July Three Super- Simple Ways to Make Your New Deck Look Amazing

Transcription

1 July 2015 Three Super- Simple Ways to Make Your New Deck Look Amazing Do dreams of lazy days soaking up the sun have you looking for a way to move the indoors out? Then a deck addition may be the solution. A new porch, patio or multi-level deck can serve as an extension of your home and create personalized spaces for summertime festivities, from easy afternoons spent poolside to late-night cookouts. And, the good news is that easy-to-install decking can mean that you don't have to be a seasoned do-ityourselfer to get started. Advanced materials like wood-plastic composite decking make creating indoor-outdoor spaces a breeze. The deck boards are available in a wide-range of sizes and natural colors, and products with a realistic wood-embossed grain pattern are available to bring the beauty of wood to your deck without the work of sealing, staining or painting. Best of all, brands like ChoiceDek composite decking are easy to install and simple to maintain. "Many homeowners are surprised to learn how hassle-free composite decking is to install," says Scott Spencer, national account manager for ChoiceDek composite decking. "Uncapped boards can be cut, drilled and screwed with standard tools, and boards with a quality woodplastic blend throughout the board can even be bent into curves. Today's homeowners are more than capable of using it to create a timeless extension of their home." If you're ready to put hammer to nail and get started, keep in mind these three simple ways to use composite decking to create a beautiful backyard retreat that will last for many summers to come. 1. Create a smooth surface underfoot One of the keys to building a beautiful outdoor deck-escape is ensuring your deck will have JENNIFER JESSOP Jennifer@jenniferjessop.com Your Real Estate Agent 4 LIFE FREE Home Search App: TEXT: E4321 TO: Inside This Issue 1. Three Super-Simple Ways to Make Your New Deck Look Amazing 2. Unique Tips For Sensational Summer Entertaining 3. Glass Act: How Modern Fenestration Improves a Home s Energy Efficiency 4. Considering Home Improvements? Out- of the Ordinary Upgrades Can Enhance Livability and Value Many of life s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up. -Thomas A. Edison 1

2 a smooth, barefoot friendly surface. Even the most stunning deck designs can disappoint if nails and screws create unsightly dimples or later pop and create hazards for warm-weather fun. For families with pets or children, composite decking is a great choice since it will not rot or warp causing dangerous cracks and splinters. It's a choice your feet and pets will appreciate. 2. Vary your design With today's high-performance composite deck boards, you don't need to stick with a basic rectangle deck design. Whether you're planning a small rooftop getaway or a multi-level deck, you can work the boards to maximize visual impact and enjoyment. Simply altering the direction of boards can bring small decks to life and add a custom touch to your outdoor space. Variable board placement can also help zone decks into functional outdoor rooms. This is particularly helpful if you're building a larger deck with designated areas for cooking, eating and relaxing. The secret is not to overdo it. Deck patterns should be well planned, and coordinate with your home's architectural style. Another way to create a one-of-a-kind outdoor living space is to incorporate angles and curves into your deck. Contemporary composite decking materials are much easier to shape into curves than traditional wood decking. With little extra effort, they can be bent for use in benches, stairs, trim and decks with rounded edges. Let your imagination roam, but be sure to check specific manufacturer guidelines since they can vary by brand. If you need help visualizing your deck design, you can use deck design programs like the one on Lowes.com to explore different layouts and determine material quantities in advance of building. 3. Deck out your living space Incorporating a few simple deck add-ons can transform your deck into a true outdoor living room. For example, arbors and pergolas can provide shade, while giving you a place to attach speakers, lights and hanging plants. Built-in seating can provide an ideal space for guests to lounge during late night cookouts and can double as storage. Installing lights on the deck's surface, stairs or on the topside of railings can improve nighttime socializing and increase the safety of your deck. Safety features like railings can also be transformed from a landscape eyesore into a landscape focal point. Look for composite decking brands that offer complementary posts, post caps, balusters, railing and trim for an easy way to give guests something attractive to lean on. Paying attention to the small details can work wonders for your deck, and help you create an outdoor vacation space friends and family keep coming back to enjoy. Great Home Updates You Can Do For Under $100 Updating your home can be a huge undertaking and cost a lot of money, but it doesn t have to be! For under $100 simple updates like a coat of paint, cabinet hardware, or even a new rug can make a big impact without a big budget Great Ideas For The Dog That Rules The Roost You often wake up in the morning on a tiny corner of the bed, while your Goldendoodle Frankie lays caddy corner, legs played, taking up all the valuable bed real estate. You bought your last hows specifically because there was a great place in the corner of the kitchen for the food bowls and it already had a doggie door in the living rom. Face it. Your dog rules the roost. Updating The Bath: Standalone Tubs One of the hottest interior design trends today is the standalone tub. From classic clawfoot models to more modern shapes, the tub is having a renaissance. /homeownersadvice1 Home Buyers Uncertain about How a Credit Score Affects Financing Process As Americans enter the peak time of year to buy a home, a recent survey from TransUnion reveals a majority of those planning on or considering buying a home in the next 12 to 18 months are unsure about actions that could help improve their credit score. Outdoor Renovation Projects with the Highest ROI Making a few small changes, especially outdoors, can do much more than make your home a better backdrop for family portraits. In fact, when done correctly, an outdoor renovation can deliver a feature you love and increase the value of your home. 2

