People are increasingly extending their living spaces into the great outdoors these days. That has given rise to a surge in demand for patios, decks, gazebos, wraparound porches, and other structures. All those home additions can give people more reasons to spend time outside and allow them to spread out beyond their actual houses. They can also breathe new life into outdoor features people may already have in place, like fire pits, outdoor dining areas, hot tubs, pools, and gardens. 

Pergolas are also incredibly popular choices for adding functional living space. They offer all the benefits of those previously mentioned structures plus many more. Of course, choosing the right pergola for your property and lifestyle is the key to getting the most out of it. This in-depth buyer’s guide can help you do just that. 

Is a Pergola Kit or Building from Scratch the Better Option? 

First of all, you’ll need to decide how you want to go about building your pergola. Many people insist that building one from scratch is better because doing so gives you more design freedom and more materials to choose from. That was certainly the case in the past, but the market has changed significantly over the last several years. At this point, you have almost as much freedom and flexibility with a great pergola kit as you would building one from square one. 

Today’s pergola kits are available in a range of materials, but one of the best is high-grade aluminum. It can last for decades without succumbing to the elements. It can withstand high winds and other hazards, and it requires little maintenance. Despite its strength and durability, it’s a lightweight material that’s easy to handle. 

Kits come premeasured and cut. They also contain all the hardware you’ll need to build your pergola and instructions for doing so. Assembling a kit is much easier than building a pergola from scratch, and it leaves far less room for error. Though an aluminum pergola kit may be more expensive upfront than, say, purchasing lumber and building a wood pergola on your own, you’ll actually save money over time by choosing a kit. 

You don’t have to sacrifice flexibility with a kit, either. They’re available in a vast range of sizes, shapes, and styles. You can even have a custom pergola kit designed and delivered to you. Many people shy away from the prospect of having to build their own pergolas. If you’re uncomfortable with the do-it-yourself approach, though, you could buy a kit and hire someone to assemble it for you. 

Which Factors to Consider When Choosing a Pergola Kit 

Several factors come into play when you’re choosing a pergola kit. Material is one of them. We’ve already touched on that point to an extent. Though high-quality aluminum is recommended, it’s not your only option. Kits are available in wood, vinyl, composite wood, and steel as well. 

Wood is less expensive, but it requires more maintenance and doesn’t last as long. Steel pergolas are durable, but they can rust when exposed to moisture. Vinyl doesn’t require maintenance, but it’s expensive, and it may not be as strong as other materials. While composite wood lasts longer than its natural counterpart, it’s not impervious to the elements. Material is only one aspect to think about, though. 

Size and Shape 

Size and shape are also important factors when choosing a pergola kit. It’s best to choose a pergola that fits nicely into your yard without taking up too much space. Avoiding those that are too small for the space you have is also recommended. If the pergola is too small, it may not meet your needs, and it could detract from the appearance of your home and yard rather than adding to it. 

Consider what you’ll be using the pergola for too. If you only want it to give you a private space to relax outdoors, you can go with a smaller model. If you want to use it for entertaining, dining outdoors, and other purposes, you may need a bigger one. 

Be sure to account for any other structures or features on your property as well. If, for example, you have a swing, water feature, or garden, you may want to choose a pergola that can fit among those features instead of overcrowding them or forcing you to get rid of them. Depending on the layout of your property, you may be able to choose a rectangular pergola rather than a square one to get more usable space without cramping your yard. Again, customized kits are also an option. 

Attached or Freestanding 

Another aspect to consider is whether you want a freestanding pergola or one that’s attached to your home. This choice can give you a little more flexibility in terms of size. For instance, if you go with an attached pergola, you may be able to choose a larger model. On the other hand, if you choose a freestanding pergola and space on your property is limited, you may need to pick a smaller model. 

Added Features 

Added features can make a world of difference in the functionality and versatility of your pergola as well. Pergola kits come with an array of optional extra features from automated retractable awnings, adjustable louvers, and integral smart lighting to built-in seating with hidden storage and beyond. You can also add screens, glass windows, or other features to your pergola to make it your own. Those features can allow you to use your pergola any time of the day or night regardless of the weather. They can even give you year-round use if you like. 

Choosing the Perfect Pergola for You 

Several considerations enter the mix when choosing a pergola. Numerous pergola designs are also on the market, so you have plenty to choose from. Kits are certainly the simpler, more affordable choice, and they come in a wide variety of styles, shapes, sizes and colors. While making your selection, think about what you’ll be using the pergola for, how much space you have for it, and which shape may work best on your property. Consider the material, whether you want an attached or freestanding version, and which added features would give you the most use and versatility as well. 

