3 Solid Reasons Adding a Deck to Your Home is a Good Investment

The sun is shining and you want to be outside enjoying that beautiful weather, but the ground is still wet from the morning dew. What you need is a brand new deck!  Decks provide a nice dry place for you to enjoy the outdoors with out stepping out into the itchy, damp grass.  Decks are a great asset to your home, especially here at the Lake of the Ozarks.  If you are on the water, you want to be able to enjoy the beautiful view and feel the breeze as you watch the boats cruise by.  Below are some three solid reasons why adding a deck to your home at the Lake of the Ozarks is a good investment.

Functionality of Space 

Decks have thousands of different uses and before you decide to start building, you should think about what you want to use your deck for.  Here are some of the more common reasons people want to build a deck onto their home:

• To Enjoy Morning Coffee Outdoors
• To Provide a Play Area for the Children
• For Sunbathing 
• For Weekend Brunches or Lunches
• To Grill Burgers or Steaks for Dinner
• To Read the Newspaper or a Book Outdoors
• For a Home Office with a View
• To Celebrate Family Reunions, Graduation Parties or Birthdays
• To Host a Block Party 
• To Relax in a Hot Tub
• To Create a Private Retreat
• To Enjoy the View of the Water
• To Add Value to Your Home

Aesthetically Pleasing

Once you have decided the function of your deck, you can start thinking about the design you want. Not only do you want your deck to be a functional, outdoor living space, but you want it to compliment your house and provide beauty to your home. Some questions you will want to answer may include: How large does the deck need to be to serve its purpose and look good attached to the house?  Do you need seating for several people? Do you need room for a hot tub or a grill?  What kind of decorations do you want?  Is there a certain theme you are going for?  Using the answers to these questions and more to create a plan will help the builder get a vision for what you want the space to be like. After you have thought up your dream deck, you will need to consider a budget. This is the time to call All-Star Home Renovations for your free estimate.  With years of experience with deck additions at Lake of the Ozarks, All-Star Home Renovations can give you a professional opinion on what you might want to cut back on to stay within your budget.

High Return on Investment

One of the most worthwhile investments to your home is the addition of a deck.  According to Remodeling Magazine's annual Cost vs. Value Report, a wood deck addition project returns an average of about 87% of the original investment.  This is one of the highest values in the entire survey.  One of the main reasons that a deck is such a good investment is because it increases the living area of your home at a minimal cost.  The national average construction cost on an average size home is $85 per square foot, whereas construction costs for a wood deck are less than $35 per square foot according to the National Association of Home Builders. Although your return on investment will vary depending on region, building a deck is a pretty solid investment. For more detailed information for return on investment in your area, visit: http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/decks/deck-addition-value/.
 
No matter what your vision, All-Star Home Renovations is standing by, ready to create the deck of your dreams just in time to enjoy the summer season!  Temperatures are rising and its time to make the most of it by spending time outdoors on your beautiful new deck!  For examples and pictures of deck additions and home improvement projects at the Lake of the Ozarks, visit our online gallery at: http://yourlakeremodeler.com/gallery.html.
  

Follow our blog for advice on remodels at the Lake of the Ozarks, minor home repairs and improvements, tips to improve the value of your home, and so much more.

All-Star Home Renovations serves the entire Lake of the Ozarks area. We can handle everything from your most complex home improvement and remodeling projects to the simplest.

All-Star Renovations has 25 years experience and is fully insured!

• Kitchen Remodels
• Bathroom Remodels
• Deck Additions
• Siding, Roofing, Windows & Doors
• Tile & Flooring Installation
• Screened Room Additions
• Custom Trim Finish Work
• ... and so much more!

Request a free estimate on your next project!

Serving the Entire Lake of the Ozarks Area

Adam : 573-286-2569
adam@all-star-renovations.com

Jay: 573-480-4757
jay@all-star-renovations.com

Like us on Facebook
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6 Ways Improving Your Home Can Also Improve Your Relationship

Valentine's Day is just a few days away and you have no clue how to spark that flame again!  If you really want to rev up the romance, think remodel at Lake of the Ozarks.  Working on a project together can bring you both closer to each other. ThisOldHouse.com brings us a dozen arguments for why improving your home can also improve your relationship.  We have selected a few of our favorites to share with you. 

1.  Dreaming in Bed

The perfect time to talk about starting a remodeling project at the Lake of the Ozarks is when you are cuddled up, relaxed in bed.  Sharing your fantasies about your dream home is sure to deepen your bond. Maybe you want to update the Master Suite to make it more romantic. Or redo the kitchen to make it easier to cook your favorite meals.  Browse through websites to look at pictures for inspiration and talk about why you like them.    

2. Bath Action

A spa-like bathroom is definitely the way to a woman's heart.  Who doesn't love a relaxing bubble bath in that giant garden tub?  Maybe you want to upgrade your tub so it's big enough for two. Or add a large walk-in shower with massaging sprayers.  Romantics may yearn for a deep claw-foot tub and a Victorian vanity; others may dream of heated floors and a Jacuzzi. Even small things like new fixtures and window treatments can turn a boring bath into a sweet spot.

