Thursday, October 29, 2009

The Versatility of a Covered Deck

Being outdoors can help to bring a sense of relaxation to an entire family. The smells of the blooming flowers and the sights of birds and animals make spending time outdoors even more enjoyable. Depending on your climate, though, having no shade or having rain can cause some families to skip going outdoors altogether. What is the solution? A covered deck allows the freedom of being outside while still being protected from the elements.

Covered decks can offer complete or a partial shelter. A qualified deck contractor can help to determine which type would best suit the family's needs. A partial deck allows for sunbathing and cookouts with easy retreat from the elements if needed. A completely covered deck helps to shield the family from as much sun as possible while also being great for storing the lawn furniture in the off-season.

Covered decks can be built to match the home architectural style and the landscaping. Adding a deck should never appear as an afterthought, but an integral part of the entire home. Roofing styles for the decks can be gazebo styled, roof styled, or even pergola styled. The pergola style allows for shade, but may not completely shield the deck from sun exposure or rain. Gazebo style and roof style are typically completely sealed roofs with no risk of rain coming through. The roof style should match the home, and could come in such styles as pitch, flat, or gable. All supporting materials as well as the covered deck roof should be comparable materials to the deck itself. The roof tiles or shingles should be from the same as those used for the home to maintain consistency.

A decking contractor can help to determine not only which design would fit best with the home style and family needs, but also for placement and privacy. A covered deck can add an aspect of privacy by being utilized similar to how a separate sunroom would be designed to be. A covered deck can be populated with outdoor furniture, hot tubs, and family barbeques. The quality covered deck that best suits the home will last years and create many happy family memories.

For more information and guidance about Deck, Sunrooms and other additions to your home, visit http://www.paradisedecking.com. Paradise Decking specializes in custom-built decks, porches, sunrooms and more, and their website has a gallery of creative and innovative ideas that demonstrate imagination while enhancing property values.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Want to Increase Your Home's Resale Value?

Quality Decks Are Worthwhile Home Additions and Increase a Home's Resale Value.

Homes with decks are a big draw for families with children and retiree "empty nesters" alike. A deck provides an area for relaxation and enjoyment of the outdoors, while still remaining close to the comforts of home. They can be the perfect place to host a party or to house a hot tub. Having the right deck makes the homeowners happier and will also increase the value of the home.

Many aspects need to be taken into consideration when planning the addition of a deck. First and foremost, a qualified contractor should be hired for the job. The contractor will be the person who is responsible for maintaining permits as well as planning and designing the deck, conforming to established building code, and insured for liability in the unfortunate event of an injury throughout the project. Contractors that also specialize in design can help add another angle of expertise for matching the deck to the home's architectural appearance. Choosing a contractor that is a member of the Better Business Bureau will help ensure quality and trust, and of course references should always be checked to ensure that a quality job will be performed.

Design of the deck should be carefully considered. Depending on what the deck will be used for, many options are available for customization. Pillars and beams and handrail for a standard deck should be consistent with the home's style. Decks can have full or partial covers and some decks can have attached gazebos and pergolas. All decks should be designed with weather resistance in mind, and the materials for the deck itself should allow the homeowner minimal maintenance. By working with a contractor that has years of decking experience, these issues will be easily addressed.

Having a deck that fits the home's style and the homeowner's needs allows for maximum enjoyment. The design and quality of the deck help the enjoyment to last for years. By maintaining the flow from the house to the deck; family, visitors and maybe potential homebuyers will all be excited for the endless possibilities of relaxation and comfort.

For more information and guidance about Deck, Sunrooms and other additions to your home, visit http://www.paradisedecking.com. Paradise Decking specializes in custom-built decks, porches, sunrooms and more, and their website has a gallery of creative and innovative ideas that demonstrate imagination while enhancing property values.

Monday, October 12, 2009

Build a New Deck or Remodel the Home for that Picture Perfect Wedding & Reception

Most girls dream of the day they will marry. Many even envision the day and all of the details from the gown, to the food, and the location. Many women would love to get married at a homestead location which can provide the homey feel and the personal touches that can appear in the wedding photos which will be treasured for the rest of their life. The large part of the final decision for the wedding location is how it makes the bride feel.

