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“The Fraser Valley is blessed with fairly temperamental

weather: summer feels just hot enough, and in winter, our backyards and rooftops aren’t devastated by baseball-sized snowballs. But if you have a

humdrum patio or a neglected deck, you are missing out on the joys of using your

outdoor space year round that the weather allows for. Maximizing the use of open

air spaces that are functional and enjoyable is a great way

to expand the experience of your home. That’s exactly

what Best Builders recently accomplished when they

transformed an uninviting backyard space in Delta.”

“Th e patio door was worn out, the ex-terior siding was damaged, and the pres-sure treated wood decking was rotting and had seen better days,” says project manager Matt Corbet. “Th e patio area wasn’t somewhere that our clients want-ed to sit and relax, and that was our end goal – to create a destination that begged to be enjoyed. To do that, we had to re-move the old decking, the siding, and the old sliding door, and then fi nd a way to update and modernize the look of the brick fi replace.”

Th e budget originally discussed was for $40K but due to minor changes during construction and the additional excavation costs to properly install the new footings, the budget rose to approx-imately $70K.

In order to renovate the area from drab to fabulous, the team at Best Builders be-gan by meeting the customer on site to

determine their needs vs. their wish list, and then put together a design for them based on their budget. Aft er fi nding out that the client’s family valued the ability to cook, dine, and socialize in the space, they put together a con-cept drawing showing the pos-sibilities and options available to them. Once they had a good idea of a fi nal image, the team drew up the design showing the clients what it would look like specifi cally when tied in to their home. Aft er that, the project was good to go.

“Our client was inspired by Douglas Fir timber beams and wanted them to be the focal point of the new covered porch. With the cedar soffi t and underside of the ceiling, the combination makes for a warm and comfortable feeling when sit-ting underneath. Th e inspiration behind this outdoor area was a west-coast re-treat, very Whistler-esque,” says Corbet. “We used unexposed, oversized rough sawn timbers to compose the post and beam construction. We dug down a bit, and built up the surrounding area in Al-len blocks to create a sunken patio look. We used paving stones instead of wood or synthetic decking not only to promote the longevity but to keep with the out-door west-coast feel. We chose to show-case the timber connectors as the black powder-coated fasteners and connectors really draw attention to the color and beauty of the timbers.”

According to Corbet, the most com-mon trends for outdoor living spaces are functionality. For instance, these home owners are now able to equally enjoy the four distinct seasons that BC has to of-

fer without worrying about the weather forecast.

“Th ey now have a serene retreat where they can relax aft er work, or the ability to gather together with friends and relatives to enjoy a meal, but most importantly an-other gathering space for their family to enjoy the beauty of the west-coast all year long,” says Corbet.

In general, people don’t want to have

to worry about a crazy amount of up-keep throughout the year, so Corbet says utilizing products such as cedar, which naturally contains oils that repel water naturally and allows the product to last over time.

“If budget allows there are usually requests for a fi replace or infrared ceil-ing mounted heaters to keep our clients warm once the sun goes down and to

keep the patio welcoming into the fall and winter,” he says. “Increasingly, there is a desire for exterior televisions and entertainment areas combined with an outdoor cooking space so that sports fans can make their meals, and enjoy the game in the yard as well as their homes. Final-ly, no matter the bells and whistles that people choose, everyone wants a large enough space to share and enjoy with friends and extended family.”

Corbet’s fi nal piece of advice for peo-ple considering an outdoor living space is to fi gure out what exactly you are looking for using a reputable builder.

“Get your vision written and drawn on paper, and then have it priced out and build your budget,” he says. “You need to ensure that your dream will fi t realistical-ly within your fi nancial needs and sched-ule. Once this gets determined, then you can get to work.”

For over 15 years, the Best Builder team has off ered clients a complete pro-fessional homebuilding package, thanks to their extensive knowledge and expe-rience in design, contract procedures, project management, and trade skills. Best Builders employs skilled in-house carpenters and experienced administra-tive support to ensure project deadlines and budget goals are respected.

