If you’re wondering what the neighbors think about your house, take a stroll and look at it from their perspective. Chances are, you will notice those home improvement fixes you’ve been putting off could make a difference.

Here’s how to spruce up your curb appeal:

1. Make a home improvement plan: According to Kiplinger.com, that is an important step because it keeps you focused. Make a list of the top five projects to tackle and, then, work away at them before taking on more. Sometimes, it helps to break the list into “quick fix” and “long term” projects, so you can plan accordingly.
2. Focus on landscaping projects: This is the “house wrap” that can distinguish your house from the rest. Basic landscaping projects, such as trimming bushes, sweeping sidewalks and removing old plant containers can make a difference. Then, take it a step further by adding a nice perennial bed near the curb, fragrant roses near your front door, or some privacy bushes to block your garbage cans or other unsightly areas.
3. Fix anything that is broken, chipped or cracked: This means a staircase railing, your exterior painting and any cracked window panes.
4. Change “bad builder” construction: This included such things as cheap garage doors or a boring facade, says Cnn.com. If you have a boring façade (and $2,500 to $6,000 to spend),add a few structural changes to your roofline. A dormer with a window will add some interest (and help bring in more light to that room). Or, extend the roof overhang above the front door, and add decorative molding underneath. Also, consider replacing the front door, shutters or railings if they are not up to par.
5. Paint the house, shutters, trim or anything that needs it: This type of home improvement provides a great return on investment and can dramatically boost your curb appeal.

Then, take that stroll again, and see the transformation!

As spring tries to peek through in many parts of the country, now is a good time to think about your landscaping. Even if you have snow on the ground, you can make an assessment and start the planning process. Many spring landscaping projects, such as patios, decks and yard remodeling projects take at least two weeks to plan–and sometimes longer.

Here are a few popular spring landscaping projects to consider:

Spring lawn care

If your lawn was filled with weeds, bare spots and uneven sections last year, spring is the perfect time to start fresh. Consider tackling the following tasks:

• Regrade to get the right slope
• Aerate the lawn
• Reseed or put down sod

Also, talk with a landscaping contractor about a regular weed control plan. Here’s more on lawn care.

Installing a patio or deck

Patios and decks are a great ways to embrace the outdoors while still feeling connected to your home. Look for a spot that close to your kitchen or family room with enough sun for growing plants, but enough shade to make for a comfortable resting spot.

While some people install their own decks, check out these step by step instructions from Hometime.com before attempting it. As you’ll see, much experience, measuring and cutting are involved. Just make sure the contractor does these things:

• Takes out a permit
• Submits a detailed contract that includes the type of lumber and the size and shape of the deck
• Prepares the footings to account for frost heaving (in colder climates)

If you already have a deck, it probably needs a good washing. Here’s a look at this important remodeling project.

Make your list today and narrow down your priorities. With any luck, you’ll be on your way to planning some dramatic changes in the next two to four weeks.

If you’re in a cold climate like I am, your landscaping is probably looking a little neglected. A few cold snaps will do that to any landscaping enthusiast. But, before you put your garden to bed for the winter, make sure you do these key landscaping projects (with or without a contractor):

The final leaf cleanup: If you dislike slugs like I do, it’s time to get the rest of those old leaves out of the garden. Otherwise, slugs will have a great place to give birth (to thousands like them) in the spring. Rake leaves into a pile in the backyard, cover them, and let them turn to leaf mulch. Or, bag them or rake them to the street for pickup. Just get them out from under plants, so you keep disease out of your garden.

Cover those roses: If you have tender roses, hydrangea, or other plants that need extra TLC, cover the base with a good six to eight inches of mulch. Then, put stakes around the area, and tie burlap around as a wind screen. Here are more landscaping tips to get roses through the winter.

Finalize fertilizing plans: In some parts of the country, it’s not too late to do a final lawn weed killer routine and a few other quick landscaping projects for maintenance. You’ll be happy in the spring.

Water your trees: Do this one last time to help them get through the winter, says Northerngardening.com. Then, remember to turn off the water supply to the outside, so the hose bib doesn’t freeze.

Clean the outside of your windows: This may sound silly when it’s 30 degrees out, but it will make you smile during the winter. At least, you’ll be able to see the snow falling down. Happy (almost) winter!

Still trying to get your daffodils, tulips, and lilies planted for next year? You’re not alone. This is a busy time for gardening because it’s the ideal time to clean up your yard, transplant perennials, and prepare your landscaping for winter. Here’s how to get it done and close up your yard until spring.

Top Fall Landscaping Chores

Here are the key chores on which to focus :

• Remove leaves: Instead of bagging them, start a pile that will decompose and turn into leaf mulch. Pick a spot at the back of your yard, and rake the leaves periodically to speed along the process.
• Remove diseased leaves and plants
• Plant bulbs
• Take patio furniture, pots, hoses, and bird baths indoors

Landscaping 101: When to Trim

When it comes to flowers, now’s the time to trim back summer and fall blooming plants. Avoid cutting lilacs, magnolias, and some hydrangea, as they have already set buds for next year. It’s also best to avoid heavy pruning, as it could expose your plants to disease over the winter, says HGTV.

