outdoor living space | 30A Local Properties

7 Tips for Choosing and Safely Using a Patio Heater

Like most people across the country you’re probably spending more and more time enjoying your outdoor spaces. Now that fall’s here patio heaters have become an increasingly popular way to fend off nippy nights. If you’re in the market for a patio heater consider these tips for how to best choose and safely use one. Consider the Safety Features To help minimize the risk of fire, opt for patio heaters that have tip-over switches and automatic shutoffs. Always look for heaters that have been tested and approved by UL (Underwriter Laboratories) and CSA Group, two entities that perform product … Continue reading...

4 Ways to Stay Warm Outdoors This Fall Without a Fire Pit or a Patio Heater

You can enjoy time outdoors at home this fall without having a fire pit or a patio heater to stay warm. Here are a few other options to stay cozy on chilly nights. Heated Seats and Cushions When you think of heated seats and heated seat cushions you might imagine sports fans and game hunters trying to stay warm in stadium stands and deer stands. But who says you can’t use these tricks at home? On some nights all you may need might be a heated seat or a cushion to take the chill off and keep you sitting in the lap of luxury. Electric Blankets Heated blankets aren’t just for beds. A large … Continue reading...

3 MORE Small Changes That’ll Make You Love Your House More

You want a new home, but you’re not quite ready to make a move. In the meantime, here are three small ways to make your house a little bit more loveable. Upgrade to Hotel-Quality Bath Towels You know those soft, plush towels that feel like a warm embrace when you step out of a hotel shower and wrap yourself in their luxurious goodness? The ones you wish you had at home. Well, stop wishing and treat yourself to a towel upgrade to make your next bath or shower an experience. You don’t necessarily have to spend money on the house itself to better enjoy it. Carve Out an Outdoor Space We’re … Continue reading...

Need to Stop Cracks in Your Concrete Patio? Here’s a 5-Step Fix

Whether your exterior concrete surface is a porch, patio, or a sidewalk cracks can develop with time—even if the surfaces are properly sealed. But it doesn’t take a whole lot of work to seal cracks. It’s important that you address them as soon as you can, though, because the longer they go untreated the larger and more difficult they become to repair. So here’s a five-step fix. Make sure your concrete is clean and dry and that outdoor temperatures are at least between 40 and 95 degrees. This may sound counterintuitive, but if the crack is narrow use a hammer to chisel it open to about ¼ … Continue reading...

4 Year-Round Lawn Care Tips for Your Home Along 30A

Who doesn’t want a green lawn with lush, carpet-like grass to enhance their landscape and home? Follow these lawn care tips and you can be well on your way. Maintain a Sharp Mower Blade It’s important to keep the blade of your lawnmower sharp. This will ensure that you cut the blades of your grass cleanly and not tear them, which can create openings for diseases and pests. Cut Your Grass to the Ideal Height Knowing the optimal mowing height for your type of grass is important. For example, with warm-season grasses the turf height varies by type and can range from 1 to 4 inches. Be sure to … Continue reading...

3 Things to Consider When You’re Updating Your Backyard Design

You may be rethinking how you currently use the backyard of your home. Take a critical look at your yard. Are you making the best use of space? Do you have the features you want? Which aspects of your property can you play up, and which less desirable ones can you play down? As you map out a new design give the following questions some thought. What Are the Plusses and Minuses of Your Backyard? Every yard has its strengths and weaknesses. Does your backyard offer little privacy between you and the neighbors? Perhaps a privacy fence, or privacy trees are in order. Does your property back up … Continue reading...

5 Features for a Family-Friendly Backyard

Lure the kids from their bedrooms for some fun and quality family time with these backyard design ideas. Outdoor Movie Magic Every night can be movie night when you have an outdoor projector screen. Grab some popcorn and drinks and take a front-row seat to your favorite comedy, thriller, or tear-jerker. There is one caveat, though: your neighbors may want to join in on the party—just resist the temptation to charge admission. Or not. Terrific Treehouse You’d be hard-pressed to find a kid who wouldn’t love a treehouse. These mini houses on high allow your kids to get away from home and … Continue reading...

3 Things Buyers Really Want

When you're selling your home, one of the most important things you can do is get it ready to appeal to buyers - and there are three big things that buyers really, really want. Here's what they are. 3 Things Buyers Really Want Prospective buyers are on the lookout for features that will make their lives easier. Three of the most popular things we hear buyers asking for include: Fabulous kitchens Outdoor living space A spa-style bathroom Let's take a closer look at each of these. Buyer Must-Have #1: A fabulous kitchen Kitchens have always been a big deal to home buyers, … Continue reading...

5 Must-Haves for Your Outdoor Living Space

Whether you've just bought a beach house on 30A or you're getting ready to sell one, outfitting your outdoor living space to make it a spectacular place to spend time is essential. Check out these five must-haves for your outdoor living space so you're ready to entertain, relax or do whatever your heart desires outside this summer. 5 Must-Haves for Your Outdoor Living Space Most decorating professionals agree that these are the five must-haves for an outdoor living space: Outdoor lighting Pillows An area rug Plants Awnings or an umbrella Outdoor Lighting You can totally … Continue reading...

For a greener backyard, take cues from leading-edge California

(BPT) - From implementing stricter standards for vehicle emissions to creating a state-level agency to administer stewardship of the environment, Californians have always been at the forefront of the green movement. That commitment to the environment even extends to local backyards, where California homeowners are turning to eco-friendly materials, building practices and landscaping to create "greener" outdoor living spaces. You can bring such style into your own backyard with a few tips and tactics inspired by your California neighbors: Choose eco-friendly materials that are locally … Continue reading...