When you think about how exposed your roof is to the elements, it stands to reason that a combination of wind, rain, and the sun’s rays will take its toll over a period of time. If you have an asphalt roof, how will the weather affect it? 

 As a roofing professional, such as Primo Roofing and Sidings, will tell you, it is essential to have an understanding of your local climate and the potential threats it poses to the lifespan of your asphalt roof. Armed with this knowledge, you can take steps to substantially reduce the impact of weathering. 

 Let’s take a look at how weather impacts your asphalt roof and what action you can take to achieve the best level of protection from the elements so that you can enjoy greater longevity for your roof. 

 The threat of UV radiation 

 In extreme circumstances, UV radiation has the capacity to undermine and damage the structure of your asphalt roof. 

The problem can be that the sun’s rays have the power to penetrate deeply into the shingles. When this happens, it can materially alter the chemical make-up of the asphalt tiles. 

Once the bonds within the structure start to break down, your asphalt roof could lose its protective coating, leaving it exposed. 

 Talk to your roofing supplier about using an asphalt roof on a roof that is going to be regularly exposed to UV radiation. The solution is to use a thicker grade of asphalt that will stand up to the sun better than a standard asphalt roof. 

 What about exposure to wind, rain, and even ice? 

  The bottom line is that once a shingle starts to lose its protective surface granules, this leaves it more susceptible to absorbing more rainwater. Once the water penetrates more deeply it can cause deterioration. 

 Again, the solution is to install a higher grade asphalt roof if you or your roofer has any valid concerns about how much exposure to wind, rain, or ice your roof is likely to get. 

 As well as installing a high quality asphalt roof, you can also reduce the prospect of damage to the rest of your roof by carrying out regular maintenance. Periodic inspections and replacing broken or damaged tiles immediately will help minimize the impact of wet weather. 

 As you can see, your roof can be potentially damaged by cyclical changes in temperature and extreme weather conditions. If you are installing an asphalt roof, or any other type of roof, it makes a lot of sense to talk to your roofing supplier and installer about the regular weather conditions your roof is likely to be exposed to. 

 You have no reason to be unduly concerned about the threat of adverse weather conditions to the condition and longevity of your asphalt roof, as long as you think about how to protect your roof from day one. 

 With the right type of asphalt roof and some professional guidance from your chosen roofing company, you can enjoy a finish that will look great and hold well against the elements. 

Petty crimes are on the rise and this includes possibilities like break-in. This is something to consider whether you rent your home or if you are a homeowner. Your property and your belongings or even your family could be at risk. So, how do you manage this issue? Well, first, you should make sure that you do have the right insurance plan in place. Without the best insurance solution, you’re going to struggle to protect yourself financially from the impact of a breakin.

Once you have the right coverage, you can then think about making the necessary changes to your property. Here are some of the options worth exploring. 

Sort Out Your Windows

The first thing that we want to mention is that you should be sorting out your windows. You will know if there is an issue with your windows and they need fixing because it will be blindingly obvious, or you will be able to hear it when you are near. What we mean by this is that there is likely to be a massive crack of something in your window if it needs replacing, as this is a sure fire sign that you need a window replacement company to come out to you. 

Not only this though, because sometimes the need for a window fix is less obvious and in your face. Sometimes you can feel it when you are near the window and there is a draft coming through. More often than not this is going to be a quick simple fix of just resealing the edges, but it doesn’t always get to be this easy. If you are ever in doubt, then you should enlist the help of a professional company to come and take a look. It might cost you a little more than you would like, but it’s worth it for the simple fact of you have peace of mind that your windows are not a vulnerability in your home any longer.

Locks On Doors Need To Be Secure

Another thing that we want to mention is that you should always be checking the looks on any doors in your house. This is especially important when it comes to your front, back and side doors, or really any door that allows access to your house. We say this because it’s important that you are keeping entry to your house limited to the people that you want to grant access to, and not leaving an easy entry point to those who you don’t.

A lot of people forget to check the locks on their outer doors, ensuring that they are not sticking, that they are in good condition, and they are generally doing the job that they need to be doing. If you are worried that someone has a key to your home that you no longer wish them to have, but they will not return it, then simply change the locks. You have this power, and it’s a simple process so it shouldn’t be too much drama. Just keep your eye on the locks going forward, and ensure that they are working properly.

Don’t Put Wires Under The Garage Door

It’s also important that you do not put wires under the garage door if you have one. We know that this might sound silly or like we are going a little too far with this, but we can assure you that it is for good reason. If you put these wires under your garage door, then it’s not closed properly, and allows for another entry point to your home. It’s seen as a potential weakness for anyone who has decided to scope out your home, and that’s not something that you want in your life, as it’s not safe.