Th is year, amongst their eight GVHBA Ovation fi nalists, this project is nominat-ed for “Best Outdoor Living Space”, with the awards announced on April 23rd. For the past several years, Best Builders has been nominated for the “Custom Build-er of the Year” award with the Vancouver and BC Home builders associations.

Maximizing outdoor living…

By Nicolle Hodges

Before:

After:

“Homeowners are now able to equally enjoy the four distinct seasons that BC has to offer without worrying about the weather forecast.”

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Wednesday, April 20, 2016 The Chilliwack Progress14 www.theprogress.com

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BUDGET-FRIENDLY OUTDOOR RENOVATION IDEAS

When draft ing a to-do list for home improve-ments that can increase home value and appeal, several renovations may be atop homeowners’ lists. While kitchen or bathroom remodels may be popular renovations, homeowners also should consider outdoor lighting schemes that can make homes safer and more alluring.

Outdoor lighting serves various purposes. Such lighting can draw attention to more impres-sive parts of a property. In addition, exterior light-ing can improve security and deter criminals.

To get started, fi rst examine the exteriors of your homes and make note of existing lighting and where improvements can be made. If you’re not sure where to begin, speak with an electrician or a landscape designer, each of whom can off er suggestions on lighting and which options are the best fi t for your particular property.

Next, you’ll want to consider effi ciency and function. Plan for energy-saving LED bulbs or

fl uorescent lights. Timers and other automatic controls can prevent waste by turning lights on only when they are needed. Solar lights can be used as accent lights, further saving energy.

When addressing aesthetics, think about the appeal of an accented landscape. Include lights to frame the front door and call attention to certain elements, such as decorative trees or water fea-tures. Use lights to light up deck stairways or to accent planters. Speak with a lighting professional about how to position lights to cover the most ter-ritory in the most attractive way possible.

Safety is an important consideration when improving a home. Lighting can help illuminate potential hazards or draw attention to borders or property boundaries. Navigating in the dark can be treacherous, so put lights along pathways and near pools or spas. Be sure that lights will clearly mark other walkways around your home, such as those leading from doors to the yard or from the

garage to where trash and recycling is kept. If a design element such as a bridge over a water feature or a par-ticular ornamental tree or shrub is dif-fi cult to navigate in the dark, use lights to improve visibility.

Added security is another reason to install more exterior lighting. Dark

homes are attractive to burglars. Elimi-nate dark corners by lighting up areas where thieves may be able to gain ac-cess to your home. Th is includes ar-eas near doorways and ground-level windows. Install motion-sensor lights in such areas so you are not wasting energy.

Lighting may not only deter human intruders, but also it can scare away animals. A raccoon, skunk or opossum may think twice about hanging around your home when your property is bathed in a spotlight.

A little spray paint or some new cush-ions can refresh older patio furniture and give the outdoor space a completely new look.

Homeowners are increasingly ex-tending their living spaces outside the walls of their homes. Expansive and intricate stonework patios and decked-out outdoor kitchens are the kind of additions many homeowners dream of. Th ose with unlimited budgets can enjoy just about any look they desire, but many homeowners may not have the money to go all the way with their

outdoor living spaces. But that doesn't mean it's impossible to create budget-friendly spaces that are functional, fun and eye catching.

Decks and patios are popular gath-ering spots outside a home, and home-owners have numerous inexpensive options at their disposal when choos-ing patio materials. And those who can do their own labour when installing a patio can save a substantial amount of money. Instead of higher-cost compos-ite or resin decks, homeowners can go with standard wood, which will need to

be stained periodically. Scaling back the size of the deck means less materials to buy and less labour involved.

Th e cost of patio blocks depends on the material and style. Poured concrete patios will cost less than placed blocks or stones because concrete is less labour-intensive. For those who desire the look of patio blocks without the cost, stamped concrete can mimic the look for less.

Homeowners may not need to replace patio furniture, even if chairs and tables have seen better days. A can of spray

paint can cover up any rusted areas or spots where paint has peeled off due to exposure to the elements. Updating cushions and purchasing a coordinating umbrella can revitalize the patio's entire look.