3 Unique Tips For Sensational Summer Entertaining owner-news The weather is warm and that means entertaining season has arrived. This year, elevate your gatherings with some unique twists. From serving fresh fare to creating cozy corners in outdoor spaces, you'll transform your parties from average to amazing in a snap. Delightful Decor Mother Nature provides the perfect backdrop for al fresco entertaining - you just have to add a few touches of color. Move potted plants into entertaining spaces for instant summer ambience. Alternatively, buy a few bunches of colorful carnations or daisies - both very affordable - and separate them into a variety of empty wine bottles for accessible elegance. Marvelous Mason Jars Mason jars are endlessly versatile, particularly for outdoor summer gatherings. Use large jars to hold silverware and napkins securely on the buffet. Small jars are perfect for serving individual portions of appetizers. For example, start with Simply Organic dip mixes - the basis of a wholesome summer snack you can feel good about serving. Layer some into the bottom of the jars and add in a few veggie spears like carrots, celery and zucchini. Voila - an instantly adorable munch-and-go snack option. Lovely Lighting Movie Trivia What was the name of the giant metal robot bodyguard with a laserbeam vaporizer in the film The Day The Earth Stood Still (1951) a. Gort b. Klaatu c. Kronos d. Ro-Man In the remake of the popular Disney classic, Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993), who ws the voice of the cat named Sassy? a. Drew Barrymore b. Geena Davis c. Sally Field d. Susan Sarandon What was the first animated feature film produced in America? a. Bambi b. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs c. Mighty Mouse When the sun goes down the fun shouldn't stop. Add a twinkle to your patio by grabbing the white string of lights from your holiday stash. A few strings overhead will set the ideal 3

4 mood for after-dark entertaining. Finish by adding luminaries to tabletops and walkways for a beautiful glow. All you need is sand, paper bags and a few tea lights. Superb Seating Guests will want to kick back and mingle, so encourage conversation by setting up seating that lets them relax. Cluster chairs together in groups of three or five while maintaining open spaces for walking. Bring some plush pillows outside to create a cozy feeling that invites party attendees to get comfortable and stay awhile. Grilled Goodies Grilled goodies and fresh fare should dominate your summer entertaining menu. Think outside the box to put clever new twists on familiar foods. For a tasty dessert that will have everyone raving, skewer fresh fruit like pineapple, peaches, bananas and figs and lightly sprinkle with salt. Then, grill the skewers to bring out the incredible rich, sweet flavors of the fruit. Serve alone or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Signature Summer Drinks Lemonade and sweet tea have their rightful place in the summer entertaining drink rotation, but if you really want to make an impression, create a signature drink just for your event. Have fun experimenting with fresh fruit and distinctive spices to create fantastic flavor. According to the spice experts at Simply Organic, Cardamom - a rich, intensely aromatic spice - is trending right now and a perfect pair for your summer drink menu. Try this cardamom-spiced cocktail recipe at your next gathering: In what film did Looney Tunes animated characters and basketball star Michael Jordan appear together? a. Mars Attacks b. Mission to Mars c. Spaceballs d. Space Jam Which famous Los Angeles landmark was destroyed by a pulse beam from a saucer-shaped alien ship in Independence Day (1996) a. Disneyland b. The Hollywood Sign c. The Library Tower d. The Santa Monica Pier Timothy Q. Mouse was a prominent Character in which Disney film? a. Cinderella b. Dumbo c. The Great Mouse Detective d. Ratatouille Cardamom Moscow Mule Prep Time: 15 minutes Makes: 2 Moscow Mules Ingredients: Simple syrup: 1 cup water 1 cup organic white sugar 1 teaspoon Simply Organic Cardamom (use 1/2 teaspoon for a milder cardamom taste) Per drink: 2 ounces vodka (potato vodka if GMOs are a concern) 4