Fix The Roof Where It’s Needed

You might also want to think about fixing up the roof if it has seen better days. There are a few reasons for this. First, if the roof is damaged then it can lead to issues with damp which are slowly going to get worse overtime resulting in a disastrous situation for your property. As issues with poor weather continue, it’s possible that the structural integrity of your property is also impacted which will make your home unsafe for you and your children. 

This isn’t the only reason to fix the roof though. In extreme situations damage to the roof can also be an entry point into your property. The easiest way to fix this is to make sure that you are hiring a professional roofer to complete the work for you. This means that you’ll be able to guarantee that the work has been completed to the right standards from day one. 

Remember, if you don’t fix the roof of your property, then it could also lead to issues when it is time to sell in the future. A problem with the roof is always going to be a massive red flag for potential buyers. It suggests that the property has been allowed to slip into a state of disrepair. 

Have A Security System

Finally, you should make sure that you have a security system in place. The right security system will provide peace of mind and ensure that you always feel as though your home does have the right level of protection. A security system could include everything from an alarm to options like remote security. With remote security, you will be able to keep an eye on your home even when you are far away. This is important, particularly if there’s no one to watch your house when you go on a trip abroad in the future. 

We hope this helps you understand some of the key steps that you can take to ensure that you are keeping your home safe in the future. In doing so, you can make sure that your home isn’t exposed to some of the more common dangers which will make a break-in far more likely in the future.

When it comes to home improvements it is very common to be on a budget This means that you often have to choose between the tasks that you want to get completed. This is completely normal and usually, people choose to do a few smaller projects and then choose just one large project for their home each year. This might be landscaping in the garden or maybe installing a new kitchen. The smaller projects might include changing a feature wall wallpaper or updating the curtains in a couple of rooms. 

Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-holding-paintbrush-221027/

Which projects would be considered a larger project? Usually, it would be something that would require a large budget, often upheave your home slightly, and take a little time to complete. Let’s have a look at some of the home projects that may fit into this category. 

Updating Your Flooring

When it comes to updating your flooring you can either do it room by room or you can tackle it all at the same time. If you have a large house then it might be best to tackle one room at a time. Updating your flooring involves researching the best type for your needs, making time to remove all furniture from the rooms, removing the old flooring, and then installing the new floor. It can be a very time-consuming home project, however, if your flooring hasn’t been changing in a long time then you won’t regret ticking this off your list. When flooring is changed and looked after well it can last between 10 and 15 years so once you have done it you won’t have to worry about it again for a while. Now, changing the flooring in your home can be quite expensive especially if you go for a high-pile carpet or hardwood flooring. This means you need to think about the budget. If you are on a tight budget you may want to stick to rotating through your home and do one room at a time. 

Looking At The Exterior Of Your Home 

This is often an area that is overlooked by homeowners, or at least it is put on the back burner. We’re not talking about your garden here either. We are talking about your roof, windows, doors, siding, and more. The physical outside of your home deserves to be looked after and maintained properly. Not only does the outside of your home protect the inside but it also speaks volumes and is the first impression to people who pass or visit your home. If your home doesn’t look well taken care of you will have a poor curb appeal. The siding on your home, for instance, is something that needs to be looked after and at times replaced. Bluff City Exteriors can help. You should also look at things like replacing missing tiles, cleaning your gutters, and simply making sure your windows and doors are kept clean. If you have had your windows and door for more than 10 years it may also be time to assess whether they need to be replaced, Now, you don’t need to tackle all of the projects in one go but you could arrange for your gutters and windows to be cleaned regularly. You will be surprised by how much of a difference it makes. 

Modernizing Your Kitchen 

If your kitchen has seen better days and is older than 10-15 years it might be time to modernize it and have a new one installed. The kitchen can be a huge upheaval in your home, take a long time to complete, and cost a pretty penny. That being said as long as you budget for it, make a plan for food during the installation, and keep on top of cleaning during the renovation then you should be able to get through the project with minimal stress. If you are trying to stick to a small budget you might want to think about making smaller changes such as replacing the worksurface, updating or painting the cupboard doors, or adding new appliances. 

Updating Your Bathroom 

Just like with your kitchen your bathroom can be a big upheaval to your home especially if you don’t have a second bathroom to use. You will need to plan the renovation very carefully and possibly make plans for a way to have a shower or bath. It might be a good idea to ask a family member if they can let you pop around to theirs to clean up. If you have young children you might want to have them stay away for a few nights just to make it easier. 

These four areas may take a little more time to complete in your home. You may only do one of these each year in your home, however, once they are done you won’t need to look at them for at least 10 years.