Friday, May 29, 2015


Page 17 Expanding outdoor living space adds value to your home


(BPT) - Even during a challenging economy, the outdoor living trend re- mains popular as homeowners seek to add lasting value and functional living space under the sky and stars. Whether it’s a do-it-yourself patio or a profes- sionally installed outdoor kitchen, the beauty, usefulness, value and ease of maintenance in outdoor living space is limitless.


Extending living space outdoors is as old as time itself. “Creating an outdoor room is a natural extension of your indoor living space,” says landscape architect John Johnson of Burnsville, Minn. “By creating a space in the open air and adding elements like fireplaces, pergolas, water features and greenery, you get a very different feel. People want and need that connection to the outdoors.”


Adding value Without erecting the traditional four walls and roof, outdoor living space can be easily added to large, small, twin or town homes. Enhancing an outdoor space with hardscapes adds value and can be adapted for multiple uses. “Homeowners continue to embrace the trend of maximizing outdoor living space, whether it’s an outdoor kitchen or patio living room with a fire pit,” says Lonny Sekeres, a landscape de- signer with Villa Landscapes in Oak- dale, Minn. “Real estate experts say that for every dollar you invest in land- scaping projects, you could see up to a $2 return when you sell your home.” Do-it-yourselfers will find easy-to-


ily’s living and en- tertaining space significantly. It provides a perfect gathering spot for guests and family who will be drawn from indoor dining areas to this entic- ing space.


A popular trend is to expand kitch- en space with out- door grilling areas, stone fireplaces for cooking wood- fired pizza, or stone counters around a grill for food prep-


install, maintenance-free pavers and segmental retaining wall systems are budget-friendly for patios, walkways, courtyards, raised gardens, fire fea- tures and wall projects. New construc- tion should include plans for exterior hardscapes, and remodels can benefit from the advice of design-build pro- fessionals or experts from a landscape supplies retailer, says Sekeres.- “There are so many solutions to fit any budget and need,” says Sekeres. “Products like Willow Creek perme- able pavers allow rainwater drainage if needed, and retaining walls come in colors that complement any environ- ment.”


Al fresco living


As a natural extension of the home’s ground floor, a patio expands a fam-


aration. “Because the kitchen is typi- cally the customary gathering place in the home, it’s a natural extension for family and entertaining guests,” Sekeres says. Warming accents A fire feature such as a fireplace, pit, table, pot or ring creates an invit- ing outdoor focal point as well as a functional spot for entertaining, says Sekeres. A half-circle seat wall or out- door furniture around a fire pit or table creates a cozy nook, and adding a grill, pub set, chaise or settee can transform a patio into a lounge for gatherings well into the evening and late in the season. A newer trend is the green or liv- ing wall, says Sekeres. Products like the VERSA-Green Plantable Retaining Wall System from VERSA-LOK lets do-


it-yourselfers and professional install- ers alike easily add drama and beauty to retaining walls. “A living wall plant- ed with herbs near an outdoor grill or a landscaped wall of flowers is an eye- catching, eco-friendly and unique use of retaining walls,” says Sekeres. Adding ambiance


Pathways created with pavers, step- ping stones and permeable pavers can join both back and front outdoor living spaces. “New homes and older homes make good use of the longstanding porch design,” says Sekeres. “It’s easy to create a paver walkway linking the front and back or an outdoor kitchen to a lounge area.”


Lighting installed within steps and along paths can also add a unified am- biance to a home’s hardscape. Adding decor such as pergolas, trellises and arbors covered with natural materials like bamboo or fiber screens is great solutions for privacy, shade or continu- ity of design. “There’s no limit to the hundreds of ideas to enhance your yard,” says Sekeres. “Many products are easy for the do-it-yourselfer with manufac- turer instructions, seminars and other resources. Talk to a landscape profes- sional, visit a home and garden show and landscape supply stores, or search the Internet for inspiration. Take ad- vantage of the outside to easily expand your living space.”


For more information on VERSA- LOK products, visit its website or call (800) 770-4525.


Weekend home improvement projects that add value and curb appeal


(BPT) - Weekend warriors rule as 2013 is proving to be the year that the do-it-yourself trend reaches full momentum. If you have a weekend to spare, you have plenty of time to make some home improvements that add value and curb appeal. The key is to choose projects that have a big impact, but only take a few days to complete. The first step in preparing for any home improvement project is ensur- ing you have all the right tools and sup- plies. If you need project-specific tools, it may make sense to rent them rath- er than buy, depending on how many times you plan to use them.


Next, head to a home improvement store for supplies. An invaluable tool for weekend warriors is the Adarac Truck Bed Rack System. This remov- able rack is compatible with most in- side-the-rail tonneau covers, and can be quickly added to your specific truck model within minutes. The system pro-


vides a sturdy framework that carries a 500-pound load with ease - perfect for ladders, boxes, lumber, pipes and more. Consider these projects that can be done in one weekend: 1. Garage door upgrade


One of the largest focal points of a


house’s exterior is the garage door, yet it’s often overlooked when it comes time to consider home improve- ments. An old garage door with dings, scratches and dents can be an eyesore that dates a home. A new garage door can give your house’s facade a stylish facelift, revamping the home’s look in- stantly. Modern options are convenient to install and operate, and are sure to impress neighbors, guests and poten- tial buyers, if you are selling. Plus, ac- cording the 2013 Cost vs. Value report from Remodeling magazine, replacing a garage door has a 75 percent return on investment, meaning you’re sure to add value to your investment.


2. Create a grand welcome Many people use their garage en- tranceway as the main way to enter their home, so it’s easy to forget about the experience of entering through the front door. That’s why it’s impor- tant to take a moment to walk to your home through the main entrance, like a guest or potential buyer would. Is the experience warm and welcoming, or drab and dated? If the entrance path to your home is less than stellar, a few upgrades will improve it tremendous- ly. Trim overgrown shrubs, add new mulch, paint wood stairs or railways and consider replacing your entry door - a new steel entry door has an impres- sive 85 percent return on investment. Use your Adarac Truck Bed Rack to move all the supplies, which is simple with the multitude of tie-down points that run the entire length of the system. 3. Reseal the driveway


A cracked, faded driveway can make


your property look older than it really is. If you have an asphalt driveway, it’s easy to refresh it without a complete replacement or upgrade to concrete. Sealing, while messy, is achievable for even modest DIYers, helping to extend the life of your driveway while adding an attractive cohesive black appear- ance. Visit your local home improve- ment store for all necessary supplies. Remember to fill cracks and holes be- fore brushing the sealer over the sur- face of the driveway. Keep in mind that older driveways that have not been re- surfaced may require two coats These projects have a big impact and can be completed in one weekend or less, making them perfect for today’s DIY homeowner. But no matter what home improvement project you decide to take on, make sure you start with a plan and get the appropriate supplies so you can manage your time and bud- get efficiently.


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