Author: Kelli Tarantino

Know what outdoor projects to take on your own and when you should call a professional to take over.

Outdoor projects can range from landscaping to lighting, but depending on your specific outdoor renovation, some projects may be suitable to DIY, while others may require the expertise of a professional. When considering DIY vs hiring a professional for your outdoor projects, it is best to honestly ask yourself how qualified and motivated you are to complete the job, as well as the money and time you’re willing to expend. Hiring a professional for certain jobs could help you keep your project on track, while other more simple projects can be fun and rewarding to do yourself. Know when you should DIY your outdoor projects and when it’s best to hire a professional to take care of the work for you, by understanding the following reasons and challenges.

Reasons to hire an outdoor professional

Some projects are more challenging than others and require the knowledge, skills, tools, and resources of a professional. For outdoor living projects that require electrical, irrigation, or hardscape installation it is often beneficial to hire a professional. A contractor, landscaper, or expert will have working knowledge about paperwork and permits required to do a project legally. Work that isn’t up to code actually hurts the resale value of your property. Professionals also have the ability to purchase materials at a discount and already own the most required tools. Bringing on a professional can make large outdoor projects less costly, keep your landscape project on schedule, and ensure the job is completed in a  professional manner.

Challenging projects that may require a professional

Landscape planning and designing

If this is your first time doing landscaping, it might be best to talk with a professional in the beginning phase of the project. A landscaper, architect, or designer can inform you about laws requiring permits for different projects, the best materials, and services to use, and help formulate an outdoor layout that is suitable to your lifestyle and budget. A professional will also have the ability to tell you about the best plants for your yard based on climate, water usage, soil quality, and maintenance. They can also help with special considerations like building a pet-friendly yard or how to prevent run-off in yards susceptible to erosion. Depending on the scope of your project, some landscaping may involve heavy machinery and equipment rental that should be used under the supervision of a skilled laborer.

Building a deck, porch, or patio

Building a deck off the back of your house is a costly and time-consuming task that requires expensive materials and a solid understanding of construction principles. A contractor can help plan the design, implement permanent infrastructure for the foundation, and properly execute to project to finish in a timely manner. A professional can also purchase expensive materials at a discount, and has the tools and skills to complete this project quickly.

Lighting

If you are looking to add outdoor lighting to your home, hiring a professional will prove beneficial in many ways. A professional will help to develop a certain look for the space, and discuss different lighting options such as fixtures and spacing. For those wanting to utilize eco-friendly lighting or install outdoor lights on a budget, a professional can save you time on research and help avoid costly repairs. Most importantly, because outdoor wiring is different than indoor wiring, an electrician will understand electrical systems, wattage needs, and can file an electrical permit if required. Extensive knowledge of factors like changes in temperature, bugs, pests, and humidity will ensure your outdoor lighting has long-term efficiency.

Underground pools and spas

In most cases, employing a professional when adding a pool or spa to your outdoor living space is a must. Even the simplest of projects, like installing an above ground spa is a big job that often requires approval from a technician. A landscaper and pool contractor will work with you to develop a design for the property, acquire permits, materials, and machinery, and ensure the pool will be safe for both people and the property. This is a long-term project, so be sure to contact a professional several months before intended use. Use this inground pool cost calculator to determine the cost of your project.

Constructing a stone fireplace

A stone fireplace that is built into a wall outside of your home or that is more complex than the average metal fire pit can be a challenging job that usually requires the help of a professional. A contractor or expert in the subject of fireplaces will have knowledge of city regulations and safe building practices, as well as masonry experience.

Outdoor kitchens

If you want a simple outdoor kitchen with a propane-fueled grill and no water lines, you may be able to DIY. However, there are a few tips for designing the best outdoor kitchen. If you’re planning a complex outdoor kitchen with natural gas lines, electricity, and water, it’s best to leave it to a professional that knows working codes, plumbing costs, and safety regulations.

Click here to read the full article by Anne Reagan

‘Concept Space’

Often times clients have trouble justifying a remodeling project “because the existing space is ok”.

Spending money in this way is a personal choice, but I have seldom had clients who were sorry they had done so after the transformation is complete. With the typical production builder home, layout is usually somewhat tight.