Many families that decide to hold a wedding at home often remodel an aspect of the house and property specifically for the wedding. Perhaps the best idea for a remodel prior to a wedding is a deck. A large number of brides feel that a beautiful deck is a fantastic setting for the ceremony and for the subsequent wedding photos.

The versatility of a beautiful deck can easily be incorporated into the wedding photo album. A bride looking longingly at her husband-to-be over the railing of a well crafted deck makes a beautiful photo that every bride can find in a magazine, however, an extremely important consideration when remodeling prior to an event is the architectural style of the home. A remodel should never be based strictly on the event, as the style of the deck must look consistent and appropriately enhance the house architecture long after the event has past.

A deck can also be used for the wedding reception and for dancing after the ceremony. After all, what is a reception, but a large party for celebrating the bride and groom. By hiring a professional designer and contractor that has experience in deck building, the family will be left with a lovely new addition to the home which will provide for the future enjoyment of the family for years to come.

A large bonus will be the memories that can be relived and cherished when the bride and groom celebrate anniversaries with friends and family. If that isn't incentive enough to build a new deck or remodel an existing one, then a homeowner always has the Superbowl parties and cookouts which need a fitting location.

For more information and guidance about quality decks, sunrooms, and screened porches, visit http://www.paradisedecking.com. Paradise Decking specializes in custom-designed room additions, decks and gazebos, etc. and has a great portfolio of pictures with compelling ideas for your outdoor home improvement projects.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Screened Porches...

Enjoy the Great Outdoors, Save Money, & Forget About the Mosquitoes and Bugs

One of the most enjoyable aspects about living in southern U.S. climates, such as North Carolina, is that the weather is conducive for spending lots of time outdoors. Nothing is better than starting up a summer game night of poker, board game, or even having a few friends over for a cook out in the relaxing evening air. A big deterrent to most people though, can be the large insect population that the warmth also brings.

One solution which is quite common is to douse every house guest with insect repellent. Most people tend not to appreciate the odor and feeling that bug spray provides. Some individuals are even allergic to insect repellents which will provide other issues with which to contend.

Citronella candles are another popular choice for preventing pests. The only problem with this choice of pest prevention is that the homeowner will be assured that the candles won't be harassed while the house guests serve as tasty treats for the mosquitoes.

The best solution for any outdoor function is a screened in porch or patio. There are so many houses in the south with screened porches that they are synonymous with southern hospitality. The screen helps keep the mosquitoes and other vermin out and the fun in without sacrificing the benefits of fresh air and nature.

Bugs will no longer be issue at your picnic when you are protected by the safety of your screened porch. The cool air blowing through the screen and the sound of nature will invigorate anyone as the family enjoys a delicious meal.

Kids love the use of the porch too, especially when the kids are stir crazy on rainy days. Rather than being stuck inside, a porch can be a nice retreat to allow them to get some outdoor time. Younger children can be allowed to play safely inside an enclosure that will keep them protected from weather and creepy crawlies.

There will be nothing but good times to be enjoyed when using the porch as much as most southerners. Entire families can enjoy getting together and having parties or you can have a romantic evening in the summer breeze with your sweetheart.

To be sure that your screened porch is as relaxing as it can be, you should always hire a professional installer that has experience with many styles of screened porches. By taking advantage of the skill and creativity of a professional decking company, the homeowner can be assured that the porch being installed is the safest and most beneficial porch for your lifestyle.

For more information and guidance about quality decks, sunrooms, and screened porches, visit http://www.paradisedecking.com. Paradise Decking specializes in custom-designed room additions, decks and gazebos, etc. and has a great portfolio of pictures with compelling ideas for your outdoor home improvement projects.

Monday, October 5, 2009

Sunrooms Bring the Outdoors Indoors

Enjoy the Benefits of Relaxation and Sunlight!

When warm sunlight pours through the windows, it is difficult not to feel happy.

