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backyard makeover

Difference Between Screened In Patio And Sunrooms

November 10, 2022
Chloe Taylor
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It’s no secret that outdoor living areas have been among the most popular types of home modification in recent years, and this fad shows no signs of abating. More and more homeowners are looking for ways to make the most of their backyards, including relaxing seating options. What, however, of those times when inclement weather makes patios uninviting?

A sunroom or three-season porch enclosure combines the advantages of both indoor and outdoor living. The benefits are going outside without the heat, humidity, and insects. Perfect. Want to know the differences between a screened in patio and a sunroom? Now you have the lowdown.

Screened-in porch vs. Sunroom

The primary distinction between a sunroom and a screened porch is in the materials used in its construction and insulation. However, sunrooms are more like additions to the house than screened porches, which are generally just basic enclosures added on top of an existing patio or porch.

A screened-in porch won’t keep the rain and wind out as well as an open porch would. It’s really just a porch that has been enclosed by walls. There will likely be little insulation and no suitable floor constructed over the foundation.

In addition to screens, many porches also have windows or moveable panels. For this reason, porches with screens are often referred to as “three-season porches.” You may use them as a temporary home throughout the autumn and spring. However, in really chilly winters, screens are still not very practical.

While the added fourth season is the primary selling point of sunrooms over screened porches, there are additional factors to think about before breaking ground. Your selection will be influenced by a number of factors, including the location of your house, the purpose of the space, the cost of permits and utilities, the amount of useful time, and the total cost of construction.

  • Location

Sunrooms may seem like a no-brainer in places with scorching summers, but they aren’t really the norm. A screened porch may be used year-round in climates with moderate winters. A sunroom is appropriate in colder climates, but a screened-in porch may be built for far less money.

  • Intention Of the Area

A screened-in porch may be all you need if you’re only looking for a place to relax out of the sun with loved ones in the warmer months. The porch enclosure isn’t as efficient at regulating temperature as a sunroom, but it performs a decent job and can be improved upon.

Even though they lack heating and cooling, many screened-in porches nevertheless have ceiling fans. Moreover, a little electric space heater is significantly more budget-friendly than an outside patio warmer.

  • Calculating Your Investment’s Return

Think about the return on investment you’ll receive from a sunroom or screened porch. When do you anticipate using it? Is it reasonable to build a sunroom, heat it, and use it as a year-round living space? To what extent will you get to enjoy the sunroom before moving on? Sunrooms— extremely popular in certain parts of the country, but not in others— are they sought after in yours?

The value of a sunroom or screened porch varies from one homeowner to the next in the same way as the value of an above-ground or in-ground pool does. Sunrooms and screened porches aren’t a certain strategy to boost your home’s value any more than a swimming pool is.

  • Spend on Adding a Sunroom or Screened Porch 

Prices for sunroom additions tend to be higher than those for other types of additions. The price of adding a sunroom to your home may range widely based on factors including its size, the quality of its materials, and the design of your existing structure. In all, the cost of building a sunroom that meets building codes in terms of insulation, roofing, and structural support might reach $60,000.

The cost of a screened-in porch may range from considerably less to much more than that of a sunroom. The average range is $3,500 – $7,500.

Conclusion

You might end up with something you didn’t want and a lot of extra grey hair if you go into it blind. Whether you’re interested in a screened-in porch, a sunroom addition or a DIY sunroom kit, a consultation with an expert may help you make the correct choice.

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Nine Tips for Renovating Rental Property

March 22, 2022
Chloe Taylor
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It is hard to manage and renovate rental properties with limited time and resources. Even though staying in rental houses comes with both pros and cons, you can move to new places and rent out a new home depending on your needs without worrying about the maintenance of your place. 

Similarly, it gives you the freedom to do whatever you want with your place. For example, you can make major changes like new flooring to minor changes such as a change in the color of walls. However, when you stay in a rental house, you hesitate to invest your money in the renovation as you can’t stay in it forever. Renting a house is a common practice in the United States. According to statistics, 37% of households rent their homes in the United States, the highest level in the last 50 years. 

Sometimes, it is easier to rent a new property rather than spend time and energy on renovation. Consider the environment and government policies if you plan to move to a different state and don’t know where to get started. For instance, Florida is one of the states that offers a thriving economy with a tax-free regime. If you’re living or moving to the city, you can consider looking into Orlando homes for rent to start your journey without any hassle. With that said, here are nine useful tips for renovating your rental property. 

