Spring Projects - Backyard Decks

Decks are one of the most popular in home improvements. They are a great way to add value to your home while providing an extra space for outdoor activity and entertainment. Get inspiration for your spring project from our featured decks which incorporate the elements of great design and functionality.

Before you make any decisions about decking materials or style, you need to think about your home and the area surrounding it. First, you need to determine how much space you have for a new deck. The size of your deck is greatly influenced by the amount of space you have for it. Also think about any obstructions in your yard that may interfere with the construction such as trees or boulders. If these cannot be removed, then you must build your deck around them. If you have enough space to build a deck of your desired size, think about what you will be using it for. If you plan to use it for entertainment, hot tub or pool you may need more space than if it is just meant for family relaxation and leisure.

When determining where to build your deck think about how much privacy you want. If you are surrounded by neighbours and privacy is limited, plant some high trees around your deck – this will help block the neighbours’ view. Also, different locations provide different amounts of shade and sunlight – placing your deck in a location where you have both is preferred. Decks can be dangerous, especially for younger children, so you will need to think about safety as well. You can either choose an open deck or an enclosed deck. The enclosed deck is preferred by families with young children and will help to keep them better supervised. Railings are also important, especially if your deck is high off of the ground.

Since your deck is outside 24/7, it is subject to all of the weather elements from sun to snow. If you live in areas with heavy snow or ice, your deck may need extra support to hold the extra weight. As a general rule, you need to choose materials that will withstand all weather conditions.

When it comes to the look or style of a deck, most people want something that will match their home. For instance – if your siding is made of vinyl you may want to choose vinyl decking to complement the style of the house. Remember to keep the size of your deck relative to the size of your home – a deck that takes up the entire backyard will look disproportionate and unattractive. You can add personal style with railings and stairways, and once it is complete, your own deck décor.

Featured Homes:

Top Left: Kenna Whipple-Erkelens, Sales Representative. 630 South Townline Road, Stoney Creek. View Property.

Middle Left: Marsha and Jay Brandes, Sales Representatives. 14 Deerview Avenue, Ancaster. View Property.

Bottom Left: Rob Golfi, Sales Representative. 3669 Carver Street, Stevensville. View Property.

Right: Tracy Dmetrichuk, Sales Representative. 75 Stonegate Drive, Ancaster. View Property.

New Year's Resolutions - Make Small Changes for the Greatest Effect

As we step into a new year, we are inspired and motivated to makes changes for a bright future.

New Year’s resolutions are fresh on our minds and we think of ways to improve and enrich our lives. What better place to start than our home sweet home!

Your Kitchen - Healthy Eating

You don't need to make major, life altering changes all at once to succeed at weight loss. Nutrition experts point out that you're far more likely to stick to a change if it's small and manageable. Here are some easy changes that can give you maximum impact:

• Take small steps to healthier eating - add a piece of fruit to your lunch or package up your whole grain cereal as a snack. Focus on choosing healthy alternatives whenever you get the chance.
• Drink more water - resolve to drink a single cup more water today than yesterday.
• Look for color in your produce - all those rich golds, reds and purples signal foods that are packed with good-for-you plant compounds. Try adding a new fruit or veggie to your diet each week.
• Fight mindless munching - by popping a piece of gum or a sugar-free mint in your mouth instead, brush and floss your teeth after you eat, and try to pay attention to each piece of food you're putting in your mouth as you watch TV. You can also keep your hands busy with a glass of water or a cup of tea!

Your Bedroom - Rest and Relaxation

Life is busy and it seems each year it just gets busier. Work, family, school, and other commitments consume the day and leave you with no time to sit back and relax.  However, rest and relaxation is very important. In fact, getting enough rest is imperative to living a healthy lifestyle and when you do not relax and get enough sleep you are putting yourself at risk for illness.

The amount of rest each individual needs every night differs, however the average adult needs approximately 7-8 hours of sleep each night to restore their body with the energy it needs to handle all the demands of daily life.  Most individuals cut back on their sleep to pack more activities into their day. Unfortunately, this runs the body down allowing more viruses and diseases to attack the body because the immune system is not functioning as well as it should.  Create an ambience of tranquility in your bedroom with candles, soft pillows and linens, and remove all distractions like TV or paperwork!

Your Dining Room - Family and Friends

Make dinner time more than just a time to eat.

There is a whole list of positive things that can happen when a family carves out time to eat dinner together.  Eating together encourages communication!  Allow each member of the family to discuss any achievements or challenges they may have encountered during the day.  Engage the children in conversations that lead them to discuss school work, sports and other things that excite them.  The most important thing is to keep an open line of communication for each member to share ideas and stories.

Sitting down for a family meal can provide real quality family time and be fun!  Pull up the chairs, serve the casserole and have a laugh with everyone.  Mix it up and have a picnic in the family room on the floor or when the weather is nice outside, have a family dinner on the patio!

Good Luck with your New Year Endeavour’s. Happy 2012!

Featured Homes;

Top Left: Mauro Pezzelato, Sales Representative. 113 Magnificent Way, Binbrook.

Top Right: Bernadette Amalfi Bean, Sales Representative. 376 Old Guelph Road, Dundas. View Property.

Bottom Right: Cathy Erskine, Sales Representative. 2047 Country Club Drive, Burlington. View Property.