If you are like so many people in this world who have realized that your home has been a beloved sanctuary over the past couple of years, you might also recognize that there are some areas you would like to change. Now is a good time to get started on home improvement projects so you can enjoy your home to its fullest.
Due diligence is important.
As you are mulling over the best use of your property, ensure you properly research any contractors or companies before you begin working with them. Whether your project will be on a grand scale or small and quick, you must know who you are working with. When hiring a company to dig in your yard, only work with a licensed excavation contractor to ensure professionalism and integrity throughout the project. By asking questions before your project starts, you will know more about the company you are working with.
While there are many questions to ask any potential contractors, here are some main ones to begin with.
- Are you licensed?
- Can you provide references that I can speak with and visually inspect your work?
- Who will be onsite during the project? Do you subcontract?
- Is your bid a fixed price?
- Will you provide a bathroom facility for your workers onsite? (It may seem an unusual question, but it is better to handle this logistics item beforehand so that workers are not requesting access to your home. This is especially important if you will not be home, have children or pets, or work from home.)
Add an outdoor element.
Now it is time to firm up your plans. Any climate is conducive to outdoor activities and enjoyment. You only need to decide how you want to spend your time al fresco.
Below you will find some great ways to improve your property.
- Add an in-ground pool in your backyard. With this option, you will work with a professional pool designer to determine the best location. You want to maximize your yard space to have the best pool size for your family while preserving the remaining yard for other activities.
- Of note, safety is an important part of the plan when adding a pool. You will need to check with your insurance company to determine what your new rate will be and ask if there are discounts for special safety measures. Installing a fence with a locking gate and entry sensors around your pool will go a long way to add peace of mind so that you can enjoy your new addition.
- Build an outdoor gathering space. Adding a covered or open-air patio are both home-enhancing ideas that will expand your living area, especially in warmer months. Invest in comfortable furniture for lounging and a dining set for entertaining under the stars.
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- If you plan on grilling, you can go even further with the addition of an outdoor kitchen. Or, you can use your current grill. Ensure you know the local codes for where to properly operate the grill so that it is not too close to a structure with the potential to cause damage.
It’s important to think about the view from your new outdoor space too, as it may be the case that the back of your property is in need of some TLC to bring it back to life. You won’t want any al fresco dinner guests to be looking directly at cracks in your exterior walls or unsightly staining on paintwork, so take the opportunity to buff up your property to provide the perfect view from your new and improved garden!
You can start by investing in top quality residential siding services, as maintaining low standard siding that’s peeling and crumbling will certainly detract from your aesthetic outdoors. Next think about your windows – are they grubby and dirty, or simply beyond fixing? Grab a cloth and start polishing to see whether you can breathe new life into them, but if you get nowhere then do not be afraid to upgrade to new windows.
New windows will transform the way your home looks from outside, making your property seem modern and well cared for. Add a mat by your back door for the perfect finishing touch, as this can make your property (and subsequently your garden) seem super homely and welcoming.
As you are planning for your new addition, ensure you are budgeting and keeping track of your finances along the way. Always thoroughly vet the contractors and companies you work with. Once it is all done, sit back and enjoy.
Kori
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