5 1/2 cup simple syrup 1/2 cup fresh lime juice 1-2 bottles ginger beer Primavera With Prosciutto, Asparagus and Carrots Recipe Courtesy of foodnetwork.com For the syrup: In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, whisk in the sugar and cardamom until dissolved. When the sugar is fully dissolved, remove the syrup from the heat and allow it to fully cool before use. Optional for a smooth syrup: Once cool, strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve to remove any grit from the cardamom. This syrup may be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge. For the drink: In a copper mug filled halfway with crushed ice, add the vodka, cooled simple cardamom syrup and lime juice. Stir. Top with ginger beer and garnish with mint leaves and a lime wedge. (Retrieved from brandpointcontent.com Ingredients: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for the dish 2 1/2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, dill, chives or mint) Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper 8 store-bought crepes (about 9 inches each) 1 shallot, sliced 1/2 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into pieces 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest Directions Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Butter a large baking dish. Combine the chicken, ricotta, 1/2 cup parmesan, 3 tablespoons herbs, 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a medium bowl. Spoon about 1/4 cup filling across the lower half of each 5

6 Glass Act: How Modern Fenestration Improves a Home s Energy Efficiency crepe; roll up to enclose the filling. Place the crepes, seamside down, in the baking dish. Cover with foil and bake until the filling is hot, about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, melt 3 tablespoons butter in a skillet over mediumhigh heat. Add the shallot and cook until it softens, about 1 minute. Add the asparagus and cook until just tender, about 3 minutes. Add the chicken broth, lemon zest and the remaining 1 tablespoon herbs and simmer until the sauce is slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Stir in the remaining 1/4 cup parmesan and season with salt and pepper. Most people probably think of windows and skylights only when they're buying or selling a house, when they get dirty, when they leak, or when the kid next door lobs a baseball through one. Yet the glass in your home is arguably among its most important features, directly impacting the structure's overall energy efficiency and livability. Well-maintained, operational windows and skylights provide abundant natural light and passive ventilation, and models are available that maximize insulation values as well. If you've been overlooking the glass in your home even while you've been looking through it, take a moment to reflect on its condition, and whether it's helping you save energy or costing you money. Divide the crepes among plates, top with the asparagus and sauce, and sprinkle with parmesan. Per serving: Calories 405; Fat 24 g (Saturated 14 g); Cholesterol 115 mg; Sodium 984 mg; Carbohydrate 19 g; Fiber 1 g; Protein 26 g How windows work in your favor The advantages glass brings to a home may seem obvious, but a deeper look reveals just how important it really is. Over time, homes have become much more energy efficient - which is good for the environment and your wallet - and better windows and skylights have a lot to do with that improvement. The National Fenestration Rating Council rates windows based on a number of basic criteria, including the U-factor, which measures heat loss through the glass, and solar heat gain, which indicates how much heat enters a room through the glass. Understanding how those two measures work and what they mean can help you choose the type of window that's best 6

