Categories Blog, Tips

Choosing an Outdoor Space that Best Fits Your Lifestyle

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]No matter the size of your outdoor space, you want to be able to utilize every inch of your property. Just as you would design the inside of your home, you want the outside space to align with your lifestyle so that you can get as much use out of it as you can! If you’re tight on space at your home or want to revamp your current space, our team can help! We have designed numerous decks, porches, and patios for our clients.  In the end, the most important component of the addition/remodeled outdoor space is that we’re able to provide homeowners with a new area that allows more space to gather and entertain.

The question is – what type of outdoor space/style are you looking for? Check out these ideas below and see which outdoor style best fits you.

The Quaint Getaway
Not only should your outdoor space be a reflection of your lifestyle, but also your personality. Are you Type A or Type B? Are you more outgoing or do you lead a fairly relaxing life? If you lean more towards Type B, then having an outdoor space is the perfect way to unwind and spend some quality free time! It all starts with laying down the perfect deck or patio, which creates a welcoming extension of the house that brings you into your lovely outdoor space. The key to comfort here is to select patio furniture that is comfortable, will last, and is visually appealing. Another helpful tip if you’re looking to relax in this space is to find some relief from the sun. This can be done with mature trees, decorative umbrellas, retractable awnings, or even pergolas. Adding some greenery as well will definitely make it feel like the quaint getaway you desire. Depending on your yard, be sure to build around any existing trees or plants that you wish to keep if that is an option and fits into your design plan.

The Entertainer
If you’re more Type A, you’re definitely looking to regularly entertain which means you need a killer outdoor space to welcome friends and guests. A patio and/or deck is essential, but beyond that the two musts to any successful party or get-together are none other than the food and drinks. Purchasing a grill and building an outdoor bar are excellent ways to replicate a more casual dining and kitchen space on your deck or patio. Also, adding a fire pit will undoubtably create an inviting setting specifically for entertaining. It provides you and your guests with a comfortable atmosphere that inspires conversation and fosters a sense of togetherness.

Family Fun
Don’t forget that some of the most memorable family traditions aren’t just made inside the home, but in your outdoor space as well. First off, your outdoor space will feel more intimate and private if it has some sense of enclosure such as a fence or use of landscaping around the property. Once you have a set space to work with, define different activity zones within the outdoor space just as you would indoors. Multiple levels carve out spaces for dining, relaxing, and playing on the deck and the green space. This will help you maintain both the adult spaces as well as kid spaces so everyone can enjoy being outside. If you have enough lawn space, invest in some sort of activity like a volleyball that everyone can do together. This play space combined with an area to eat and relax will provide you with every aspect an outdoor space can offer so you can truly maximize your outdoor living!

See some of one of our recent deck remodels [/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”blue” el_width=”70″][vc_column_text]Looking to create your own outdoor sanctuary with a beautiful new deck, porch or patio? Contact our team for a free estimate today![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Categories Blog, Tips

Open vs. Closed Kitchen Styles – Which Is Better for you?

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Thinking of remodeling your kitchen? While the majority of our clients renovating these days opt-in for an open kitchen concept, there are also benefits to having a closed kitchen design. Are you looking for a more private room or a multi-functioning space for hosting? Check out the benefits of having an open and closed kitchen to help you decide which would be better utilized in your home.

Here are the top 3 reasons why you should consider an open kitchen –

McDonald Contracting Arlington

1. Great for hosting – An open floor plan is ideal for homeowners who love to host frequent parties or gatherings. If you’re hosting Christmas Dinner and want to interact with your guests while you’re whipping up appetizers, this is a good option so you won’t miss any of the fun. An open floor plan also allows for more seating and encourages guests to move around.

2. Makes home feel larger – An open kitchen allows for more natural sunlight in turn reducing your energy bill. By having less walls, you have more open space giving off the feel of bigger rooms and higher ceilings.


3. Optimizes Multitasking – Planning on having a family soon? Open kitchens can be great for young kids as you can keep your eyes on multiple rooms at a time! Check on the kids doing homework in the living room, while you’re preparing dinner at your kitchen island.

The more individual rooms there are in your home, the more opportunity you have to get creative with paint colors and wall space to decorate. Check out the top reasons why a closed kitchen design may be better for you –

McDonald Contracting

1. Cost-Friendly – Knocking down walls can create unforeseen problems and can cost serious renovation dollars. If things like high end appliances and countertops are more important to you, you may want to leave the structure as is and allocate your budget to the priorities on your wish list.

2. More storage – The more wall space, the more room for shelving, cabinetry and hidden closets. If you’re looking for a functional, secluded room with lots of storage, this could be a good option for your home.

3. More privacy – More walls also mean more privacy. Having a closed kitchen design hides a messy room full of dirty dishes – Some hosts want to prep, cook and clean without interruption so that they can provide a more formal dining experience for their guests.

The final decision is up to you, the homeowner. It’s not all black and white and you can meet in the middle somewhere by considering a cutout in your kitchen wall (as long as it’s a non-load bearing wall). 

There’s always going to be a new trend… Don’t succumb to what’s in, but rather decide based upon which option works best for lifestyle and personal preference. Want to start the conversation? We’d love to sit and talk with you about which kitchen layout works best in your home ===> [email protected]

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We hope you found this blog post helpful when it comes to designing your next kitchen!

Thanks for reading,
– The Team at McDonald Contracting

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Categories Blog, Tips

Tips to Winterize Your Home

Winter

As another New England winter rolls in, there are many ways you can protect your home from damage. Our team works closely with homeowners to ensure their home is ready for whatever Mother Nature may deliver this year. Not sure where to start on your own home?

  • Get Your Gutters in Place & Clean: Take a look at your gutters. Are they facing towards your house? If so, you need to fix them so the water flows away, not towards the structure of your home. Also, make sure your gutters are free and clear of any leaves to avoid water build-up.
  • Make Sure Doors & Windows Are Weathertight: Make sure all windows and exterior doors are weather tight so there are no drafts; This will keep the wind, snow, and wet weather out.
  • Check for Window Sill Damage: Water damage to your window sill is caused by sitting moisture. If you have a rotten or moldy sill, it is important to replace it before further damage is done to the structure of your home.
  • Use Heated Cables: Ice dams can cause big headaches for homeowners and heated cables can help protect your house from them. Without these cables, the water that backs up behind the ice dams can leak into your home, causing damage to walls, ceilings and insulation.

Thanks for reading! Let us know if you need any help protecting your home this winter!

The McDonald Contracting Team