For roses:

• Add a 6-10 inch layer or mulch around the base
• Add compost around the soil, so it breaks down over the winter
• Enclose with a burlap screening, making sure to leave breathing space around the bushes

If you have clematis, check out this handy pruning guide from Homeofclematis.net. Take note: know which pruning group to which your variety belongs.

Lawn is a Key Fall Landscaping Chore

Fall also is a great time to look ahead to next year’s lawn. Here are some fall landscaping steps to help get that lawn in order.

When all your fall landscaping chores are done, sit back and relax…until spring.

August is the time of the year when lawn care gets frustrating–it’s too hot, the grass is turning brown, and you just don’t feel like weeding. If you focused on lawn care all season, take a few weeks off, and think about your fall lawn care plan. What are your priorities? Do you have outdoor home improvement projects on your list.

Here’s what you can do now:

• Evaluate: When did you fertilize? Did you spend the summer battling pests? Here are tips from the Ohio State Extension Service on controlling Japanese beetles and grubs.
• Make Your Fall Lawn Care List: Identify places where your grass needs reseeding or your flower beds are overgrown. Before committing to reseeding, think about how much time you have for this type of home improvement.
• Consider Who Will Do the Work: If you’re exhausted just thinking about lawn care, consider hiring a landscaping contractor or lawn service. Get a few estimates, and look for a service that offers some flexibility. You may want to expand their duties to include cleaning out gutters or trimming large hedges.

Fall Lawn Care Musts

Now, it’s time to make your fall list. In most parts of the country, this is a prime time to fertilize, plant trees and shrubs, and reseed your lawn. For more on what nutrients your lawn needs, try these tips from the University of Minnesota.

If you hire a landscaping contractor, ask for a thorough evaluation of your lawn, flower beds, and trees. What’s working and what’s not, from a health and maintenance perspective? Also, think about safety when using and storing the fertilizer. These lawn care tips can help.

Lawn care doesn’t have to be frustrating, as long as you have a plan and the right people to help.

You’ve all seen those fabulous outdoor kitchens with the large grill built into a stone wall. Wouldn’t it be nice…one day? Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet offers some interesting layouts, complete with dimensions. And, it’s not too hard to scale them down to your remodeling budget. Just pick out the components you want, and modify your plans accordingly, says remodeling enthusiast Danny Lipford.

Outdoor Kitchens on a Budget

If a $20,000 to $30,000 outdoor kitchen is out of reach, you may need to get a little creative. Can you lay the stone around your grill without using a contractor? Can you substitute heavy stone framing around your outdoor kitchen with furniture and potted plants?

Also consider mobile furniture and island pieces you can pull out for entertaining. Vermont Islands offers some ideas, plus insights into dimensions and durability. You might also find modular kitchen units at warehouse clubs and home improvement stores.

Here are items for your outdoor kitchen:

• A grilling area: The “cooker” can be a small charcoal grill or a 42-inch stainless steel powerhouse. The trick is to give it that built-in look. Buy a grill with side flaps. The flaps accommodate food, but double as plate and utensil storage when in the upright position. Or, add a separate beverage or storage cart.
• A sink: This is easier to install if you’re starting a patio from scratch, as you’ll need to run water lines.
• A mini-fridge: Look for an undercounter fridge, about 21 inches wide. You’ll need an electrical outlet, so ask a contractor where to add one.
• A countertop or staging area: A rolling island can create that “professional cooking station” look. Look for a metal countertop that can withstand the elements.
• A seating area: Two or three chairs grouped around a table is all you need.

Happy grilling!

Rain, rain…go away! If you’re singing that popular rhyme, it could be time for a water assessment. When left unattended, water can do lots of damage to your house. Before the summer gets into full swing, consider how well your home handles water seepage and drainage.

This is one home improvement project you can start yourself, but bring in a contractor if you detect bigger problems.

Water Seepage and Roofing

Your roofing is the best defense against water seepage and damage, so it pays to examine it twice a year. Many roofing contractors will examine your roof for a nominal fee. Here’s what they examine during a roofing inspection:

• Missing or loose shingles
• Improperly secured flashing
• Algae growth
• Other damage or gaps

For more, check out these roofing inspection tips.

Water Seepage Through Replacement Windows

Next stop: your windows. Glance inside and out for any signs of water seepage. Look for small to large openings that could allow your conditioned air to seep outside. Those gaps can also allow water to flow in. The following fixes include:

• Foam or caulk to fill the gaps
• Reframing the windows to create a tight seal
• Buying replacement windows–consider adding replacement windows at the same time as new doors for efficiency and energy benefits.
• Temporary measures, such as plastic over the windows

Then, check your landscaping to make sure your yard is graded to force water to flow away from the foundation. Many water seepage problems start with rain water funneling against the house. Depending on the severity of the problem, the fix could be as easy as regrading the lawn or extending your downspouts. If your problem requires drain tiles or basement wall repairs, call in a good contractor.

