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With temperatures around New Jersey and the entire Northeast soaring to unprecedented heights this summer, more homeowners are considering adding a swimming pool as a relief from the heat. While it sounds like a great idea, there are a few things you should do before jumping into a project to build an inground pool.

Set a general budget

You should first set out a general budget for how much you’re willing to spend. This will dictate the type of pool you will build and many other factors.

Take maintenance costs into consideration

After you’ve set a general budget for the project, you also have to take long-term maintenance costs into consideration. Even after the pool is built, you’ll have to pay monthly maintenance costs. This shouldn’t be a dealbreaker, but it’s something to keep in mind.

Find a reliable construction company

Nothing is more important when building an inground pool than the people you contract to do it. It’s essential to start off on the right foot, so you should select a reliable company with a good reputation.

Know what type of features are available

Pools come with a lot of different features, which is why you should do some prior research before committing to an inground pool.

Pinpoint the purpose of the pool

It’s important to know what you want in a pool. If you’re looking for some exercise, a lap pool is a good option. If you’re planning on having huge parties, a large inground pool in the way to go. Pinpointing how you want to use your pool will point you in the right direction.

Research materials

Pools can be made out of many materials, including concrete, fiberglass and vinyl. Each carries its own advantages and disadvantages, so you should find out which one you prefer before deciding on a pool.

Check out local building codes

Installing a pool is not as simple as calling a company and giving the go-ahead. You have to get permits, install safety features and possibly more. That’s why you need to research your local building codes to ensure that you are complying with everything.

Whether you’re relaxing with a good book or having cocktails with friends, a patio makes an excellent addition to your house with unlimited possibilities. While construction of a patio might feel out of some people’s budgets, a patio is an excellent investment in your house that could reap a range of rewards, monetary and beyond.

So, if you’re thinking about adding a patio to your house in New Jersey, here are some reasons why it’s a smart move.

Increases home value

We’ll start with the aspect most people are reticent about: cost. Patios cost money like everything else, but they also give you money in the long run. A house with a patio is typically priced higher than a house without a patio. The reason for this is that patios create an additional recreational area and make the home look nicer. So, even though a patio will cost you upfront, it could actually make you money in the future.

Gives additional space

Instead of adding a pricey addition to the house for more room, a patio is a less expensive way to create more social space in your home. With the creation of a patio in your yard, you can add couches, a fireplace and tables. Basically, it’s like adding another room to your house without all the costs and permits.

Reduces cost of energy

When you add a patio with an awning or place for shade to your house, it also gives the benefit of reducing energy cost. The reason for this is simple: the more shade around your yard, the cooler your home will be on the inside.

Creates a space to escape outdoors

On those beautiful New Jersey afternoons, the last thing you want to do is stay indoors. A patio gives you the opportunity to head outdoors to a comfortable space. With the addition of accessories like fireplaces, chairs and tables, the space will become more homey and perfect for social gatherings.

Great for parties

Finally, patios are excellent places to host fun summer parties. Be it an intimate cocktail party, a rambunctious kids party or a casual barbecue with your best friends, a patio is the place that will be the focal point of your sociable yard.

With weather in New Jersey—and frankly, the entire country—getting hotter each summer, more people are looking to add pools to their yards for a cool escape from the humidity.

While above-ground pools are usually less expensive and easier to install, they don’t offer as many advantages as inground pools. So, if you’re trying to decide between these two types of pools, here are some compelling reasons to opt for the inground pool.

Inground pools are aesthetically appealing

The first—and to some the most important—advantage of an inground pool is its ability to properly accentuate a yard. Since it is ground level, it’s able to blend more seamlessly with the background but stand out when shimmering in the sunlight.

On the other hand, above-ground pools tend to be bulky and awkward. Having the large, oddly shaped above-ground pool is simply an eyesore. Not only does it usually ruin a portion of your yard, but it also disturbs the general landscape and feel of the yard. It is clear that inground pools are much more visually appealing.

Adds value to your home

Even though they tend to cost more, an inground pool yields a high return on investment because of the value it adds to your home. In certain areas, having a pool at your house can add twice as much as the pool’s cost to the overall value of your home.

Along the same lines as the previous section, inground pools add value because they look much nicer.

Offers more style and variety

Unlike the limiting aspects of above-ground pools, inground pools come in a variety of styles, shapes and designs. Landscape companies will work with you to determine the designs you prefer and will show you the various features. Inground pool features, such as black bottoms, waterfalls and infinity edges, add an element of beauty to the pool that above-ground pools can’t. Also, inground pools can have diving boards and slides attached.

More durable

If you’re looking for something that’s long-lasting and reliable, an inground pool should be the clear choice. After a few years of use, above-ground pools require thorough upkeep and pricey parts replacement.

While above-ground pools work as temporary solutions for some people trying to escape the heat, inground pools are the much better choice. If you’re interested in learning more about inground pools, contact us today.

Whether you live in a place where there’s perfect weather year-round or you enjoy the social nature of summer, installing an outdoor kitchen in your backyard is the perfect way to instill a sense of community and fun in your property. Even though some companies will come in and help you decide what type of outdoor kitchen would be best for you, there are still a few things to take into consideration.

Here are four things to consider when designing or picking the perfect outdoor kitchen.

Purpose

Before picking anything, you should carefully think about the purpose of the outdoor kitchen. Are you getting it so you can host intimate dinner parties or giant summer bashes? Are you planning on using it only for romantic dinners or group picnics?

By deciding on how the kitchen will be used, you will be able to determine its size, style and function. If you’re not sure, there are general designs that will accommodate any need or purpose.

Location

Where you place your outdoor kitchen is extremely important. There are a few things you should find out before deciding where it will go, including which direction the wind comes through and how much shade the kitchen will get during different times of day. The worst thing would be to place your kitchen in a windy area of your yard that’s in direct sunlight.

Accessories

Outdoor kitchens range from huge outdoor countertops with a stove and sink to a small area with a grill and table. What types of accessories you include in your outdoor kitchen depends on its purpose and how you intend to use it. If you’re going to do serious cooking, a large grill with a sink, side burners and cocktail station is recommended. If you’re having the kitchen as more of a social place, opt for more seating space.

Lighting and Ambiance

Just as important as the types of accessories you have and the location, the lighting and ambiance make or break an outdoor kitchen. Is there a place to add fans or heaters when the weather isn’t being amenable to your outdoor kitchen and is the area properly lit? If not, these are important aspects of an outdoor kitchen you need to consider adding.

For more information on adding an outdoor kitchen to your yard, contact us today or look at our outdoor kitchen page.