Sunlight has many documented benefits to people and animals. 10 minutes of sun exposure daily can not only lower depression and diminish the effects of seasonal affective disorder, but it can also help the body naturally produce vitamin D. Sunlight enables people with the absorption of vitamins and nutrients which assist in the formation of strong bones and muscles as well as improving one's mood.

Many people have already experienced the many benefits of the sun, but do not want to be exposed to the heat or ultraviolet radiation which comes along with sunlight. A sunroom is the perfect solution. Adding an additional sunroom or even converting an existing space to a sunroom can be a large job to undertake. A licensed and experienced professional company which specializes in the proper installation or construction of these sunrooms should be sought out to ensure a quality crafted space and a safe design, especially if load bearing walls are involved.

By turning a room of a home into a sunroom or building a new addition, every homeowner will reap the rewards in various ways all year round. A builder or contractor of sunrooms and decks can help you to determine what style of windows and the size of the room for whatever kind of use you desire, such as gardening.

Gardening is a favorite pastime of many an American. An enclosed sunroom will allow the growing of plants indoors which may otherwise be too fragile for the local winter season. All sunrooms can be insulated in order to help maintain a comfortable environment for these plants.

More importantly, individuals and whole families will be able to enjoy the relaxing sensation that the outdoors can only bring all year round, especially if there are health concerns due to respiratory ailments or allergies. A family member with health concerns need not be cloistered away from enjoying the sun any longer.

The design and planning process of a home's new addition will take some time, however, an experienced professional company will have the construction going smoothly and quickly once all decisions about the room have been finalized. Upon the completion of the sunroom, homeowners will be able to begin their leisurely new lifestyle basking in the warm glow of the sun and with it, reaping all the health benefits and enjoyment.

For more information and guidance about quality decks, sunrooms, and screened porches, visit http://www.paradisedecking.com. Paradise Decking specializes in custom-designed room additions, decks and gazebos, etc. and has a great portfolio of pictures with compelling ideas for your outdoor home improvement projects.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Add Versatility and Creativity to Enhance the Back Yard

Pergolas with a deck, porch, or sunroom

A pergola is a fantastically versatile garden structure that provides a focal point for design and decor. Pergolas consist of pillars that form an open-style roof structure or trellis. Pergolas are very commonly seen throughout areas of Europe and are becoming more prevalent in the United States. Pergolas are a popular part of decorative gardens, public lawns, and parks. As a focal point, a pergola can add depth and character to a personal deck, while at the same time providing some shade during the hottest part of the day.

With the trellis type roof structure, the pergola can be a wonderful transition from the house to the deck. This trellis can be covered with flowering baskets or climbing plants, such as roses or vines. Some vines bloom in the morning or daytime, while many fragrant vines bloom in the evening. Depending upon the most common usage of the deck, the plants chosen to adorn the pergola can even be specific for the time of day your pergola covered deck would be utilized.

When planning a party, the pergola can be covered with streamers, sashes, ribbons, and even twinkle lights. These items can even be kept on the pergola to provide contrast with the flowering plants. Pergolas can be decorated to change with the seasons. There can be flowers on the pergola for Spring and fir tree cuttings on the pergola for winter. Pergolas are even great settings for at home weddings.

Having a qualified builder for the pergola can help when trying to keep consistency with the style of the home as well as safety. The options for placement and materials for a pergola can cause a homeowner to get frazzled. A builder who specializes in the design of decks and pergolas will help to take the confusion out of the project. The design will be in a style cohesive to the home and take into consideration the best possible placement for the pergola to be built.

Pergolas add a style to the deck that can show off one's individuality. A pergola can be a sitting area for peace and relaxation or a dance floor for a party. The placement of a pergola on the deck can also add depth. Whether it is leading from the home to the deck or free standing as a focal point, the pergola can create an area of grace and beauty.

For more information and guidance about quality decks, sunrooms, and screened porches, visit http://www.paradisedecking.com. Paradise Decking specializes in custom-designed room additions, decks and gazebos, etc. and has a great portfolio of pictures with compelling ideas for your outdoor home improvement projects.