Defi ning edges of planting borders and refreshing the landscape may be all that is needed to improve the yard. Th is is easily achieved with mulch and some vinyl edging. While cleaning up the yard, use a pressure washer to clean stains off of siding and patios and create a like-new appearance.

Sometimes saving means repurpos-ing antiques or items found at garage sales. A person can search for backyard items they need if they are fi ne with previously used materials. From patio furniture to masonry blocks to above-ground pools, patient homeowners can fi nd just about any item they may need to upgrade their backyards.

Th ough not all homeowners can af-ford to create the backyard of their dreams, with a little ingenuity and some sweat hard work, homeowners can still create an outdoor oasis.

The Chilliwack Progress Wednesday, April 20, 2016 www.theprogress.com 15

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A driveway is one of the fi rst things guests see when visiting a home. Taking up a good portion of the front acreage of the home, a driveway can add visual appeal to the prop-erty. But when driveways are stained, cracked or pitted, they become eyesores that can rob a home of its curb appeal.

Concrete driveways are notorious for ab-sorbing stains. Anything from automotive fl u-ids to fallen leaves can aff ect the appearance of a concrete driveway. And while cleaning the driveway can take a little eff ort, the end result is well worth the eff ort.

Asphalt driveways may not show stains as visibly as concrete driveways, but that does not mean they cannot benefi t from some TLC. Th e following cleaning methods can give a tired or dirty driveway a good-as-new look.PRESSURE WASHING

Pressure washing machines can be used to remove ground-in stains from driveways. Th e power of the streaming water and a combina-tion of mild cleanser may be able to remove a number of stains, including those from leaves, mould, spills, dirt, fungus, and bird drop-pings. Proceed with caution when using pres-sure washers, as they can be powerful tools. If the nozzle is set incorrectly, it is quite easy to pit out portions of the driveway or create a streaky look. Widen the spray and pass over each area several times to remove ground-in stains. Pressure washers may come equipped with various attachments to make the process easier and eliminate stripping. Beginners may want to consider an attachment to make the job less arduous.

A rotary turbo nozzle will focus the water in a fi ne stream but constantly rotate that stream to cover a wider area. A water broom will clean a wider area in one pass and some have castors that keep the nozzles the same height over the driveway surface. According to the Pressure Washing Industry Resource Centre, pressure washing a driveway will go a lot faster and be-

How to treat driveway stainscomes easier if you use a water broom. A surface cleaner is another attachment that enables you to push a rotary arm over the driveway for faster cleaning.NON-CHEMICAL CLEANSERS

Cleaning driveway stains may only require a few items you already have around the house. Sometimes stains can be minimized simply by absorbing spills or residual oils and fl uids.

Sawdust, cat litter and baking soda are ideal, absorbent materials. Sprinkle these substances on oily stains in the driveway and allow them to sit for a few days before sweep-ing away the residue. Aft er a few days, the oily stain will most likely be minimized.

Laundry detergent and dish soap also can break through some greasy stains. Try making a solution of water and the detergent of choice. Use a stiff -bristle broom to work the cleanser into the stained driveway, then rinse away the suds with a hose. Repeat until the stains have lift ed.COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS

Auto supply and paint stores typically sell driveway cleaners. Always read the manufacturers' instructions and guidelines prior to purchase to determine if the product will work to remove your driveway stains. Some products may be too harsh to use on asphalt, which is more malleable and porous than concrete and paver driveways. Only use prod-ucts that are recommended for your particular driveway surface. If you don't, you may cause even more damage.

Muriatic acid, also known as hydrochloric acid, is used in swimming pools and for diff erent applications around the house. It is a strong solvent that can clean some of the more stubborn driveway stains. Always exercise caution when using chemical cleansers. Wear eye protection, gloves and be sure to mix properly, as many chemicals are fl ammable.PREVENTING STAINS

Allowing fl uids or other substances to sit on a driveway may contribute to soaked-in stains. Being proactive can mean less scouring later on. Routinely examine the drive-way for automotive fl uids and take your car in for a tuneup to remedy any leaks. Rinse away leaves and other debris be-fore they aff ect your driveway's appearance. Keep cat litter on hand to soak up minor spills and stains before they grow into larger problems.

