them clean means they don't have to work as hard. Changing filters reduces the energy needed to accomplish a task. Regular care will also mean any maintenance bills that you might come up against may well be cheaper.



- Be careful how you use your water. Like when brushing your teeth or washing your hands, use only the water you need. Don't let the water run the entire time. Also, try and use less water if you take a bath, or control your shower times.



- Simply let your hair air dry, instead of using a blow drier every day.



- Lower the temperature on your water heater to 120 degrees F.



Don't forget the bigger projects as well.



- Seal the cracks around your doors and windows. You are paying for your hot air that escapes through cracks all around your house. You need to make sure you are doing all you can to keep the warm air you're paying for inside your house.



- You also need to check your house's insulation. Though this has been done by many homeowners nevertheless you still need to do it before you pass it over. It is probably the biggest thing in reducing heating costs.



Now some of these things may seem trivial to you but let me assure you that even the small things add up over time. And really most of them you won't even notice the difference to your life except your bills.



These tips and suggestions will make your home more affordable, and take some strain off of our world's resources. Just think if all of us would just made a few of these changes to how we do things on a daily basis it would make a huge difference.



By: Dave McIntosh



http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_7258.shtml

5 home-improvement projects to help sell your home

(BPT) - The real estate market has improved across much of the country, but homeowners thinking about listing their homes this summer need to stay competitive to attract buyers. Buyers are looking for long-term homes, ones they want to stay in for years while raising their children, or settling down and retiring.



To prepare your home for listing - or simply to enjoy it a few years longer - check out these top five home improvement projects you can do yourself to make your home more attractive to buyers:



1. Give the front door a new look - The front door sets the tone for your home's curb appeal and security, and it signals how well you maintain everything else. Buyers will be walking into your home via the front door, so be sure to give them a good first impression. If your door is in good shape, you might just need to give it a refreshing new coat of paint or new hardware. But if it's seen some wear and tear over the years, consider replacing it with a steel door - one that will show buyers your home is safe.



2. Update the most-used entryway - While the front door needs curb appeal, the garage door is traditionally the most-used door in the home. Old wooden garage doors will start to sag and the paint will peel, giving your home a run-down look. Replacing this door with an insulated steel door will not only improve the exterior look of your home, but also keep the garage space warmer. Finishing off the garage can also be a big draw for buyers, but you probably won't be able to recoup as much of the expense as you would by replacing only the garage door.



3. Add additional living space - You might not think about adding a deck as the same thing as adding an extra room to the house, but if you're selling your home during the warmer months, that's how buyers will see it. They'll be able to picture themselves enjoying breakfast and picnic dinners outside, or curling up on a lounge chair with a good book on a summer afternoon. To make your deck a good selling feature, consider using ProWood Dura Color, a color-treated wood that retains its color for years. This means your buyers can easily move into your house and can enjoy the space without the annual chore of staining. Realtor.com estimates that homeowners can recoup 87 percent of the investment of adding a deck when they sell.



4. Create a bathroom retreat - As the smallest room in the house, the bathroom tends to cost the least to remodel. If you have a guest or master bath that can use a little help to transform into a relaxing oasis, take the opportunity to replace the flooring, add cushy rugs, paint the walls and replace the accessories with more modern styles. Faucets, showerheads, the mirror and even the toilet can all be upgraded with water-saving and stylish designs. Buyers will take note of a maintenance-free bath, making your home one they'll remember as move-in ready.



5. Turn the backyard into a private paradise - Buyers will be visualizing themselves in your backyard when touring your home. They're looking to see how quiet and secure the space is. Consider adding a beautiful wooden fence to enhance the privacy. It will make the home attractive to families with children and pets, and for couples who aren't interested in having a conversation with the neighbors every time they go outside. To make your fence an attractive selling feature of the home, consider using ProWood Dura Color fence pickets or pre-built panels. The cedar-tone or redwood-tone colorant driven deep into the wood fibers will stand up to the sun's harsh rays and won't gray out over time, unlike cedar fencing. You can match it to the deck coloring for a beautiful accent look that connects the colors in your backyard.

Welcome to our blog!

Thank you for taking the time to look at our blog.  We are excited to start another venue for sharing great real estate information with you.  Our goal is to use this as a platform for a wide range of ideas and general information to help you be a more educated home owner, buyer or seller.  If there is a topic that you would like to hear more about please don't hesitate to ask us as we love questions.

If you like our blog and don't already follow us on our other social media platforms make sure to check us out today.

Thank you, We hope you enjoy our blog!

Keith McKeever & Linda McKeever Harmon
McKeever Harmon Group at RE/MAX Preferred Choice