We've
all had the winter blues at one time or another. Thankfully, that horrible
feeling of being confined indoors and wondering if you're destined to
a life of hot chocolate and flannel pyjamas has a cure.
A dose of spring is on the way, as you
peek out the window and see that the piles of snow are finally melting
and the birds have returned from their trip down south. Soon it will be
time to kiss that sofa goodbye and lounge on a lawn chair instead.
However,
your home's exterior might not recover from winter as quickly as you
likely will. To kick start the new season, we've done the dirty work
for you and found everything you'll need to know to give your home its
much needed TLC, along with some tips to help make this a fantastic
spring.
Gardening
Spring
and cleaning go hand in hand, though it isn't just your home that needs
attention - now is also the time to prepare your garden for the growing
season ahead. But before you start tidying up, make sure that the ground
is completely dry and the frost will not come back.
Because
your perennials return every year, they'll require some work on your
part to keep them looking gorgeous every time. You'll have to cut them
back to the ground so that the new growth emerging from the crown of
the roots can flourish. While you're at it, clear away any unsightly
branches and debris that you may find littering your garden.
If
you covered your garden bed with a mulch of leaves to protect it from
the frost, you can rake it off, but take care in doing so in case there
are any early sprouting perennials hiding underneath. The leaves can
be added to a compost heap, and come next spring, the compost will be
a rich source of nutrients that you can apply to the soil. Alfalfa,
peat moss and perlite are other options for supplements that will help
to keep your garden healthy.
While
you're poking through the garden, keep your eyes open for any perennials
that have been lifted out of the ground by frost. Gently press them
back into place, or if their roots are exposed, you can cover them up
with a bit of soil.
It's
too early to start planting, but at least your garden will be primed
for when the weather is right. Gather ideas and decide exactly what
you would like to do - maybe some brightly coloured annuals are all
it will take to liven things up. Or, consider planting a few clusters
of tall ornamental grasses in your garden so that when winter rolls
around again, you'll have more to look at than just a whitewash of snow.
Many
gardeners keep journals to track how their gardens grow over the years,
and if you aren't one of them, now is a good time to start. Describe
the state your garden is in at this point and how it changes as the
months go by. When you look back, you'll notice a pattern of what you
liked and what didn't work so well - after all, practice makes perfect.
Spas & Hot
Tubs
Ahhh…relaxation.
Sometimes it can be hard to remember what that's like after long days
of all work and no play. It's incredible how easy it is to forget all
your troubles just by sinking into a hot tub full of frothy water.
If that isn't enough to put your mind to rest, many companies will custom
build a hot tub to suit your personal needs. You won't even have to
go inside the house to watch your favourite television shows if you
decide to install an entertainment system that can include a television,
DVD player and stereo. Fibre optic lighting is also a popular add-on.
The lighting changes colour below the waterline, which makes the water
seem as though it's also changing colour.
If
your idea of luxury is a little more solitude and a little less high-tech,
try taking a dip in a hot tub infused with your favourite scents. Some
tubs have chambers for aromatherapy beads, which air flows over and
injects the scent into the water. Spa supply stores also carry scented
liquids that you simply drop into the tub. Traditional soaps and oils
can cause damage to the jet system, so don't dump a container of bubble
bath in the water or you'll be asking for trouble.
Besides,
you'll have all the bubbles you need if you choose the right jet system
to begin with. Whereas you were once considered lucky to have eight
jets in your tub, you can now have up to 80 and feel their soothing
flow regardless of where you're sitting.
All
features aside, hydrotherapy comes along with the package. Also known
as water therapy, it refers to the use of water to treat various ailments.
Soaking in a hot tub can relieve symptoms of joint and muscle pain,
to name a few, and a dip before bed will make you sleep like a baby.
Another
great thing about hot tubs is that you can use them year round - just
remember that before you pick a spot for it to go! If you put it in
a secluded corner in your backyard, you might regret it in the winter
when you're making a mad dash for the door in your wet bathing suit.
Sunrooms and Enclosures
The
great outdoors isn't always so great when the sun is beating down on
you and you're surrounded by blood-thirsty mosquitoes, but who wants
to spend a beautiful day cooped up inside the house? It is possible
to have the best of both worlds.
