Time to start thinking about next years backyard makeover!

www.rickrobinsonhomes.com

Time to start thinking about next years backyard makeover!

I know it is winter time now but that means that while everyone in the cold climates are stuck indoors and getting cabin fever already, we can start to imagine our backyard makeover for next summer….

Maybe you have always wanted a pool or maybe a portable spa?

Some of you may already have these items but need to give your back yard a facelift, how about a new deck or patio?

One of the most common makeovers is the patio or deck; these can be made from all different kinds of material,

    ·       wood

          ·       treks decking

·        pavers

                                             ·       Concrete the options are plentiful.

First thing you need to do is decide how big or small of a deck or patio you need or want. When it comes to spas a good rule is to have the patio at least 3 feet larger than the spa itself to have some walking room around it.

Another great makeover idea is landscaping, I love to see backyard gardens around a pool or spa they just add some peacefulness to the area, I think so anyway.

·       When considering landscaping it is best to hire a professional to do the layout and install as most of the contractors have a detailed education and experience in these matters and can give you some great ideas.

Lighting is also a great mood enhancer. There are several lighting options as well.

                    ·       Spot lighting to highlight a beautiful tree or the house itself.

·       Low level garden lights to accent a walking path

               ·       Stick lights to go around the perimeter of the deck or spa

               ·       Paver lights. Designed to be flushed with the pavers but illuminate

                      ·       Step lighting for wood or treks decking, a lighted step area for safety when going up or down the steps.

Fire pit area is one of my favorite things to do as well. There are several types of these you can choose from.

          ·       Wood burning

·       Propane

     ·       Natural Gas

                                                ·       Outdoor fireplace (also wood burning)

No matter what your ideas are; start thinking now about what you would like to do so you will have plenty of time to design and re-design the plans (believe me you will be glad you started now).

Until Next Time….

Fire pits are a great way to get outside and enjoy these beautiful cool night's

www.rickrobinsonhomes.com

Fire pits are a great way to get outside and enjoy these beautiful cool night's.

There are several types of Fire pits, wood burning, propane, and natural gas.

Remember to have your fire pit on a non-combustible surface so we have no accident's. You can use patio blocks or pavers as a base.

Remember to keep the wood dry if you use the wood burning version, wet wood will not burn.  Set up your fire pit away from your home so you do not melt your siding etc.

Here is a breakdown of the 3 Basic Fire Pits:

Wood:

With the wood burning pits you would light these like any fireplace, use kindling to initiate the fire and you will burn firewood, being careful to mind the popping that is created with the wood fire. It is a great idea to have a screen or top over the fire to protect the people around the fire pit.

Propane:

Or low pressure gas. These fire pits are usually designed with a simulated log fire, you can light this and the propane will burn a nice even flame. You can relax around the propane fire pit without the popping of the wood like in the wood burning fire pit's. Keep in mind these operate on a 20 lb propane tank like that of your barbecue.

Natural Gas:

These fire pits would have to be installed by a qualified licensed plumber as you would for the stove in your home. The big advantage with these over the others, is that you would have an endless supply of fuel for the fire pit, with no worries of running out of propane or wood.

Many manufacturer's offer all the above designs.

You just have to decide which type you prefer. I love the real wood burning pit. There are also many styles available including the chimney style. Or you can design your own fire pit and have it built to your specific needs.

This is the best time of year to get outside and get that warm and cozy feeling.

Until Next Time...

Are You Buying A House With A Spa

Rick the Spa Guy

So you are thinking about buying a house with a spa outside and don't know what to do? A spa is designed for therapeutic value. They are portable units, so if you do not want it you can simply have an electrician disconnect the power and sell the unit or cut it up and throw it away, but before you do that consider the relaxing nights outside under the stars enjoying that warm water and therapy you would be getting from being a spa owner.

Spas are just an over sized jetted bath tub, most homes built today are designed with a master suite and master bath with a jetted bath tub in them, and people love to see the jetted tub in their bathroom but do not like spas outside. The reality of it is that most homeowners that have jetted bath tubs say that they rarely if ever use it. They have to wait for it to fill, if the unit does not have a heater in it then the water cools off quickly and you have to keep draining a little and refill with the hot water, it becomes a hassle and they just end up showering instead.

With an out door spa you are under the stars, the water is always full and at the temperature you prefer. In the winter you can be soaking in 100 degree water with snow all around and enjoying the company of your spouse or significant other at the same time. The chemical balance is easy if you monitor the spa once a week, and you are only adding a few ounces of chemical to keep the water clean and clear.

If you have never owned a spa or been in one before I recommend that you get in one and see how great it can be to own a spa. Go to a spa showroom at your local pool dealer and ask for a wet test, they usually will have a couple of models full and running, get in and enjoy the message therapy and see if a spa is for you.

So again, do not turn that house away that has a spa before you see if you will enjoy it. You can always get rid of it if it is not for you.

Until Next Time....