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Posts Tagged ‘outdoor living spaces’

How To Spot A Reliable Home Improvement Contractor

Saturday, October 6th, 2012

If you’re considering having some home improvements completed, you need to hire highly qualified home improvement contractors that can handle both small and big tasks. Your home improvement contractors should know how to install new flooring, cabinets,  windows and more.

You will know when you find the right home improvement contractors because they will have a history of doing honest jobs and you will truly feel they will not cheat you.

It’s always a safe bet to go with a company that has plenty of good recommendations from your friends, family, coworkers and  the local registry. If you are just starting your search, the National Association of Remodeling Industry is a good place to start your search. The goal is to find a home improvement company that will be trust worthy.

Ask the potential  home improvement company for a list of previous clients so you can find out about the projects the home improvement contractors have handled, how many contractors are on hand at the present time and whether they are bonded and insured. This will reveal to you whether the home improvement contractor are prepared to handle your project properly and be reliable to successfully complete projects.

T.W. Ellis gives you the results you want and increase your home value. Our quality craftsmanship is seen in every project because they are built with quality, pride, on schedule and budget.

If have any questions at all, contact T.W. Ellis by calling 800-852-8335 or click here today!

T.W. Ellis, LLC provides the design and construction of outdoor living spaces such as custom decks, screened rooms and unique additions. The building contracting company, which always works with a qualified architect, services Maryland’s residential and commercial areas throughout Baltimore county, Harford county, Cecil county, Annapolis, Carroll county and Howard county.

Check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

 

Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Home-Improvement-Contractors—How-to-Make-Informed-Hiring-Decisions&id=3731128

 

Why Is A Screened Porch A Great Backyard Oasis?

Monday, July 23rd, 2012

Screened Porches are one of the most beautiful and enjoyable additions you can add to your home. They allow homeowners to capture the beauty of nature, from cool breezes to birds chirping on beautiful weather days.

No longer will you need to worry about the hot sun, rain or pests as you enjoy the great outdoors from the comfort of your home. You can view your gardens. You can observe the wildlife.

Create a backyard oasis you and your family and friends can enjoy everyday.

Here are just a few of the many benefits a screened porch can offer you:

-      You can have a completely new space for eating, entertainment and relaxation.

-      You can keep an eye on the kids as they get fresh air and exercise in the confinement of your home.

-      You can have a ceiling fan installed to allow the free flow of air movement. So you will never suffer from no breeze and hot sun days.

-      Skylights and artificial lighting can be added as well.

If you want to reap the benefits of having a screened porch, get building permits and proper zoning clearance first. T.W Ellis will install your dream screen porch.

T.W Ellis can get the job done well and tremendously improve your home value. We continually provide quality craftsmanship to all our projects. Our projects are built with quality, pride, on schedule and budget.

If have any questions at all, contact T.W. Ellis by calling 800-852-8335 or click here today!

T.W. Ellis, LLC provides the design and construction of outdoor living spaces such as custom decks, screened rooms and unique additions. The building contracting company, which always works with a qualified architect, services Maryland’s residential and commercial areas throughout Baltimore county, Harford county, Cecil county, Annapolis, Carroll county and Howard county.

Check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Source: http://www.ehow.com/about_4691092_screened-porches.html

How To Best Use Your Deck

Monday, July 16th, 2012

Are you considering remodeling your home with a deck? If yes, T.W. Ellis has some excellent recommendations on how you can utilize your deck best for entertainment and relaxation.

When you have a deck, you want to use it to its best effect so your investment does not go to waste. The following are great ways to make every second you spend on your deck an enjoyable one:

Add a Dining Room

A dining room is a wonderful addition to a deck because it provides an area for you to entertain your guest while adding personal aesthetic appeal. Have family dinners on deck to really enjoy the outdoors with your family.

The Getaway

If you need weekly downtime to relax, create an oasis on your deck. Home luxuries of stereos, telephones and TVs can all be installed on deck because weatherproof items in these markets are now available. Add comfy furniture to really enjoy the outdoors.

Make Your Deck A Party Headquarters

There is no better place to throw an outdoor party than a deck. Add an outdoor wet bar. Have an outdoor fireplace to have parties outdoors long after the summer party season is over.