Identify the Areas for Renovation

Before starting your home renovation project, focus on those areas where repair and maintenance are most needed. Don’t look all over the place for improvement as it would cost you high. Invest your time and money in renovating those things you cannot neglect while staying in rental property. Some people are very particular about their home interior, no matter rental or owned property, they prefer to make their place vibe along with them. Still, you need to identify your priorities and renovation goals first. 

Paint the Interior

Painting your place, especially the interior, can always give your house a fresh look and new perspective. By investing less time and money, you can completely change the look of your house by painting it with new shades and colors. One of the benefits of painting your rental property is doing this job as a DIY project.  While painting your rental property, prefer neutral colors as it gives a more refreshing and soothing aura to your place. People who want to give their place a vibrant and high-energy look can opt for bright colors. However, it is easier to manage neutral shades like Off-white. Moreover, it is best to paint your rental property all over with the same shade so that you won’t face difficulty in fixing the patches and touch-ups later on. 

Improve the Lighting

The proper lighting can brighten the beauty of every place. On the contrary, shady living areas and inadequately lit homes give a dull ambiance. Make small investments towards fixing the lighting of your rental place. Starting from the natural light, try to use the sunlight. For instance, remove obstacles coming in the way of natural light. You can chop down tree branches that stop sunlight from reaching your living area. For artificial lighting, pick brighter bulbs with dimmer switches to adjust the illumination of an area. You can also choose to install lamps in dark locations to enhance the place’s lighting. 

Replace Handles and Knobs

If you have a low budget and still want to upgrade your rental place, start with the small but highly noticeable things such as handles and doorknobs. You can replace cabinet handles and doorknobs with the latest chic designs. It would make a big difference and give your rental property a modern look. 

Work on the Yard

Your front yard or backyard can change the first impression of visitors if properly managed. A well-organized lawn area with proper landscaping is a source of refreshment.  Spend some time chopping down the grass and trimming the bushes, branches, and shrubs to give your lawn a clean look. Place the plantation in order; it would enhance the beauty of the walking trails and won’t mess up your space overall.  You can do this lawn project independently or count on professional services to make it low-budget. Choose all-season and low-maintenance plants that you don’t need to give extra care and attention to more often. 

Replace Faucets

If you have old faucets in the kitchen and bathrooms, replace them with new and stylish faucets. Similarly, you can also replace the shower and sink to make your bathroom and kitchen look more modern.  

Fix Exterior Lightning

It’s good to start with small amendments, but to change the overall look of your rental property, you should also focus on exterior lighting. Fix the lighting of your backyard or front lawn area so that your family can use it every time, even without daylight. You can consider a switch light or a motion-sensor light to brighten your outdoor space. 

Work on Storage 

Everyone needs storage space to put extra and unneeded stuff. You can make a storage area in an attic or the backyard by doing the needful. For example, use shade to cover the things from environmental effects if you place them in the backyard. Basement is also a good alternative for storage. 

Go for DIY Projects When It’s Necessary

The do-it-yourself (DIY) approach is effective when you know how to do things right and properly. If you are a handyman and like to fix things, by all means, go DIY. But in some cases, when you try to save money and renovate a household on your own, it can become tricky, complicated, and troublesome. DIY is not always the best available option. Sometimes, you spend more money and time doing things on your own. Always consider alternatives such as affordable professional services to renovate your property. 

Conclusion 

Home renovation is an essential component to upgrade the look of your house. However, in the case of rental properties, it is a good idea to look out for homes according to your taste and preference. As you don’t have to spend extra money on renovation and upgrades. 

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Budget-Friendly Backyard Landscaping Ideas You’ll Adore

March 18, 2022
Chloe Taylor
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If you’re planning on raising a family, Baton Rouge in Lousiana is an excellent option. The pleasant neighborhoods, lots of green spaces, friendly people, calm weather, and the best schools for children; make it a very attractive city. 

Being the capital of Lousiana isn’t a complete description of Baton Rouge; the affordability of common stuff makes this city the go-to for most families. 

If you’re a resident of Baton Rouge and own a nice house here, congratulations. You’ve made it, haven’t you? 

The weather is great, isn’t it? Summer is a time for indulging in backyard barbecue parties and swimming pool splash dates with family and friends. 

