“HouseLogic has everything a homeowner needs to maintain, protect and increase the value of their home,” says NAR President Vicki Cox Golder. “Summer is all about enjoying the weather and your home’s outdoor space, and with a few improvements your backyard will be a safe and enjoyable place for everyone.”
This may be the year to add a new deck. The experts at HouseLogic say that choosing the right material is the most important decision. While synthetic decking materials, such as composite and PVC decking, and tropical hardwoods like mahogany are initially pricier, they are easier to maintain and can last years longer. Although traditional wood decks initially cost less, the annual cleaning and resealing maintenance can make them more expensive over the long term.
If your home already has a deck, it may simply need some care and maintenance. HouseLogic recommends a few simple steps to keep your deck safe, sound and looking great. First, give your deck’s structure a close inspection for rotting or cracked boards. Pound in any protruding nails and cut back nearby trees or bushes to prevent mold and rotting. Then thoroughly sweep and wash the deck; after it’s completely dry, follow up with a sealer or stain.
Pavers may be a good alternative to a deck and are available in many different colors and finishes. The experts at HouseLogic say that choosing patio paving materials begins with a solid foundation – the base that supports the pavers must be firm, strong and designed to stand up to years of foot traffic and weather. When it comes to pavers, there are many options, including brick pavers, which offer warmth and the possibility of intricate patterns; concrete pavers, which come in countless shapes and sizes and can be fashioned to look like real stone; a variety of stone, slate and marble; and even recycled hardscape materials, such as concrete sections from a neighbor’s old driveway or sidewalk.
If you have a pool, you may want to consider alternatives to chlorine. Chlorine is popular because it’s inexpensive and keeps swimming pools clean by sanitizing, oxidizing and deterring algae; however it also has a strong odor, reddens eyes, and causes allergic reactions in some swimmers. Chlorine alternatives include bromine, ionizers, ozonators or PHMB; but all four have drawbacks, including higher costs.
HouseLogic’s gas and charcoal grill guides offer advice on purchasing a new grill from a wide variety of models and prices – ranging from $29 to $5,000 and up. HouseLogic recommends that homeowners first ask themselves a series of questions, including what type of cooking they’ll be doing, how often they plan to use the grill, the number of guests they expect, and how much they want to spend. The answers can help homeowners narrow down their choices to one that fits their family and budget.
For more great tips on getting a home ready for summer and other homeownership topics, visit HouseLogic at www.houselogic.com.
HouseLogic is a free source of information and tools for homeowners from NAR that helps homeowners make smart decisions and take responsible actions to maintain, protect and increase the value of their home. HouseLogic helps homeowners plan and organize their home projects and provides timely articles and news; home improvement advice and how-to’s; and information about taxes, home finances and insurance.
© 2010 Florida Realtors®
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