You can even sleep under the stars by having sleeping nooks built right onto your deck or screen off areas of your deck to make a comfortable bedroom area on your deck.

Last but not least, consider creating a Kid’s Paradise on deck.

A deck is a great place for kids to get the outside exercise and fresh air they need. You can incorporate built in sandboxes and pools into your deck. Add patio furniture for the kids to be as comfortable as possible outdoors.

If you need a deck built today, T.W. Ellis is here to build your dreams into realities.

T.W Ellis can get the job done well and tremendously improve your home value. We continually provide quality craftsmanship to all our projects. Our projects are built with quality, pride, on schedule and budget.

If have any questions at all, contact T.W. Ellis by calling 800-852-8335 or click here today!

T.W. Ellis, LLC provides the design and construction of outdoor living spaces such as custom decks, screened rooms and unique additions. The building contracting company, which always works with a qualified architect, services Maryland’s residential and commercial areas throughout Baltimore county, Harford county, Cecil county, Annapolis, Carroll county and Howard county.

Check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Great-New-Ways-to-Use-Your-Deck&id=4826138

To Stain Or Not To Stain? The Benefits Of Staining.

Monday, June 11th, 2012

Do you know how staining can protect your wooden deck from damage? Learn why staining is so important to your deck design and function now.

Some homeowners are not convinced that staining truly protects deck wood because they believe wood cracks and splits with or without a stain. But staining makes a big difference in whether your deck will last long-term.

Wood has two major environment concerns – water and sun. Stains can protect your deck from water damage and sun damage, if proper preparation and reapplication are accomplished.

About Deck Water Damage

When moisture content is abundant, it can make wood move across its grain. Whenever wood gets wet, it swells, dries and shrinks. These movements, especially the shrinking, will make your wooden deck crack. If your deck is screwed or nailed down, this cross grain motion will generate stress that helps create cracks.

Be careful of hidden fasteners that engage in grooves in your deck boards. The fasteners can allow increased movement. Decking can shrank to a point it disengages itself from edge fasteners.

You can control potential water damage of your deck with water-repellant finishes. These finishes slow wetting and drying, to moderate wood movement and reduce its tendency to crack.

You should regularly restain with this type of deck finishing once a year.

Sun Damage

As for protection from the sun, it is necessary for your wood’s cellulose fibers and lignin to be protected from Ultraviolet (UV) light. These components hold your deck together.

Lignin is destroyed by UV light, and without it, nothing is able to hold the surface of the fibers. As a result, fibers will fuzz up and wear off.

With a quality stain, lignin will have inhibitors reflect or absorb the UV light to reduce sun damage to your deck.

UV inhibitors must be regularly reapplied and before application of the staining, you need to sand the deck so the finish will last. Restaining should be done within the first weeks of the original staining.

Create your dream home overnight with T.W Ellis.

T.W Ellis can get the job done well and tremendously improve your home value. We continually provide quality craftsmanship to all our projects. Our projects are built with quality, pride, on schedule and budget.

If have any questions at all, contact T.W. Ellis by calling 800-852-8335 or click here today!

T.W. Ellis, LLC provides the design and construction of outdoor living spaces such as custom decks, screened rooms and unique additions. The building contracting company, which always works with a qualified architect, services Maryland’s residential and commercial areas throughout Baltimore county, Harford county, Cecil county, Annapolis, Carroll county and Howard county.

Check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Source: http://www.deckmagazine.com/article/399.html

Deck Safety: Preventing Your Deck From Collapsing

Monday, June 4th, 2012

Are you in need of a new deck? If yes, you need to know about deck safety to keep your deck in good condition and your family safe and sound. Read now to learn about deck safety.

A deck can collapse easily when it is improperly attached to any kind of building. The majority of decks are supported on one side by the building and the other by the earth’s surface.

This is why it is so important that a deck is attached properly. Know if your deck is properly attached to increase your home safety and save you unnecessary expenses.