It’s also a great time to get creative and have fun in your backyard. From putting together an Obstacle Course to playing games like badminton or Frisbee, you can do plenty of activities right in your backyard. 

It’s time to get outside and start having some fun!

Oh, wait! Before you can start having fun, you need to have a backyard worthy of summer gatherings. And that means you need to put some thought into your backyard landscaping! 

Take your backyard from “blah” to “wow” without spending a fortune with these brilliant ideas! We’ve got something for everyone, from pergolas and water features to rambling gardens and fire pits. 

No matter what your style or budget. So get ready to fall in love with your backyard all over again! 

Deal with Overpowering Trees

When you stare at the sky and take in the beauty of stars on a summer night, the last thing you want to see is a big, leafy tree blocking your view. 

Oh, what a pain it is to deal with leaves, branches, and falling acorns constantly! But before you grab your chain saw and go all “The Shining” on that tree, take a step back and think about other options. 

Maybe it’s time to pull out your tech-smartphone and find a specialist who could deal with it? Type in tree cutting service baton rouge la on Google and hit Enter to get a list of tree surgeons in your area to handle the issue.

If your love for the tree goes far and beyond those glimmering stars, then you may want to find a way to work around it. 

You could also be creative and use the tree as an advantage. For example, build a tree-house or a swing! Try planting low-lying shrubs or flowers at its base.

Spectacular Stepping Stone:

Have you paved your backyard paths yet? If not, you’re missing out on a dirt-cheap and easy way to add some real personality to your outdoor space. Stepping stones come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. 

You can find them at your local home improvement store or online. And the best part is that they’re relatively easy to install! Just be sure to follow the instructions on the package.

If you want something more unique, try using different materials like glass, ceramic, or even shells. You can also get creative with the shapes. Try something more abstract instead of going for the traditional round or square. Just have fun with it!

Greece Up Your Garden:

Remember those big creative plant containers you saw in Santorini last summer? The ones so big you could fit a small tree in them? 

Well, it’s time to get your own! Over-sized planters are a great way to add instant drama to your garden. Plus, they’re a great way to show off your green thumb!

Try something more modest if you’re not ready to go all-out with a giant planter. A simple terracotta pot can be just as effective. 

Splatter paint it or wrap it in twine – get creative! Just be sure to choose a plant that will thrive in the pot. And don’t forget to water it!

Make it a Honeymoon Backyard:

Romance your backyard with some beautiful lighting. String lights are a classic choice, but they can be boring. If you’re looking for something with more personality, try lanterns or paper lanterns. You can even make your own!

If you wish to gee-whiz your guests (or that special someone), try hanging lanterns from tree branches or installing floor lamps and tiki torches. 

A floral-container-tiki torch combination is ideal for creating a Punta Cana -style backyard appearance. This fantastic combination combines earth, flowers, and fire to demonstrate that you may make your yard seem as beautiful as you desire. Just be sure to use safe, weatherproof materials.

The Succulent Fairy:

Think Peter Pan, but with succulents instead of Tinkerbell. If you love all things miniature, this is the perfect backyard trend! 

Plant your favorite succulents in tiny pots or teacups and arrange them around your garden. You can even make a fairy village complete with houses, bridges, and paths.

Don’t have a green thumb? No problem! There are plenty of faux succulents on the market that look just as good as real. Just be sure to get your hands on weatherproof and durable ones.

Sing-Along the Birds:

That melodious singing contest between the birds is not just for their sake; it also signifies their affection towards one another. As we all know, nature is the best musician, and the bird’s song is one of the most beautiful music.

One of the perfect ways to enjoy the birdsong is hanging birdhouses in your backyard. No backyard is complete without a bird feeder or two. But why stop there? 

If you want to attract some feathered friends, try adding a birdbath or birdhouse. You can even make your own! Please make sure you’re using non-toxic material!

Birds are beautiful creatures, but they can also help keep your garden pest-free. So go ahead and give them a little love!

Minimum is the New Maximum:

We’re all about going big here, but sometimes less is more. That’s why we love the minimalistic trend. Just because your backyard is shrimpy doesn’t mean it can’t be beautiful!

Try using a few large pieces instead of a lot of small ones. A few well-placed potted plants or a single piece of patio furniture can significantly impact. 

And don’t forget about the power of negative space! Sometimes the best way to make your backyard look bigger is to leave some room.

Maybe plant a huge palm in the heart of a freshly mowed and trimmed lawn. Or place a large, comfortable hammock under a shady tree. Whatever you do, keep it simple.