3. Cozy Kitchen

Men just can't keep their hands off a woman busy cooking. And its a good bet that a man doing the dishes will put her in the mood.  So keep the kitchen in mind when planning your renovation at the Lake of the Ozarks.  A kitchen island is perfect for that quick meal, while a cozy breakfast nook is perfect for cuddling one last time before your off to work for the day.

4. Store to Score

You could use more storage space and so could your love life.  Allowing her that extra space for all her treasures can score you big brownie points. There's not much a woman wouldn't do for additional closet space.  The idea of custom-built shoe racks will dilate her pupils and send her straight to swoon mode.  And for men, nothing squelches desire like having your cherished comic-book collection burned in the barbecue pit because someone decides there's no room for it.

5. Bedroom Fantasies

A boring bedroom dampens intimacy, but change things up in there and you'll recapture that flame. Paint colors can arouse the mind; studies have shown a link between red and romance. Flattering shades for enhancing the skin tone include eggplant, soft rose, and teal blue.  Dimmers on the lights can set the mood, while simple lampshades can soften the glow. And pushing out the bedroom walls might allow for that king-sized bed you have been dreaming of.

6. TV Room Turn-On

The big screen can be a big inspiration.  Cushy couches, deep-pile carpet, abundant pillows and throws, and a wood-burning hearth are cliches for romance.  But that's because they reliably seal the deal. And don't forget a wet bar to help loosen you up. Cuddling up to a good movie with a glass of your favorite wine is the perfect ending to a job well done!

Now's the time to call in the pros. Hook up with All-Star Home Renovations to put your dreams and fantasies to a reality.  Seeing your project through a professionals eyes will solidify your plans and make you feel more secure about the job while boosting your happiness.  Call us for your Lake of the Ozarks remodeling needs and give your sweetheart the house you've been dreaming of!

For the full article from ThisOldHouse.com click here.

Follow our blog for advice on remodels at the Lake of the Ozarks, minor home repairs and improvements, tips to improve the value of your home, and so much more.

All-Star Home Renovations serves the entire Lake of the Ozarks area. We can handle everything from your most complex home improvement and remodeling projects to the simplest.

All-Star Renovations has 25 years experience and is fully insured!

• Kitchen Remodels
• Bathroom Remodels
• Deck Additions
• Siding, Roofing, Windows & Doors
• Tile & Flooring Installation
• Screened Room Additions
• Custom Trim Finish Work
• ... and so much more!

Request a free estimate on your next project!

Serving the Entire Lake of the Ozarks Area

Adam : 573-286-2569
adam@all-star-renovations.com

Jay: 573-480-4757
jay@all-star-renovations.com

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Connect with us on LinkedIn

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Keep the Heat in and the Cold out while saving some money!

Keep Warm and Save on Your Energy Bill This Winter Season

The weather is changing and temperatures are dropping!  That snow and ice has already hit some places pretty hard this year and we have more to come.  Yes, you can stay warm by layering your clothes, covering up in blankets or turning your heat way up, but that doesn't help with your electric bill.  Here are some tips to help you not only keep your home nice and toasty, but save you some money as well.

1. Check Your Heating System.

Be sure to check your air filter as well as all of the ducts in your house.  A clean air filter will reduce the amount of energy used to make your heater work and will reduce the amount of dust in your home.  When taking the filter out, it would be a good idea to use a handheld vacuum to clean up some of the excess dust that didn't stick to the filter.  Vacuum out the ducts as well and seal any loose connections with metal-backed tape.

2.  Don't let your pipes freeze.

When the temperature outside drops below freezing, you have the risk of your pipes freezing and possibly bursting.  To help prevent this, be sure to cover any exposed pipes with foam rubber sleeves that you can find at your local home improvement stores.  Pay special attention to any pipes that are in an insulated basement or a crawl space under your house.    

3.  Seal Any Leaks or drafts. 

Check for any places where cold air could be seeping in.  Seal all of your windows inside and out with caulking.  You can purchase temporary silicon caulk that will break loose easily when you are ready to open your windows in the spring.  You can also place draft guards on your doors to keep that cold air out.  Or maybe its time to replace those windows and doors, call your Lake of the Ozarks home repair guys at All-Star!

4.  Turn On Your Fans.

You may think fans are supposed to cool your home, and that is the purpose during the summer. However, they can also be used during the winter months to keep the warm air down.  You know that hot air rises and by reversing your fans, the blades will push the air down keeping the warmth at your level and in circulation.  A trick to knowing if your fan is set for winter, the blades will be moving clockwise.

5.  Close Off Unused Space.

Do you have any rooms in your house that don't get used very often?  Maybe a spare bedroom or a home office.  If so, close off those areas, shut the vents in those rooms and close the doors.  This will keep your warm air where you are and your heater won't have to work as hard to keep the entire house heated.