The following tips will let you know whether your deck is properly attached once installed:

All decks are centered on the ledger, which is a piece of wood that connects a deck to a building. Lag screws are most commonly used to attach decks to buildings. Use ½” lag screws for decks to screw in 5/16” holes that are pre-drilled through ledger and rim joist. Once this task is done, make sure a ½” hole is drilled through the ledger only.

When putting in lag screws, always make sure the screws are attached to something substantial behind the ledger. It is also very important to figure out where the screws are going when no rim joist are not available for the deck to attach to.

Never attach lag screws to a fiberboard wall sheathing, that’s worthless and not too many people could be on an improperly attached deck like that.

Use special ledger screws to install your screws in your deck without pilot holes. They make for fast and easy installments.

Through-bolts are another great choice for decks if the interior of the rim joist is accessible.

Never use nails to attach a ledger to your building. They can pull out easily. You can easily repair this improper installation problem if you do notice nails are holding your deck in place.

Create your dream home overnight with T.W Ellis.

T.W Ellis can get the job done well and tremendously improve your home value. We continually provide quality craftsmanship to all our projects. Our projects are built with quality, pride, on schedule and budget.

If have any questions at all, contact T.W. Ellis by calling 800-852-8335 or click here today!

T.W. Ellis, LLC provides the design and construction of outdoor living spaces such as custom decks, screened rooms and unique additions. The building contracting company, which always works with a qualified architect, services Maryland’s residential and commercial areas throughout Baltimore county, Harford county, Cecil county, Annapolis, Carroll county and Howard county.

Check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Source: http://www.zillow.com/blog/2012-05-17/may-is-deck-safety-month-is-your-deck-safe/

Home Remodeling: Reasons You Should Hire A Remodeling Professional

Friday, May 18th, 2012

Are you preparing for a remodeling project? If yes, you should hire a remodeling professional to successfully complete your home remodeling project. Read now to learn about the crucial reasons you should get help from a remodeling professional.

There are many remodeling contractors ready to support you as a homeowner for preparing your home for remodeling services.

Remodeling contractors will improve your room with custom moldings and total design and remodel.

A contractor can help you extend your indoor living to the outdoors of your home by creating your dream patio, deck or outdoor kitchen.

With such remodeling projects, the remodeling professional will provide you a written estimate and will walk you through every step of the remodeling process.

A few tasks a remodeling contractor will help you complete are planning, permits, demolition, carpentry and installation of all products and material to finish.

Remodeling contractors also have available licensed electricians and plumbers to handle the technical aspects of your remodeling projects. All work on your property will be completed in a clean and orderly fashion.

The goal of any remodeling professional is to create beauty in your home while giving you a distinctive and personalized look.

Make your living space artistic, unique and functional today with T.W Ellis.

T.W Ellis can get the job done well and tremendously improve your home value. We continually provide quality craftsmanship to all our projects. Our projects are built with quality, pride, on schedule and budget.

If have any questions at all, contact T.W. Ellis by calling 800-852-8335 or click here today!

T.W. Ellis, LLC provides the design and construction of outdoor living spaces such as custom decks, screened rooms and unique additions. The building contracting company, which always works with a qualified architect, services Maryland’s residential and commercial areas throughout Baltimore county, Harford county, Cecil county, Annapolis, Carroll county and Howard county.

Check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Source: Home Remodeling – Reasons to Get Help From Remodeling Professionals For Your Remodeling Needs

 

How Deck Waterproofing Extends The Life Of Your Deck

Thursday, May 3rd, 2012

Did you know that deck waterproofing could extend the life of your deck? It is true. Read now to learn how deck waterproofing extends the life of your deck.

When you install a deck on your home property, it is considered a major addition. You can add a deck to the front of your home as a porch. You can add a deck to the back of your home as a place your family and friends can relax and enjoy time together. You can even install a deck near your pool to tan.

No matter where you place a deck, it will add curb appeal to your home.

When it comes to the materials used for a deck, real wood is the most popular choice of material but wood needs to be well taken care of or it will damage and break down quickly.

The most damage natural elements to any deck are the sun and water. Ultraviolent light from the sun makes wood age quickly. Water makes the wood a deck rot. But aging can be slowed down and water damage prevented with deck waterproofing products.