Soffits above wall cabinets are typical and room spaces are divided up and closed off. This practice makes the living and functional space less than desirable.

With this kitchen, openings between rooms were significantly expanded, soffits removed and walls moved.

The resulting concept space looks, feels, and functions much better, along with bringing in more natural light! For more before and after photos of this completed project, visit our website.

This turn of the century Mt. Washington home is situated on a beautiful wooded lot.
The Architects at The Drawing Department worked with the owners to bring a previously unsightly view of the garage roof and a dated kitchen into a beautiful and functional space.

The ‘floating’ rooftop deck uses structural adjustable joist supports, Azek premium decking and a Feeney cable railing system.

The kitchen is modernized with streamlined cabinetry and appliances, a custom built ‘banquette’ seating area for family dining, a Walnut butcher block island and floating display shelving. Note the glass pane backsplash behind the cooking area for ease of cleaning. Simply beautiful! For more before and after photos of this completed project, visit our website.

Please contact us to let us know how we can assist with your dream project.

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Things to Check Off Your List in an Hour or Less

1. Rotate your mattress. Before you put on a fresh set of sheets, take an extra minute to rotate the mattress if you haven’t done so recently. Rotating your mattress every few months will help it wear more evenly and extend its life (and comfort).
2. Pack up a bag of old sheets and towels to donate. If you bought new sheets or towels during January white sales, make some room by letting go of an old set or two. Homeless shelters and some churches will accept donations of bedding and towels in good condition, and animal shelters are often in need of towels. Really worn linens can be cut up and used as rags or dropped in a textile recycling bin.
3. Clean entryway floors. If winters are cold where you are,road salt and melting snow can mean entryway floors take a beating. Pick up clutter and give the floors a good mopping.

To keep floors looking their best between cleanings, stash a few old towels in a basket near the door to wipe up messes.

4. Keep sidewalks and entryways free of ice and snow (even while you’re away). Ice and snow can make walkways dangerous for visitors. Aim to shovel snow promptly, and sprinkle gravel, straw or wood chips to provide traction. Frequent, light shoveling is better than letting the snow build up. And if you plan to be out of town during an expected winter storm, hire someone to clear the sidewalk and front steps of your home while you’re away. Your neighbors and mail carrier will thank you.

Tackle These Tasks Over a Weekend

5. Cook to stock up your freezer. A few hours of cooking on a weekend can produce major dividends if you focus your efforts on big-batch suppers that can be frozen and reheated later.

Knowing that you have homemade soup, stew, chili or casseroles in the freezer makes facing weeknight dinners much less stressful. Just add crusty bread and a simple salad and dinner will be ready in no time.

6. Organize bookshelves. Pull out volumes that you didn’t enjoy or are finished with and sell or donate them, leaving a bit of extra room on each shelf for new titles. And if you get distracted by beloved old books you had forgotten about, just roll with it. After all, there are few better places to spend a winter afternoon than in a comfortable chair with a good book.

7. Refresh your movie-watching zone. Winter is a good time to catch up on movies you missed in the theater or to binge-watch your favorite shows. So why not make your movie-watching zone as comfy and cozy as possible? Start by vacuuming the floors and upholstery (using a vacuum attachment) and by clearing away clutter. Next, assess your collection of movies and games, donating extras to charity. Finally, make sure there are plenty of comfortable pillows and throws and lighting that can be dimmed.

8. Boost warmth. Stay toasty and save on energy bills by blocking drafty doors with door sweeps or door snakes and warming up with rugs, throws and duvets. For even more energy savings, shut doors to unused rooms, move furniture away from heating vents and close the chimney flue when it’s not in use.

9. Check bathrooms for moisture, mildew and mold. It can be hard to give bathrooms enough ventilation when the house is closed up tight for winter.

Unfortunately, that buildup of moisture can lead to mildew or even harmful mold. Give the bathroom a thorough cleaning, paying special attention to grout, the ceiling and any other areas showing signs of excess moisture.

10. Clean the dryer vent (and check for blockages outside). Having the buildup of lint cleaned from your dryer vent at least once a year is essential to keeping your dryer working efficiently and preventing a potential dryer fire. In winter, snow can block the exterior vent, so take a walk outside your home to inspect the vent and remove snow or debris if needed.

Click here to read the full article on Houzz.com