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One of our favorite places to relax and spend the summer days and nights is right on our own front porches. There is something so lovely, old-fashioned, and "American" about kicking back on a front porch with an enjoyable read and an ice-cold beverage with drops on it glistening in the warm summer light. However, a lot of us completely underutilize and neglect our front porches. We're all guilty of it. When life gets busy, sometimes the only purpose of the front porch is a walkway to get indoors. Reclaim that space and turn your porch into an enticing, irresistible space this summer with these 8 simple, beautiful ideas! 1.) Hang a porch swing. Besides the obvious fact that it's enjoyable to hang out on a porch swing, even just looking at one is a great reminder to slow down and relax!  2.) Rejuvenate. Give new life to your space with a few creative DIY projects. You could repurpose an old stump to set a plant on, whitewash deck boards, and do much, much more. There are tons of simple ideas you can find online that will completely transform your space! 3.) Set up a charming outdoor dining space. Throw together a few things like a bistro table and chairs, hang some string lights, and lanterns - and voilà! Your lovely al fresco dining space is ready for use. 4.) Keep it cool. Don't let the heat keep you indoors! Installing an outdoor ceiling fan or a set of outdoor drapes on your porch ensures you'll be able to enjoy that porch all summer long. 
5.) Create a visual impact. Add a pop of color with cut flowers, potted plants, or succulents. 6.) Put together a cozy space for two. Instead of letting it sit unused, fill that awkward corner or extra space with a cozy nook that can be used any time of the day. Whether it's for enjoying your morning coffee, a book and iced tea on a lazy afternoon, or the evening sunset; you'll be glad you put this space to good use! 7.) Add texture with textiles. Make your outdoor space downright cozy with blankets, rugs, and other textiles. Your porch will feel like the ultimate place to spend a little downtime. 8.) Start new traditions that harken back to days gone by. Right after you wake up, head out to the front porch to enjoy your fresh brew and the morning newspaper (or online blog). It may soon become your favorite morning ritual! You'll also make your neighborhood feel warmer, friendlier, and more connected. Who knows, you may even get to know your neighbors, and the next thing you know - they'll be joining you for morning coffee. If your front porch is in dire need of some updating, now is the perfect time to do so. The friendly staff at Michael's Homes are experts at building and renovating decks, porches, patios and outdoor living spaces. Don't have a front porch to hang your swing from? That's no problem either. Simply contact us today for a free estimate! As always, we'll be happy to discuss your plans and ideas with you, regardless of how big or small those plans are.
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With temperatures heating up, it’s safe to say we’re all in agreement that this beautiful weather should be enjoyed to the full extent. If you don’t have an enticing outdoor living space though, you’ve got a bit of a problem! Outdoor living has recently seen an explosion in popularity. Adding a deck is one of the most common remodeling projects today, and demand just keeps increasing. It’s easy to understand why! With new advances in outdoor technology, you can now bring the comfort, enjoyment and sounds from indoors to your outdoor living space. If you’re like the majority of Americans who plan to make the most of their outdoor space for entertaining, a new deck has likely crossed your mind. Here are some questions you can ask yourself to get started.  Deck or Patio? One of the first things you’ll want to decide on is exactly what kind of outdoor space you want. A deck is a platform with decking boards. Decks are ideal when you have a sloped yard but want a flat area for entertaining. They’re also good for homes that have a basement or are high above the ground, because you can build them as high as you need. Patios are on flat ground and are usually made of concrete, pavers, flagstone, wood, or similar hardscaping materials. Building a patio on a sloped lot is more expensive and difficult, since you’ll have to build retaining walls to create a level surface. If your door opens right at ground level, a patio is probably the right option for you. Many people decide on the best of both worlds, and build a deck with steps that lead down to a patio. What is the purpose of your outdoor living space? Most people want a deck or patio for many reasons, including eating, cooking, and entertaining. The sky is the limit! Just make sure you consider the purpose of your space so you can determine its size, safety measures, and traffic flow. Do you host a lot of parties or have a lot of kids? The last thing you want is to go through the entire process of planning and building your deck only to find out it’s too small to fit your needs. Another thing you’ll want to consider is privacy. If you don’t have natural barriers like trees or shrubs in between you and your neighbors, consider adding an arbor, pergola, latticework, or something else to lend a little privacy. How will you access your outdoor living space? If you’ve already got a door that leads right outside to where you’re planning your deck, then you’re in good shape! If you don’t already have an opening though, you’ll need to add one, which can drastically increase project costs depending on whether you need a door in a load-bearing wall or not. Don’t forget that if your deck will be used for dining, it makes sense to have the opening as close to the kitchen as possible. You don’t want to have to climb a ton of stairs just to go back inside for the barbecue sauce. Convenience is key! How will your outdoor living space look? Once you have an idea of what kind, size, and general shape your deck will be, it’s time to consider how it will look. You don’t want to build a deck whose style completely clashes with that of your house! The addition should either blend in or at least complement the style of your home. If you’re having trouble finding a style that blends perfectly with your home, the trained professionals at Michael’s Homes can help make recommendations on deck style, materials, color, and more. Other options to consider:
Why hire a professional? About 65% of decks are built by homeowners trying to save money, but these structures are often done without permits and can come back to bite you if you ever decide to sell! A surprisingly large amount of work goes into building a what most people consider a simple square, flat, small patio. It’s usually worth it to invest in a skilled professional like Michael’s Homes when building your outdoor living space simply because deck additions can recoup around 80 percent of their cost if you ever decide to sell your home. Contact us today for a free estimate, so that you can begin to make your dream outdoor living space a reality! |
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