We’re one week into fall, and in many parts of the country the air has started to cool down. Even if your hometown feels like it hasn’t yet gotten the fall memo, you can look forward to crisper air moving in soon. Although spring gets all the glory, fall is a tremendous time to be outdoors. For the most part, summer’s heat and humidity is gone, and even on those Indian summer days when the temperature spikes a little higher, evening temps are normally gloriously cool. Football is on, pumpkin spice scent is in the air…this is peak backyard season! If your yard isn’t everything you’ve dreamed of, now is a great time to seize the day and create a space that strikes envy in the hearts of all your friends and neighbors.

5 Outdoor Projects That Will Make You Fall in Love With Your Backyard

Add a Deck or Patio 

A new deck can make your house live larger in an instant, offering that indoor-outdoor lifestyle we all crave. If you’ve already got a deck but it isn’t meeting your needs, think about expanding your deck or upgrading it with built-in benches and planters. Budget a little higher? Consider a stone, brick, or concrete patio for a truly high-end look.

Put in a Fire Pit

There’s no need for the party to end just because the night air gets chilly. When you light up your fire pit, everyone will want to gather in its glow. Off-the-shelf fire pits can be very reasonably priced, but will normally only last a season or two when exposed to the elements. For something truly gorgeous and durable, consider a custom masonry fire pit. Did somebody say s’mores?

Indulge Your Inner Chef

Whether you’re looking to feed the neighborhood army or just whip up an easy al fresco meal for two, an outdoor kitchen can make cooking fun and relaxing. Consider adding gas and charcoal grilling options, a sink, a refrigerator, at least one burner. Want the whole enchilada? Think about a wood fired pizza oven, a griddle, a smoker, and an ice maker. With that kind of setup, you’re bound to draw a crowd! Bon appetit!

Install a Water Feature

The soothing sound of trickling water has been recognized for centuries for its relaxing properties. Just visit a spa or yoga class and you’ll see (or hear) for yourself! Luckily you don’t have to live near a naturally babbling brook to snag that relaxation for your backyard. Adding a custom water feature lets you choose the size, sound, and splash level that’s right for your outdoor space.

Splurge on a Spa

Loving the water idea but craving something bigger and bolder? Are you looking for immersion and the ultimate in relaxation? Consider splurging on the hottest new trend in backyard design! Today’s modern inground spa is like a cross between a small pool and a spa…some call it a “spool!” If you haven’t got the space for a pool but you want to be able to soak, consider a custom installed inground spa. Equipped with heaters, filtration, and jets, it’s the perfect complement to cool fall evening!

A great contractor can work with you to optimize your backyard design for your lifestyle and your budget. They’ll be able to talk with you about budget, necessary permits, and project timelines. If you want to upgrade your outdoor lifestyle, get on the ball and give an experienced local contractor a call! If you hurry, you might have your new outdoor addition in place before football season ends.

Many homeowners enjoy DIY projects, whether they’re looking to save money or just interested in the challenge. However, just because a job is capable of being performed on your own doesn’t always make it a wise idea. There are many jobs where calling a licensed professional is not only the smartest course of action, but it’s also the only legal one. It’s also important to keep in mind the fact that when jobs involve your HVAC, electric, and plumbing systems, there is also the potential for injury or the voiding of warranties.

HVAC System Repair

Though many homeowners may be tempted to try Fort Collins HVAC repairs themselves, there are many potential risks involved. You don’t want to risk a freeon leak and the possible respiratory problems which can result, not to mention the dizziness and aspyxia. You can also void the warranty, making calling a professional with the proper licensing and training a no-brainer.

Hot Water Tank Replacement

This is the type of project that some homeowners might be tempted to tackle on their own. However, the risk of explosion, in addition to the possible electrical hazards, means that you want to call a licensed plumber. This also means you won’t have to worry about the permits and regulations involved.

Lighting Fixtures

Anything involving your electrical systems, even if you simply want to install a few lights, means that you should rely on a trained professional. Faulty wiring results in a large number of home fires, and if you don’t call a professional, the insurance company can deny a potential claim.

Dealing With Lead Paint

Lead is found in the paint of many older homes, which has the potential to be deadly. Never try to perform this task on your own, as it poses problems for even experienced professionals.

Wildlife Removal

While most homeowners have had an unwelcome intruder at some point, when you have animals like raccoons, squirrels, or skunks in your home, call a wildlife control professional first. Trying to keep your yard pest free and remove them on your own can put you at risk of rabies or injury.

Garage Door Spring Replacement

Garage door springs need replacement as their tension can be lost over the years. However, one mistake during this process can result in a serious injury, or even worse, if the garage door falls on you. Instead, call a specialist in garage door installation and replacement.

Tree Cutting And Removal

Trees can pose serious risks if they have large limbs which have weakened, or if the tree itself looks likely to fall. However, calling a professional arborist is a must, since it’s not always easy to predict which way a tree will fall once it’s cut.

Switching Your Stove

If you’re switching from an electric stove to a gas stove, don’t even think about doing it yourself. Calling a professional is the best course of action, or more properly, contacting two professionals. This is because you will need a plumber to install the gas line and an electrician to make sure that the proper modifications are made to the circuit.

Termite Removal

Termites are every homeowner’s worst nightmare and cause billions of dollars in damage yearly. Pest prevention products you’ll find at the local store won’t be effective, however, and you’ll soon be facing a large scale infestation. An exterminator can ensure the problem is dealt with quickly and effectively.

Skylight Installation

Not only does installing a skylight look amazing with your home decorating, but it’s also not that simple to do on your own. It can call for special tools and precise cutting and fitting, but it’s very easy to find that you’ve voided your manufacturer’s warranty. Call a roofer and a window company instead to make sure the job is done safely and correctly.

Wall Removal

Are you trying to open up your floor plan? Many homeowners don’t realize that a permit is required for this, even if you are capable of doing the work on your own. Also, you never want to risk the possible structural damage to your home that can result if the work isn’t performed properly.

Pumping Your Septic System

Not only is pumpking your septic system something no-one really wants to do, but proper waste disposal calls for specialized equipment. Save yourself the risk and trouble by calling a professional right away.

Dealing With Attic Insulation

Attic insulation in older homes has the potential to be contaminated with asbestos. Because of the dangers involved, there are various laws that regulate the removal of this substance. Contact a professional asbestos removal team instead.

Call A Professional!

Even if you’re experienced when it comes to home improvement projects, there are simply times when calling a professional is the best course of action. We personally recommend Swan Heating & Air Conditioning, of Northern Colorado!