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Salvaged doors, fences, shutters, beams, and so much more can be put to new use.

Repurposing salvaged wood continues to be a popular trend in the home improvement industry. Not only can using salvaged wood give a home a one-of-a-kind look, but it’s a handy way to incorpo-rate the three Rs of green living into your lifestyle: reduce, reuse and recycle.

Reclaimed wood is oft en used in fl ooring, beams, wall treatments, and doors, but it also can be turned into furniture or home accent items. Reclaimed wood adds warmth and historical interest to a home’s decor that newer materials may lack. Although fi nd-ing wood that can be salvaged takes time and some legwork, such eff orts can quickly pay off . Search out businesses that are devoted to reclaimed timber, which can help make the process of fi nding and us-ing salvaged wood even easier.

Homeowners considering reclaimed wood may be interested to learn that such wood can serve vari-ous functions aside from benefi tting the planet.Match old-growth wood.

It can be challenging to match old wood in a home, particularly if you’re looking to maintain his-torical value and authenticity. Relying on salvaged wood items can alleviate this concern, ensuring that

you can fi nd rare woods that may no longer be avail-able brand new.Salvaged wood has character.

It’s diffi cult to mimic the natural age marks and character that older wood may have. Instead of being raised on farms, wood harvested decades ago prob-ably grew in natural environments, making the wood both durable and strong. Th e colour and grain of sal-vaged wood may also be unique.Look at objects in a new way.

Doors are versatile pieces of reclaimed lumber be-cause they’re already fl at and rather large. Doors can be turned into headboards, tables or benches. Stair-case or porch posts can be turned into candlestick holders, and wood shutters can dress up walls and provide a place to hang artwork and other wall items.Reclaimed wood can be found everywhere.

Most people do not have to look too far to fi nd wood they can salvage. Check salvage yards, land-fi lls, dumpsters in front of older homes being reno-vated, or older, unused barns. You also can collect drift wood or discarded shipping crates.

While some reclaimed wood can be used as-is, some pieces may require millwork, including sand-ing, cutting, shaping, and fi nishing but it will be worth it in the end.

Reclaimed wood adds instant appeal to home projects

The Chilliwack Progress Wednesday, April 20, 2016 www.theprogress.com 17

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Is it time to add a half-bathroom?

Th e addition of a half-bathroom is a project that oft en makes practical and fi nancial sense.

When it comes to renovating a home, homeowners expect to spend money. No home renovation or home improvement project is free, but some are less costly than others.

Th e addition of a half-bathroom is a popular project among home-owners, and it won't necessarily break the bank. If converting existing fl oor space into a half-bathroom, such a renovation can cost as little as a few thousand dollars, making the addition of a powder room one of the few home improvement projects where the value added to the home exceeds the cost of the renovation. Before deciding to add a half-bathroom, it helps to consider some of the pros and cons of the project.

POSITIVES:Convenience - A half-bathroom is oft en added on the home's main

fl oor or in the basement or attic. Th is makes it more convenient for guests to use the restroom during a dinner party or when coming over to watch the big game in a basement home-theatre area.

Problem-free - Half-bathrooms are smaller because they don't have a shower or bathtub. Th at means common bathroom problems like mould and mildew are not as big a concern as they are for full bathrooms.

More choices - Because mould and mildew aren't likely to present a problem in a half-bathroom, homeowners have more options at their disposal when choosing fl oors and countertops.

NEGATIVES:Space - As their name implies, half-bathrooms are much smaller

than full bathrooms. As a result, they tend to feel cramped.Value - Th ough an inexpensive half-bathroom addition might re-

coup its value and then some at resale, the project won't add as much resale value to a home as a full bathroom addition might.

Loss of storage - If storage around the house is sparse, homeowners might be better off keeping the area designated for the half-bathroom as a storage closet instead of a bathroom.

Th e addition of a half-bathroom oft en makes practical and fi nancial sense. But before making any addition, homeowners should weight the pros and cons to make the best decision possible.