Shopping for a Sunroom? Things to Keep in Mind

Sunrooms are enjoying increasing popularity for a variety of reasons. "With Americans spending more time at home, home improvements have increased; and with a lower cost of construction than traditional additions and a higher valuation, adding a sunroom is a smart move that assures an excellent return on investment" says Andrew Stone, president of Craft-Bilt Manufacturing in Souderton, Pa. The company, in existence since 1946, is the manufacturer and distributor of Betterliving Patio and Sunrooms.

Depending on your needs and the options you choose, the cost of building and installing a sunroom can range from $8,000 to $50,000 and up, for an elaborate project. Because it's such a big investment, deciding what company to go with is an important decision.

Here are some important things to keep in mind when shopping around:

   1. Look for a company that stands behind both its product and installation. You want to choose a company that uses its own factory trained employees to install the room - not subcontractors. If the sunroom is not put together properly, the roof could leak, or the doors and windows may not operate properly.
   2. Make sure the sunroom is fully engineered and has been tested to meet local building codes. No matter what state you live in, the structure must be able to meet or exceed local building codes, have a building permit, and pass inspection.
   3. Work with a company that is willing to pull the permit for you. If you don't have one, you will not be able to sell your house in the future until you get one.
   4. Avoid companies that only offer short warranty periods. Instead, find a company that stands behind its product and will be there to offer support if a problem arises months or even years after your purchase.
   5. Look for a company that offers a wide range of styles and options, including three season patio rooms, year-round sunrooms, and glass conservatories. The company should also have staff members available that will work with you to build the sunroom or patio of your dreams.

Fall for These Outdoor Decorating Tips

As sunny summer fades and we enter autumn, don't just think about staying indoors. Sure it's getting colder out there, but fall weather is some of the most pleasant of the year, with low humidity and gentle cool breezes that should last for at least a couple months. Autumn is the last time of the year to truly enjoy your patio, deck or porch. Why not give your patio, deck or porch a look that captures the spirit of the season, adding spice and warmth in a simple, natural way?

 You can warm up your porch similarly to how you might warm up the inside of your house; bring out a few warm throw blankets you can bundle up in as you sit outside and have a cup of hot apple cider, and place durable fall-patterned table cloths on any small tables. Of course you can place pumpkins and gourds around too. There is perhaps no other fruit that represents the fall season as well as the pumpkin. With its striking orange color, it will brighten up any space. Line up pumpkins in a row on the ledge of your porch and bring cheer to both you and the neighborhood. With such a fall-spirited deck or patio you'll want to bring out some candles and enjoy an autumn dinner in the setting sun.

If you buy a large quantity of pumpkins and gourds, look around to find other spots for your pumpkins to stand out. Cascade them in a line down your front steps, or place them in a row atop fence posts to really spread out the color. You can place a pumpkin or gourd or two over your front door, or line them up on each side of the walkway to your house.

At most farmers’ markets, in addition to pumpkins and gourds, you’ll find decorative Indian corn with its pale yellow and dark red, brown, and black kernels, as well as rows of bright colored mums. Simply adding a variety of these items to the exterior of your home will immediately give it a splash of fall color. Take this opportunity to get outside and enjoy the outdoors before the cold of winter moves in!

If the summer has taken a toll on your deck – or if you’ve just invested in a new one – now is the time to clean, restore and protect the wood from possible moisture damage during the winter months ahead. Here are some tips for "winterizing" your deck:

• Clean the deck thoroughly to remove dirt, fungus growth and gray surface wood with a formulated deck cleaner. Weathered gray wood, rust spots and stains from mildew, moss, algae and tannin bleed can ruin the look of your deck. Even newly built decks can require cleaning to remove invisible surface barriers that prevent the adhesion of stains and sealers.

• Strip any deteriorating or unwanted finish. If the colored stain on your deck has seen better days, now is the time to strip your deck’s finish.

• Seal your deck with a water repellent finish before the onslaught of winter. Water repellents stop rain, sleet, snow and ice from penetrating the wood surface, which can cause warping and cracking.

"Winterizing" your deck will protect it from the elements, and also protects your overall investment.