From
inside a sunroom or a patio enclosure, you can bask in the warmth of
the sun and prevent those nasty bugs from eating you alive. If you get
a room that's tailored to your specific needs, it can become a pleasant
retreat rather than just a place to sit.
Aesthetically,
nearly anything is possible. The most basic of sunrooms are made of
aluminum framing and components, and they're virtually maintenance-free.
If you're looking for something more elaborate, you can have an enclosure
made with siding or stucco to closely resemble the style of your house.
While
some people favour seasonal rooms, others take it a step further and
go for three-season enclosures that will take them long past the warm
months. These rooms call for glass windows, but seasonal rooms still
offer screen as an alternative. Even enclosures that are entirely screened-in
are stronger than you might think, and roll-out awnings will keep you
dry from the rain.
If
you're undecided between glass and screen, experts say you can have
a combination of both, which will make for a stronger support system
if you decide on a metal roof. You'll be shielded from the elements
either way, and if the glaring sun is a problem, overhangs on the roofing
area can block as much as half of the rays.
The most important thing is to create
a space that you feel comfortable in. One contractor says his customers
have asked him to design angles and curves that soften up the room's
appearance and give it a touch of uniqueness. This could also mean filling
the room with plants to set a natural ambiance and bring the outside
in - minus the scents of citronella candles and bug spray.
Landscaping
Lazy
afternoons in the shade are one of life's great pleasures. Imagine stretching
out in a hammock, swinging back and forth and taking in the breathtaking
sights of a yard that's been designed to perfection. But, a landscaped
yard can offer more than just visual appeal.
Winding
vines and tall trees, if strategically placed, can help to reduce your
energy bills and keep your house cooler when a warm spell hits. They'll
block out some of the sun's intense heat and also benefit you later
in the year by acting as a windbreak. You don't have to plant a whole
forest - it should only take a couple of trees or even some shrubs for
you to notice a difference.
Fortunately,
an attractive yard is just another benefit. Select an experienced landscape
contractor that covers all the bases - meaning one that will take your
concerns into account, such as energy conservation, rather than someone
who only has a narrow field of expertise.
Think
of your yard as an extension of your house - like an outdoor room without
the walls. A landscape designer can help you personalize your yard,
turning it into a work of art that reflects your tastes.
If you want an area that will cast a
lighter mood after a long day, bright and colourful details can do the
trick. Bunches of flowers in bold shades work wonders for some, whereas
one contractor says his clients are repeatedly asking for ponds and
fountains so they can wind down to the soothing sound of water.
To
take the room analogy a step further, why not create your own sanctuary
and designate an outdoor space, or room, if you will? A landscape contractor
can add levels to the area and plant trees or shrubs around the border,
with colourful flowers and a bench as a finishing touch. You may not
be able to shut the door, but you'll certainly have an oasis that's
all your own.
Decks, Fences
& Patio Doors
There's
a double standard when it comes to fences - you want your home to look
inviting to guests, and Fort Knox doesn't bring the word inviting to
mind - but you also want the reassurance of privacy at times.
If you're thinking of having a fence
built or altering the one you have, keep in mind that it doesn't have
to be confining and rigid. These days people are opting for rounder
lines, cutouts and decorative panels to give their fences a stylish
appearance while still defining their properties and guarding their
privacy.
Winter
can take its toll on fences as it can with other aspects of your yard,
so giving it a once-over in the spring to identify any problems can
keep it in top shape. You may have to re-plant some sections if they've
shifted due to frost heave, but call before you begin to dig. You can
never tell where power lines are hidden.
Another way to spruce up your fence is to stain it, but that's best
left until after a dry spell and that applies to your deck as well.
For a deck that's virtually maintenance-free, there are composite materials
available that only require you to hose them down every so often.
In
terms of design, trends in decks are also changing. Out go the days
of the flat, square deck and in come smooth lines and multilevels. Benches
that surround the perimeter provide a place for friends and family to
gather, and they also fulfill the Winnipeg bylaw that requires a two-foot-high
rail be placed around the deck.
Patio doors make it easy to walk from
the deck into the house - the key is finding a model that is practical
for you. If your deck is on the small side, a sliding door won't force
you to rearrange your furniture or make your guests move just so you
can open it. A swinging door, however, might pose some difficulties
unless you have a larger space.