Rockin’ Rock Beds:

Oh boy, this trendy yet straightforward backyard landscaping idea is music to our ears! We’re talking about rock beds, people. And no, we don’t mean the kind you have to sleep in.

A rock bed is simply a garden that uses rocks instead of (or in addition to) soil. And they look pretty darn good too! They’re perfect for areas that are prone to drought or erosion.

Handpick your favorite rocks and arrange them in a pleasing design. Then add some drought-resistant plants, and voila! 

The Gist:

Your backyard should narrate a story and be an extension of your home – a place where you can hang loose and enjoy the outdoors. 

With a little creativity (and maybe a small budget), you can transform it into a space that you’re proud of. So get out there and start landscaping! And don’t forget to have fun!

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Add a Touch of Luxury in Your Backyard with Retaining Walls

February 3, 2021
EmmaJ
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A retaining wall is a structure that retains any material, usually earth, and prevents it from sliding or eroding away. Its main purpose is to resist the pressure of the material it is holding back. Due to its broad use, we have prepared some facts that you should know about retaining walls.

Retaining wall types

Here are some of the often used types of retaining walls.

Gravity walls are multifunctional – for example on hillside properties and they are usually made of concrete and stone. They depend on its mass to resist material pressure from behind. However, their main disadvantage is that they are easily damaged in earthquakes.

Brick retaining walls has multiple purposes – such as on hillside properties, however, they are not as strong as concrete gravity walls, and water pressure behind them can cause their failure.

Sheet pile retaining walls come in different materials such as steel, vinyl or wood planks. The process of their making is done by driving a part of them into the ground up to the required depth.

You can use anchored retaining walls when you expect high loads since they have additional strength using cables to stay anchored in the soil behind.

Retaining wall use


A retaining wall is a multipurpose construction. One of their benefits is to protect shorelines and create space for storm drains. You can see these walls as support to roads and bridges, as well as in residential properties to add definition to the landscape by making distinct flat areas in your backyard, offering an appealing look. Thus, we can see that their purpose is both functional and decorative. They are used as the support for keeping soil in place and preventing erosion. Furthermore, they’re very effective at preventing flooding.

Retaining walls material

Some of the most common materials used for retaining walls are stone, brick, timber and concrete. If your budget is not tight, we would recommend you a stone, whose strength and rustic look are worth some extra money. Brick and timber, on the other hand, are cost-effective choices. However, you should be careful in the case of brick walls, since they require a strong structural footing. Also, you should have in mind that, although timber is cheaper, it has a reduced lifespan.

What are the costs involved?

As we have already mentioned, the cost heavily depends on the type of the material. However, that’s not all. Dimensions and the labor required are also some of the important elements. You can keep costs down if you decide to build the wall on your own. However, if you’re not up for a challenge, don’t shy from contacting the experts. The construction process is quite not for everyone, particularly in case of higher walls. Aside from this, soil conditions can affect the cost as well, so it is hard to predict a quota before the work begins.

Water can weaken the wall


The accumulated water is a huge danger to retaining walls. Especially since it increases the pressure on the wall and the risk of failure becomes significantly higher. Thus you have to take the importance of proper retaining wall drainage seriously. This may include drainage sheets that protect the foundation. Another possibility is to drill the weep holes which will allow the water to escape, instead of staying accumulated behind the wall. Also, a suitable method is installing a drainage pipe behind the wall, either near the footing or higher. It’s important to use granular and not cohesive clay soil as backfill because that way, water can reach the holes or pipes, instead of just accumulating.

Retaining wall decoration ideas

There are many interesting ways in which retaining walls in residential areas can be decorated in order to contribute to the visual appeal of the landscape. For example, there is nothing more beautiful than introducing a touch of nature to it. You can plant climbers like beautiful climbing roses or a Virginia creeper whose crimson autumn leaves will make your retaining wall look magical. Another possibility is installing the night lights. Owing to them the retaining wall will look more sophisticated, at the same time being both functional and decorative. Keep in mind that you need to think about the security of your home as well. And if you love colorful decorations, you may even consider installing color-changing lights to get the impression of being in a fairy tale.

As you can see, retaining walls can completely transform your backyard. Since serious construction work is in question here, you can consider a lot of things, starting from the types of the walls, the materials, the cost, etc. However, you can also be creative and decorate it according to your own desire.

 

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