6. Take Advantage of Cooking. 

With the cold weather comes the holiday season, which typically means a lot of cooking and baking. Your oven can be used as a heat source; while you are cooking, lower your thermostat. This will help save on your electric bill and you can still stay warm!

So if you are one of those people that piles 5 blankets on at night because you don't want to pay a high electric bill, don't fret anymore.  You can keep warm without spending a fortune by following these simple tips.  While preparing you home for the winter, if you find any issues that you can't fix yourself, give All-Star Home Renovations a call!  We do siding, roofing, windows, doors and more!


Follow our blog for advice on remodels at the Lake of the Ozarks, minor home repairs and improvements, tips to improve the value of your home, and so much more.

All-Star Home Renovations serves the entire Lake of the Ozarks area. We can handle everything from your most complex home improvement and remodeling projects to the simplest.

All-Star Renovations has 25 years experience and is fully insured!

• Kitchen Remodels
• Bathroom Remodels
• Deck Additions
• Siding, Roofing, Windows & Doors
• Tile & Flooring Installation
• Screened Room Additions
• Custom Trim Finish Work
• ... and so much more!

Request a free estimate on your next project!

Serving the Entire Lake of the Ozarks Area

Adam : 573-286-2569
adam@all-star-renovations.com

Jay: 573-480-4757
jay@all-star-renovations.com

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Follow us on Google+

5 Simple Ways to Spruce Up Your Exterior for the Holidays

Have the Best Decorations on the Block Without Breaking the Bank

Driving down the street this time of year, you see house after house glowing with Christmas lights.  Or here at the Lake of the Ozarks you could say Dock after Dock.  You think to yourself, “How can I make my house stand out this holiday season?”  Everyone thinks to hang Christmas lights, but there are many other ways to show your holiday spirit.  Check out these 5 simple ways to spruce up the exterior of your home this holiday season.

1. Hang a Christmas Wreath. 

You can easily purchase a Christmas wreath at your local store or small town thrift shop.  Or even better, make your own!  Pinecones and candy canes work great to make a wreath; then decorate it with simple Christmas items such as garland, mini ornaments, snowflakes and ribbon.  Many of these items, if not already lying around your house, can be found for $1 or less.  Now hang it on your door for the world to see!

2. Light Up Your Walkway.

Not only can lights along your walkway or driveway help decorate your home, they can also get you to your front door safely.  With the snow and ice, it only takes one wrong step and you could slip.  Having your walkway lit up can prevent you or your holiday guests from taking a fall.  If you don’t want to have an open flame, an alternative would be to purchase battery-operated luminaries to set along the walkway.  You can buy pillar size candles and wrap them in garland.  Or you can fill various glass containers with tea light sized candles and small Christmas items such as mini ornaments. 

3. Wrap a Garland Around Your Door.

Garland is another simple way to make your entryway more inviting this holiday season.  Grab a garland from your local store and decorate it with pinecones, ornaments and more.  Choose colors that match your door, red ornaments for a red door or blue for a blue door.  The garland can be easily hung with self-adhesive hooks. If you have pillars or railings on your porch or deck, you can wrap the garland around them as well. 

4. Fill Planters with Christmas Decor.

Planters have more uses than just holding your plants.  You can fill them with practically anything to accentuate the entrance to your home.  During the holiday season, think about placing some large plastic candy canes in a planter.  You could even create a “burning bush” by coiling up Christmas lights on top of soil in a planter and inserting branches to create a glowing sensation.  If you already have a planter with a plant in it, consider decorating the plant with lightweight items such as ornaments.  Make sure that the planter is positioned to where the wind won’t blow your decorations away!

5. Liven Up Your Window Sills.

Placing small shrubs in your window planters are a great Christmas alternative to the typical spring flowers found in window sills.  You can add lights and wire Christmas decor for a more festive look.  Or decorate the inside and let it shine out, place candles along the window sills to light up your windows at night.  Place Christmas decorations above the candles and they will illuminate with the flames of the candles.  Window decorations will not only look good to those passing by, but you can admire your work from inside your home as well.    

Now your house will be ready for all your holiday visitors.  Many of these simple decorating ideas can be made from old Christmas decorations you have lying around the house or can be found inexpensively at dollar stores.  Family and friends will think you spent a fortune trying to be the best decorated house on the block.  Spread the holiday cheer, not only inside your home, but out!

Follow our blog for advice on remodels, minor home repairs and improvements, tips to improve the value of your home, and so much more.

All Star Home Renovations serves the entire Lake of the Ozarks area. We can handle everything from your most complex home improvement and remodeling projects to the simplest.

All Star Renovations has 25 years experience and is fully insured!

• Kitchen Remodels
• Bathroom Remodels
• Deck Additions
• Siding, Roofing, Windows & Doors
• Tile & Flooring Installation
• Screened Room Additions
• Custom Trim Finish Work
• ... and so much more!

Request a free estimate on your next project!

Serving the Entire Lake of the Ozarks Area

Adam : 573-286-2569
adam@all-star-renovations.com

Jay: 573-480-4757  
jay@all-star-renovations.com