Every aspect of your home is an investment, even your exterior surroundings. Walkways, driveways and backyard patios all provide pathways that should be tied together to accent and enhance the overall personal and architectural style of your home. With that in mind, you should want these outdoor additions to do many things such as hold up against Mother Nature, be maintenance friendly and look and feel as great as it did when you first put them in.

There are a few important things to consider before investing in a basement refinishing project.  What type of lighting should be used? Is a permit required? Is water an issue? Planning before refinishing is a great way to avoid these common pitfalls. Doing it right the first time is the easiest way to save time and money.

I hate to admit this, but I spend an inordinate amount of time watching shows like This Old House and Renovation Realities, which in turn inflates my renovation ego so much that I believe I can strap on a tool belt, gut my kitchen and build a new one in two days. In the real word, I’ve never used a power saw and my measuring skills are about as strong as a cup of watered down diner coffee. Thus, a renovation expert I’m not. I know this deep down; but still, for some reason, I want to gut and build.