Deck waterproofing is need most for wood pool decks. It is needed for these types of decks because the pools are used often and the deck is regularly splashed with water. With waterproofing products your deck will be protected and your deck will have a long life. Waterproofing products are widely available and easy to apply.

A deck is a big investment for your home. You will want to protect this invest with waterproofing products.

If you are ready for a deck to be installed on your residential property, hire T.W Ellis.

T.W Ellis can get the job done well and tremendously improve your home value. We continually provide quality craftsmanship to all our projects. Our projects are built with quality, pride, on schedule and budget.

If have any questions at all, contact T.W. Ellis by calling 800-852-8335 or click here today!

T.W. Ellis, LLC provides the design and construction of outdoor living spaces such as custom decks, screened rooms and unique additions. The building contracting company, which always works with a qualified architect, services Maryland’s residential and commercial areas throughout Baltimore county, Harford county, Cecil county, Annapolis, Carroll county and Howard county.

Check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Source: Deck Waterproofing Extending The Life Your Deck

In Demand Home Design Trends For 2012

Monday, April 16th, 2012

Are you building a home or conducting home renovations? If yes, you need to know what home design trends are hot for 2012. This article will provide you details about home design trends that will add value to your home – small homes, green homes and so much more! Read all about it now!

Small Home Design Trends

In the current home market, more modestly sized homes are growing in demand rather than the gigantic mansions of the past. This trend is all about adding more value through conscious living. The sizes of homes are 10% to 15% smaller than the previous trend of bigger means better value yet they are popular. Smaller homes are popular because the high-end materials and finishes are not compromised, while increasing multi-functional capabilities at affordable pricing.

To add room value in a home find multi-functional, maximize every inch of your space. You can maximize space with integrated storage all throughout your home. The less clutter you have in the home, the more organized, spacious and enjoyable it will be.

Think Green. Think Smart.

Green homes are in high demand. They are energy efficient and reduce your carbon footprint with energy efficient windows, lighting, and appliances, tank-less water heaters, low-VOC paints, stains and sealants.

Green homes are easy to maintenance, use high quality materials and integrate smart technology to give you the best value and comfort from your home.

Add Work Spaces To Your Home

You can even add an office space to your home to enhance your work productivity. A guesthouse or garage is a great area to transform into a home office space.

Install Porches and Decks

If you want to add guaranteed value to your home, add porches and decks that naturally transition from your interior home to your exterior home living space. They are great additions to a home if you are a fan of the great outdoors.

On a deck you can add built in seating, hot tubs, and an outdoor kitchen or fire pit. Create your dream home overnight with T.W Ellis.

T.W Ellis can get the job done well and tremendously improve your home value. We continually provide quality craftsmanship to all our projects. Our projects are built with quality, pride, on schedule and budget.

If have any questions at all, contact T.W. Ellis by calling 800-852-8335 or click here today!

T.W. Ellis, LLC provides the design and construction of outdoor living spaces such as custom decks, screened rooms and unique additions. The building contracting company, which always works with a qualified architect, services Maryland’s residential and commercial areas throughout Baltimore county, Harford county, Cecil county, Annapolis, Carroll county and Howard county.

Check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Source: Home Design – What’s Hot For 2011

5 Elements To Understand For A Good Deck Design

Monday, April 9th, 2012

If you are installing an outdoor deck this spring, you need to have a strong understanding of the five elements of good deck design. This article will provide you information on the five elements of a good deck design so your deck project can be the deck of your dreams.

When you have a deck, you can enjoy the nice, warm weather while enjoying time with family and friends. Here are seven elements a good deck should have in attributes:

Place Your Deck At A Great View

A perfect location for a deck is in your backyard where you have a spectacular view. You can create a beautiful garden near your deck. Add a tree close by to provide your deck a shade area. Add walls, fences, or shrubbery near your deck, if privacy is a concern. Whatever feature you think will make your deck a place you will enjoy, add them.

Place Your Deck Away From High Foot Traffic Areas

If you prefer your deck to be connected to your home, you want to put it away from areas that have high foot traffic. Why? You should do this because your deck is an outdoor area that could make people bring soil onto the carpets and other flooring of your home. An area to avoid connecting your deck to your home is your living room. This is a frequently visit area of your home and you want to keep it as clean as possible.