No more nursery rhymes for you–follow these tips, and you can welcome the rain with confidence.

How much lawn do you need? Do you like having a large expanse of green grass or small sections with curving perennial beds in between? Lawn care takes time and effort, so it helps to be realistic as you plan your landscaping project.

Think Carefully About Lawn Care

If you’re leaning toward a large lawn, ask your landscaping contractor to outline the pros and cons. You’ll have a nice view of nature and lots of space for kids to run and play volleyball, baseball, or croquet–just make sure you plan for a sturdy grass in heavy traffic areas. Large lawns also become a showpiece, attracting positive comments from neighbors and enhancing your home value.

On the negative side, a large lawn requires more lawn maintenance. Makes sense, right? The more you have, the more you have to do–or ask your landscaping contractor to do. Aside from watering and mowing, you’ll want to keep the lawn free of fungus and diseases. Here’s how from the folks at HGTV.

Easy Lawn Care in Small Spaces

If a small yard is your dream, focus on where that green will create the most impact. You may want fragrant flower beds near your door and a lawn that stretches to the curb. As you plan out the sections, make sure the lawn is wide enough for a mower to move through it easily.

Lawn Maintenance Tips

While all lawns require some work, there are ways to save on lawn maintenance. An automatic watering system can save time and simplify your lawn care plan. Also think about the mowing, as proper techniques can translate to a healthier lawn. Here’s a look at this important lawn maintenance project–with tips on when to mow, and when not to mow!

Let’s face it–lawn care takes work but is well worth it in the end. Before starting any landscaping project it’s important to understand your lawn personality. Just how much lawn do you really want?

If your outdoor space is calling you, make sure your landscaping design is ready. A well placed pergola, fountain, patio, or outdoor dining area can add just the right touch to those summer evenings.

Think about how your space flows and plan seating, dining, and relaxation areas accordingly. Here are a few examples of ways to bring a sense of outdoor living to your landscaping design. All you’ll need is a little creativity, the right landscaping contractor, and a few weeks of installation time.

Landscaping Design Options

Patio–If you don’t already have one, you have to ask yourself “Why not?” Patios are great for entertaining and provide many other landscaping benefits. Try a curved patio design with flowerbeds nested near your tables. Your guests will feel like a part of the landscaping. If you need help with plant selection, look for a landscaping contractor who understands fragrance and good color combinations.

Pergola–Try covering part of a patio or deck with the eye catching beams of a pergola. Most landscaping contractors can design one and install it within a few weeks. As you peruse these design ideas from Better Homes and Gardens, think about your sun patterns. A pergola is ideal for creating a shady nook in an otherwise sunny spot.

Water elements–From ponds to backyard fountains, there are many ways to use water elements to add a calming effect to your landscaping design. Even in a small yard, a tabletop model can make you think of a sandy beach instead of your hectic job.

Landscaping Planning is Key

Before planning your landscaping remodeling, talk with a few contractors to make sure the outdoor elements blend with your existing landscaping. Even if you only can add one element this year, ask for an overall drawing that shows the stages. You’ll then be working towards a cohesive landscaping design where all the pieces fit together.

Lawn Care: Finding the Right Contractor and More

Spring is here and it’s time to take a cold, hard look at your lawn. Do you see weeds, bald patches and uneven color? If so, this is the time to put a lawn care plan into action.

The Lawn Care Project List

While there are many lawn care projects you can do yourself, repairing a lawn often requires the work of a landscaping contractor. Unless you have hours to spend each week–not to mention the manpower to rake, aerate, grade and reseed the yard–it helps to look for a good, local contractor.

You’ll want a landscaping contractor who can assess the problem and figure out if you need:

• Better soil or a soil amendment
• A different type of seed for your sun patterns or local conditions. Here’s more on the various types from Allaboutlawns.com.
• Aeration to open up the ground and improve circulation

Lawn Care Starts With Weed Control

Weeds are a major issue with many lawns, particularly those that have been ignored or only worked on sporadically. Somehow, those weeds know how to swoop in almost overnight and take over. The key to weed care is to grow a thick lawn (to crowd out weeds) and follow a regular schedule of weed control. Here’s more from Scotts.

Water: The Essential Lawn Care Ingredient

No pristine lawn is complete without water. After the contractor reseeds the lawn you’ll want to follow a good watering schedule. Also make sure you water deeply, as this encourages root growth. Try these watering tips from New Mexico State University.

While this all sounds like a lot of work–and it is–the right plan and contractor can make it happen. By putting a plan in place and sticking to the watering schedule, you can have that lush, green lawn in time for those summer barbeques.