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Picking the Perfect Fence for Your Backyard

January 31, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Fence in the backyard

Fencing in your backyard, no matter how big it is, is a large and costly project. If you choose the right style of fencing, you will be happy for years to come. However, if you select a style of fence that does not meet your needs now or may not in the future, you will lament your decision every time you see it. When shopping for a fence there are some key questions to ask of yourself and the store or contractor from which you are purchasing the pieces. Why am I planning a fence for my backyard? This … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Outdoor Living Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Using Pavers to Define Your Outdoor Living Space

January 26, 2012 By 1 Comment
Slate pavers and patio furniture

When it comes time to enjoy your outdoor living space, you want a spot that reflects your personal style and offers you some privacy.  Figuring out how to get that privacy can be challenging. When I was designing our family’s outdoor space, I wanted to keep the lines clean and simple, while also providing distinct areas for each use.  The easiest way to do that during the landscaping process was to use pavers to define the outdoor space. Map out your landscape and patio plan Before ordering … [Read more...]

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Flooring for the Children’s Play Room

December 28, 2011 By 2 Comments
Wood flooring child toy

I admit it, I am a bit of a fanatic when it comes to child safety.  I worry about bumps and bruises, agonize over tumbles and falls, and am the very picture of the “hover mother.” So, it came as no surprise to anyone when flooring options for my children’s newly redecorated playroom became such a tough decision.  Between safety and our redecorating budget, I had to find a way to blend the two to create a perfectly safe spot for my kids to play that was also perfectly priced. The Options Unless … [Read more...]

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Prepping Your Patio for Winter

December 22, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Garden Furniture in Winter

It is December and you are sitting around your outdoor fire pit sipping a glass of wine and enjoying the quiet in the warm night air. For those of us who live in colder climates, that scene is just a dream, because our patios get little use during the winter months. When the nighttime air temperature drops down to the teens and the wind chill is less than zero, the last thing you want to do is sit outdoors. Instead of just letting your patio fend for itself during those cold, snowy months though, … [Read more...]

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Halloween Pest Control: Bats

October 31, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Full moon with bats - 3d render with digital painting.

The common bat is an animal we most associate with Bram Stoker's Dracula, and are popular symbols for this spooky Halloween season. But, real bats are native to many regions of North America, and can prove to be invasive pests. Unlike the vampire of legend, bats don't need an invitation to enter your home. A writer with some experience of bats in the home, recurring BuildDirect blog contributor Jessica Ackerman,  is here to lay down a few points to consider if you've got, or suspect you've … [Read more...]

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New Roof: Is It Time?

October 11, 2011 By 3 Comments
Roofs

Your roof is a workhorse element to your home because your roofing is the first line of defense between you, and the elements all year around. But, as Autumn progresses into winter months, and moisture and ravaging wind becoming more common, it may be time to consider the state of your roof.  Writer, designer, and homeowner Jessica Ackerman talks about the business of deciding whether its time to repair your existing roof, or replacing it entirely to avoid more costly issues if you don't. *** I … [Read more...]

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Lawn Care Basics: Two Myths That Can Hurt Your Grass

August 22, 2011 By 1 Comment
Lawn

The suburban lawn is a key element to a great first impression, and a source of pride to many a homeowner. But, are there some things we take as fact that might actually be a myth as far as lawn care goes? Recurring, and very welcome, guest poster Jessica Ackerman chimes in on two such assumptions, myths that actually are contrary to your goal of a beautiful lawn ... *** If you are like me, you pamper your lawn.  After all, it is the “carpeting” for your home’s exterior. Your lawn … [Read more...]

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Curb Appeal: More Ways To Secure A Great First Impression

August 11, 2011 By 1 Comment
Curb appeal

Curb appeal is becoming less a term used by Realtors, and more a concept embraced by homeowners who don't plan to sell their home at all. The significance of attractive frontage in the form of landscaping, exterior elements like roofing and siding, and even details like up-to-date window treatments, can make all the difference to the overall effect created for the objective observer.   Curb appeal is an ongoing process. It is an expression of your relationship with your home. Writer Jessica … [Read more...]

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Flooring Options for Busy Families

July 25, 2011 By 3 Comments
Bamboo Flooring Hallway

When it comes to transforming an interior, it's always a good idea to circle back to the basics to think about visual effects, long-term durability, and short-term performance. You've heard from us here at BuildDirect on the subject of flooring quite a bit. But, in today's guest post, recurring poster, designer, and writer Jessica Ackerman outlines the subject of flooring from a designer's point of view, always keeping the practical needs of homeowners with busy families like you in mind ... *** Although … [Read more...]

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Create Your Own Compost For a Greener Garden

April 26, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Image courtesy of SuperFantastic

Are you looking to make better use of your yard waste, and even your kitchen waste? Well, composting is a practical and easy way to do just that. But, what are your options? Home and garden expert Jessica Ackerman provides a basic overview here. ***   If you'd like your garden to be just a bit "greener" than it normally is, why not try making your own organic compost? Composting is a great way to deal with yard waste, allowing you to put it to good use instead of paying to have … [Read more...]

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