Forget
the standard aluminum-framed prototypes of the past - dealers can help
you select the ideal door for your home. Fibreglass is a common choice,
as it's a natural insulator and it's also extremely durable. It can
even be custom coloured to complement your home's décor, a convenient
option that makes it work for you rather than forcing you to arrange
your colour scheme around it.
Air Conditioning
A summer without air conditioning just
might be every Manitoban's worst nightmare. You're likely asking yourself
why on earth we're talking about summer when there's still snow on the
ground, but with those unbearably hot, muggy days approaching, you'd
better have a quality air conditioner. If not, it should be something
to look into before the weather starts heating up.
Nearly
any piece of dirt that's floating around your house can be sucked into
your air conditioner - dirt, debris, lint, you name it. You should check
your unit's filter regularly and change it when necessary. If the build
up gets to be too much, the air flow through the unit can be severely
restricted.
The
amount of Freon in your unit should also be examined. If there isn't
enough running through the system, your air conditioner won't work to
its full capabilities. With the summer's intense heat, you'll surely
notice a difference if the levels are too low. An air conditioning technician
will be able to test the unit to ensure that it's functioning properly.
One
expert says a common mistake people make is selecting the wrong air
conditioner for their homes. For example, if someone were to purchase
a two ton unit for a 1000 square foot property that should be using
a ton and a half unit, it wouldn't be able to adequately remove humidity.
Alternately, if they were to purchase a unit that was too small for
their home, it wouldn't be able to maintain a comfortable temperature
on those sweltering hot days.
Besides
the air conditioner's size, you should also note its Seasonal Energy
Efficiency Rating (S.E.E.R.) before you buy it. The S.E.E.R. is an industry
standard system used to tell how efficient a unit is - the higher the
number, the more efficient it is. Professionals usually suggest a rating
of 10 or more.
You'll want to make certain that if you
have any problems with your air conditioner, it will be backed by a
longstanding warranty. Some units offer 10 year warranties, and they
may or may not include the compressor. Don't think you're saving a few
bucks by choosing an unknown brand, either - if your unit is made by
a company with a common name, parts will be readily available should
something go wrong with it.
Stonework
Brick
houses have been around for centuries, and it's no wonder why. They're
the standard in traditional elegance and durability. But, there's a
new kid in town - Cultured Stone - and it's a nice update for those
looking for something a little more modern.
Cultured
Stone, a replica of natural stone, actually originated in 1962, so in
essence, it isn't the latest product to hit the market. However, it
hasn't been until recently that people have been catching on to its
rustic appeal. It has evolved greatly since its inception, with a wide
variety of textures, colours and shapes available to match any design
scheme you can imagine.
From
the River Rock variety, with the same weathered appearance of stones
that have tumbled downstream, to the glistening and aged look of Dressed
Fieldstone, Cultured Stone looks and feels just like the real thing,
but it offers a few advantages that the original can't.
It's
much lighter than genuine stone, but it won't lighten your wallet as
much to have it installed. Cultured Stone is pre-shaped and sized so
there's no need for extra footings or wall ties. Even as the years pass,
it will continue to look virtually the same as it did the first day
that you got it.
Dirt
won't be as visible on the surface because of the stone's rough, textured
appearance, but you can still dry brush it off or hose it down every
now and then to keep it looking its best. As with any veneer, it's important
to occasionally examine its condition to make sure everything is as
it should be. The mortar joints are especially sensitive areas, but
there shouldn't be cause for concern if you ensure that they remain
properly filled.
Stonework
in general is a fast-growing trend. One expert calls it a "European"
look, something that many other veneers just can't pull off, and they're
not only popping up on building exteriors anymore. Some people are choosing
to add a different element to their landscapes with stone walkways and
borders, but stonework also puts objects like chimneys, columns and
fireplaces in the spotlight. It's the next stage in traditional style,
and like brick, it it's here to stay.
SOURCE LIST:
Aqua-Tech
LCL Spas & Billiards
Veert Landscaping Inc.
Duxton Windows
Good Guys Decks and Fences
Winnipeg Roofing
St. Mary's Nursery
Glastar Enclosures
I-XL Brick
Alsip's
Flu Flo Industries
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