Spend More Time in Your Own Back Yard this Spring
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Spend More Time in Your Own Back Yard this Spring
by: homewarranty.com
Spring is in full bloom, and some days we just don't want to come inside. We've gathered a few great ideas that allow your family and friends to extend your indoor time to the great outdoors, from dining to napping, to just hanging out.
Pergola Pleasure
The difference between a gazebo and a pergola is the function of the roof. Whereas a gazebo provides full coverage, a pergola allows the sun and rain through the slats, which typically make up its "roof.' A pergola is a great way to extend your home's living space and allows you to spend more time outdoors. A pergola is a perfect place to set up a couple of chairs and a table and create a functional focal point in your backyard.
Add a Fire Pit
Nothing makes people gather like a f ire pit. With hundreds of options to choose from, warming your nights has never been more stylish. Create a seating area around your fire pit to entice family and friends to spend a little more time outside when the temps begin to drop. If the fire itself won't convince them, bring out the marshmallows and graham crackers.
Install a Fountain
Most of us will agree that moving water is one of life's most soothing sounds. A water feature will run you anywhere from $100 to thousands of dollars, depending on what size you opt for. If you are on a tight budget, check out small tabletop versions. Wall fountains are also an affordable and dramatic addition to your backyard space. Many wall fountains are available in classic "old world" styles that bring an instant, rustic elegance to their surroundings. These electric fountains include a recirculating water pump.
Enjoy Outdoor Dining
Design a beautiful outdoor dining area by expanding your home’s dining space - ideally on an existing patio or flagstone. Choose an outdoor dining set with a size and features that best suit your family's needs. When considering the layout, make sure you leave enough space for people to move comfortably about the dining area. Situate your eating area near an access point to your kitchen for quick trips indoors to the kitchen or bathroom, and finally, keep your table a safe distance from your outdoor grill.
Hang a Hammock
Most of us won't find two perfectly spaced trees in our backyard to perfectly accommodate a hammock but consider other options like a hammock stand. Don't let small details stand in the way of that perfect weekend nap space. If you're interested in sharing your relaxing retreat with someone else, remember that two-person hammocks are available in an assortment of beautiful designs and fabrics.
Know Your Stuff and Celebrate National Pet Day Like a Pro
Most of us have one and consider the little critters a member of our family. According to a survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association, about 68% of American households have a pet.
• Americans spend about $99 billion on their pets and pet products - every year.
• We adopt about 4 million dogs and cats from shelters each year.
• Dogs win the popularity contest. Worldwide, there are about 471 million dogs kept as pets, and about 370 million cats kept as pets. Fish followed in third place.
• Approximately 326,000 American households share their home with a ferret.
• 59% of Russians own a cat, making it the country with the highest number of cat owners in the world.
• According to reports from the ASPCA, there are anywhere from 30 to 40 million self-sufficient feral cats that call American streets home.
• 90% of Americans consider their dog a part of the family. For full article. visit thezebra.com
This is not intended as a solicitation if your property is currently listed with another agent. These materials contain information and articles obtained from third parties. FNHW does not endorse the recommendations of any third party nor guarantee the information provided is complete or correct.
Helen Melake
Realtor | DRE# 02108722
Phone: (510) 703-2274
Fax: (916) 339-6619
March Calendar
April 1 - April Fool's Day
April 9 - Easter Sunday
April 11 - National Pet Day
April 15 - Tax Day
April 22 - Earth Day
Homeowner Tips
Budding DIYer? Start Small!
If you’ve never done any DIY, start with a small project like painting a small room to get a feel of the prep work - and there's a lot, like sanding and taping. A crucial piece of DIY is to know your limitations. Installing a dimmer switch is one thing; rewiring or fixing cables can be dangerous. Experts agree anything to do with electricity, gas, furnaces, or major plumbing is best left to the pros.
