Few things embody summer like a back yard deck, conjuring images of family barbecues and lazy afternoons lounging in a hammock or on a chaise. But maintaining a wood deck can be a pretty major chore, from scrubbing and staining to repairing and replacing damaged boards. You’re probably also no stranger to splinters in your feet, which can really put a damper on your summer fun. Wood decks have a certain charm, but if you’re not up for the endless power washing, sealing, staining, repairing and replacing that goes along with keeping it looking great, why not replace your old…

The humble portico, that under-appreciated covering above your front door, has a rich history in ancient and classical architecture. Porticos have their roots in Greece, where they served as the entrance to temples, and have been featured in some of the most memorable landmarks in the world – from the Greek Parthenon to the Roman Pantheon and the United States Capitol! These days, porticos grace the front doors of homes in suburbs everywhere, in styles ranging from rustic to modern, short to towering, narrow to sprawling the full length of a porch. If the last time you thought of your…

The days grow darker, the winds bite harder, and all the leaves are brown. There comes a point, no matter how hard we try, when the shift from fall to winter can no longer be ignored. Just like your wardrobe and your car, your home must be prepared to weather the coming storms. Checking the following five points in and around your home will give you peace of mind in the coming winter months. #1: Gutters If you noticed a lot of icicles last year, it may have been a sign that your gutters needed clearing or replacing. Before the…

Remember how you felt in April? Spring had just begun and summer days stretched before you, promising family, fun, time spent outdoors… and those home improvement projects waiting on your list, collecting dust. Now fall is fast approaching. Where did the time go? What’s worse is that somehow, yet again, those projects didn’t get done. But don’t worry that they’ll have to wait another year or beat yourself up for letting the spring and summer slip by. We’ve got some good news for you, because the best time to install vinyl siding, and replace roofing, windows and doors is right…