7 for where you live. For example, if you live in a hot climate you may want to consider selecting windows that minimize solar heat gain. Many new technologies in glass design have enhanced the efficiency of windows. For example, the insulating effect of double-pane windows gets an added boost with the addition of blinds. Electrostatic film allows homeowners to make window glass clear or opaque with the touch of a button. Another type of window coating admits natural light, but blocks out most of the infrared energy and ultraviolet rays that, along with artificial lighting and other factors, create heat and cause fading of materials inside the home. In addition to the energy efficiency of the glass itself, the quality and maintenance of the structure surrounding the glass - the framework that makes it a window instead of just a pane of glass - also affect its efficiency. Whatever type of window you choose - vinyl, wood, fiberglass or metal - or the age of existing windows, properly sealing them helps ensure they'll do their job as efficiently as possible. You can learn more about energy performance ratings and energy-efficient windows at The Advantages of Skylights Skylights have always offered many functional and aesthetic advantages for homeowners. They admit natural light, which can help reduce dependence on artificial light sources. Fresh air skylights can also provide passive ventilation to remove humidity, fumes and excess heat from a home - all of which improves indoor air quality. Today, high-tech, energy-efficient glass in modern skylights also works hard to help your home function optimally. Manufacturers like Velux America utilize glass in their no leak solar powered fresh air skylights that stays cleaner and clearer, reduces outside noise, and protects the contents of your home - such as carpet and furnishings - from the fading effects of the sun. Velux's "Clean, Quiet & Safe Glass" is laminated with a super-thin coating of titanium dioxide and silicone dioxide to help keep the glass cleaner, and reduce outside noise by up to 25 percent compared to a standard double-pane glass and 50 percent compared to a plastic skylight. The glass sheds water more effectively and has a U-value and UV protection superior to regular tempered glass. Remote-controlled, solar-powered blinds in decorator styles and colors further improve a skylight's overall energy efficiency. And you may be eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit on solar skylights, blinds and installation cost. Visit to learn more. Humans have been making glass and using it in windows for thousands of years. Today's windows and skylights draw on thousands of years of human innovation and some very recent modern technological advances to help keep homes comfortable, secure and efficient. (Retrieved from brandpointcontent.com) 7

8 Considering Home Improvements? Out- of the Ordinary Upgrades Can Enhance Livability and Value Perhaps your home is in pretty good shape - newish roof, well-maintained furnace and airconditioning, and fresh paint throughout. Or maybe you've bought a brand-new house that's move-in ready. Even though you don't really need to do a thing to the home, you may still have the urge to update. But what can you do when everything is already just about perfect? Engaging in some out-of-the-ordinary upgrades can enhance a home's livability, your enjoyment of it and - in some cases - its resale value down the road. Before you settle on an upgrade, ask yourself these key questions: Will it improve the home's livability? Will it improve the healthfulness or security of the home environment? Is it a special feature that appeals to your lifestyle? How difficult/easy will it be to maintain? Does it have hidden dollar value? Here are some out-of-the-ordinary improvements that can increase enjoyment of a home while adding value: Skylights Skylights are a surprisingly affordable upgrade and it's easy to see the lifestyle benefits they bring, including their ability to make both small and large areas seem even larger. Skylights differentiate a home's appearance while significantly increasing the amount of natural light that enters a room - a huge bonus in spaces where wall windows aren't practical or desirable, such as master closets or baths where privacy is paramount. Energy Star-qualified, solar-powered, fresh-air skylights, like those from Velux America, also provide 8

9 passive ventilation that improves indoor air quality. Fresh-air skylights operate with a programmable touch pad remote control that also manages energy efficiency boosting accessories like blinds. Available in designer colors and patterns, solar powered skylight blinds further allow homeowners to control the amount of light and warmth that enters or leaves the room through the skylight. Solar powered skylights and blinds, along with installation costs, are eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit. To learn more visit Swimming Pool The value of a swimming pool is subjective, so the most important questions to answer are whether a pool will fit your lifestyle and if you'll be up to maintaining it. Pools can be a great way to relax or get in some exercise, bond with the kids or enjoy play time with friends. But you'll have to do some work for that fun, including regularly cleaning the pool, adding chemicals as needed and keeping the pump, lights, heater and other systems in good condition. You must also be aware of safety and take appropriate measures to protect children and pets when they're near the pool. Sunroom A sunroom won't improve your home's energy efficiency the way a skylight can, but if the home has a great view or you relish communing with nature, a sunroom can help boost your mood. While some expert do-it-yourselfers may be able to tackle a sunroom addition on their own, most homeowners will want to work with a professional contractor to ensure the structure is sound, well-insulated, efficient and built to code. Backup Generator While a backup generator is not a common home improvement, installing one could be beneficial if your home is in a storm-prone area where power outages occur regularly. A generator may also be an important home enhancement if you have critical electrical systems that must stay on, such as medical devices for a homebound patient. When you're considering upgrading a home, keep in mind that resale value isn't the only consideration. It's equally important that the upgrades make sense for the home and your lifestyle. (Retrieved from brandpointcontent.com) 9