Home Improvement

Archive for March, 2010

Being banished to the basement doesn’t always have to be punishment! Nowadays, owners of homes with a basement consider the space to be prime square footage. Everything from hobby rooms, play rooms, media centers, music rooms, poker parlors, exercise areas, office space and of course, it’s original purpose, storage space, is finding new life in the space “down below.”

The definition of a basement is an area that is either fully or partially below ground level. This is not to be confused with the crawl space of a house, since another part of the definition is that a person should be able to stand upright in the area.

The amount of square footage in the basement is generally equivalent to that on the ground floor. In most homes, it’s like having another entire level of living space, which can add up to quite a bit! The options for utilizing that amount of space really are limited only by the imagination since the space usually will have electricity and plumbing.

The basement can be partitioned off into different rooms or it can be one huge open space. If this part of your home is “finished” then consider yourself lucky. If not, or if the space is on the remodeling To Do list, there are issues to consider before proceeding with the project. First, it’s important to identify “trouble” spots such as lowered ceilings, enclosed boiler rooms, and ductwork. Second, the space must not leak. Uncontrolled moisture will cause a number of dangerous and damaging problems including the growth of mold.

Once the identification and remediation of basement problem areas is finished, the next step is determining a layout for the space. The task can be overwhelming, and a good way to begin is by determining the activities that’ll likely take place in the space. Looking at pictures or at what others have done always helps jump-start the imagination.

Keep in mind that the basement will have little or no natural light so consider this when planning the layout. Slowly but surely this space will spring to life and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Next time you think it’s no big deal, remember that over time, excessive exposure to UV rays can lead to the onset of eye conditions including retina damage and even cataracts. So do your eyes a favor – eat your carrots and be sure to carry your sunglasses with you at all times!

If your back porch is empty it might be time to think about adding some great patio furniture. Patio furniture is a simple way to add a lot to any porch or deck.

Think about the many uses of well chosen patio furniture. First, having great patio furniture for your back deck or porch will encourage you to be outside more. When the weather turns nice not many people want to remain indoors any longer. Most look for ways to get out into the beautiful weather. But who is anxious to use their back porch or deck if it is totally empty? No one will rush outside to read a book or enjoy a glass of lemonade without somewhere comfortable to sit. Everyone could use a little more time outside, so think about purchasing some patio furniture so you can get out and enjoy the weather.

Another great reason to purchase patio furniture is to have a place to enjoy one of the most classic things to do in summer: barbequing. Every family I know could use an excuse to spend more time together and nothing is more fun in the summer than enjoying a great barbeque. Adding perfect patio furniture can give youreason to fire up that grill and make a family memory. If barbequing isn’t something your family enjoys consider having a game night using your patio furniture or make a picnic to enjoy just outside your home. Get creative. The important thing here is to use your new patio furniture to spend more quality time as a family, whatever that means for you.

Having patio furniture brings you one step closer to being able to host a great summer party. Invite all of your closest family and friends over to enjoy an afternoon of fun, food and fellowship. People will love to share good conversation and a glass of iced tea while they lounge on your patio furniture. There is nothing worse than hosting a party and having no where for people to sit and relax. You can host the best parties of the summer if you add small things like patio furniture to make your home more guest and party friendly.

A final great reason to consider purchasing patio furniture for your home is that patio furniture is really durable. Unlike some purchases that you have to buy over and over, when you purchase quality patio furniture you are investing in something that will add fun to your summers for years to come. Be sure to choose a style that will last a long time and that you’ll enjoy for a while. Shy away from choosing a trendy design or fabric pattern for your patio furntiture. The more basic and classic you choose, the longer you will want to keep it.

If you still aren’t convinced that patio furniture is right for you, a final thing I can suggest is to check it out. Go to a store or two and see what is available. Take time to sit in the chairs. I’m quite sure that once you see how full of comfort patio furniture really is, you’ll be purchasing some for your home before you know it.