A better location for your deck-home connection is the kitchen. Connecting your deck to your kitchen will help you transport food and dishes back and forth during outdoor eating and entertainment events on deck. It is recommended to have sliding glass doors to make the transition from home to deck more convenient.  Two doors having access to the deck will be the most effective way to control foot traffic flow.

Stand Alone Deck Destination

If you prefer your deck to be a destination all on its own, it does not have to be built connected to your house. You can have your deck standing alone in the woods, if your backyard allows it. If your property has a pond of lake, you can have your deck reach out into the water for a beautiful view and relaxing environment.

Have A Purpose For Your Deck

One of the most important factors you will need to consider about your deck is its purpose. For example, if you want to entertain large groups of people on your deck, you will need a large deck. You don’t want a deck to be overwhelming in size. You want a deck that is a moderate size between your household and property size. You want your home, property and deck to be proportional.

Section Out Your Deck

A great way to keep your deck in order is to section out different areas for different activities. You can do this by making a list with your family of all the activities you would like to do on your deck. You can designate a play area for the kids, a lounging area for the family, and an area for family meals and entertainment. It’s your deck. You make the decision. Just make sure you know how you will flow traffic to and from your deck when designating areas.

If you are ready to design your deck today, hire T.W. Ellis.

T.W. Ellis can get the job done well and tremendously improve your home value. We continually provide quality craftsmanship to all our projects. Our projects are built with quality, pride, on schedule and budget.

If have any questions at all, contact T.W. Ellis by calling 800-852-8335 or click here today!

T.W. Ellis, LLC provides the design and construction of outdoor living spaces such as custom decks, screened rooms and unique additions. The building contracting company, which always works with a qualified architect, services Maryland’s residential and commercial areas throughout Baltimore county, Harford county, Cecil county, Annapolis, Carroll county and Howard county.

Check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Source: Outdoor Decks – Understanding Seven Elements of Good Deck Design

Affordable Home Additions That Add Home Value

Wednesday, March 14th, 2012

Are you trying to boost your home value in an affordable way? If yes, home additions can help you add the value you want to your home. This article will provide you some home remodeling ideas you can try today to add value to your property.

If you ever plan to sell your home, you want it to be worth more than you paid for it originally. If you plan to permanently live in your home, you want it to be a place that is comfortable and welcoming to you.

The following are remodeling ideas you should consider:

Storage Space

If your family is growing or your home seems to be increasing in clutter, it is time to increase your storage space. Use the space to store your children’s items. Use the space to add an elderly relative to your home. Use the space to entertain your guests. The choice is yours.

Add Dormers

These types of additions let you add space on a higher level in your home, while adding aesthetic appeal, better air circulation and natural lighting to your interiors.

Add A New Bathroom

You can always use a bathroom. Bathrooms add guaranteed value to your home. They are convenient and have the availability to add many luxurious features such as spacious closets, corner showers, whirlpool tubs and double vanities.

Add a Kitchen Extension

If your kitchen is too small for comfort, you can always add a kitchen extension. Give the family more room to bake and cook. Add more counter space and equipment.

Add A New Family Room

When you get the family together, you want your meeting room to be large and comfortable. Purchase a flat screen TV and install a small bar in your family room to add entertainment and comfort to your new family room.

If you are ready to install affordable home additions to your home today, hire T.W Ellis.

T.W Ellis can get the job done well and tremendously improve your home value. We continually provide quality craftsmanship to all our projects. Our projects are built with quality, pride, on schedule and budget.

If have any questions at all, contact T.W. Ellis by calling 800-852-8335 or click here today!

T.W. Ellis, LLC provides the design and construction of outdoor living spaces such as custom decks, screened rooms and unique additions. The building contracting company, which always works with a qualified architect, services Maryland’s residential and commercial areas throughout Baltimore county, Harford county, Cecil county, Annapolis, Carroll county and Howard county.

Check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Source: How Affordable Home Additions Can Boost Your Home Value