Spending time outdoors can keep you physically fit, focussed, less stressed and can also boost your mood. So why not develop your back (and front) yard into a space where you can enjoy the elements of nature while living comfortably?

Replenish your energy levels.

Recharge your soul.

Refresh your mind.

Extending your living to the great outdoors can contribute as a positive source of health and well-being but it will also increase the value of your home. Let’s dig in, shall we?

Bring the Indoors Out
Backyards, porches, decks are now part of everyday life: outdoor home office, outdoor dining, outdoor entertaining spaces, you name it. Consider what you love about your indoor space. Reflect that indoor vibe outdoors with playful colour - possibly incorporating the 2023 Pantone Colour of the Year, inviting furnishings, tantalizing textures and maybe even modern conveniences such as a television or an outdoor kitchen.

Define Your Deck
A straight-forward upgrade like redoing a deck can dramatically improve yard aesthetics by creating definition amongst the wilds of nature. Take a page out of nature’s book and slow down a little; create the perfect look of luxurious serenity or a bold, modern retreat. With many wood materials available, the aesthetic you’ve been visualizing can easily come to life. Composite materials are also a viable and affordable option. While it doesn’t have the same natural look wood does, it will provide a stylish, low maintenance and durable option.

Rhatigan Ridge Deck and Pergola

Create Your Oasis
A pergola is something else to consider. A simple yet striking structure, this adds to back (or front!) yard appeal but it also provides the practical use of protection from the elements. Adding greenery such as climbing flowers and leafy plants overhead can create a dense covering that could result in a serene sanctuary providing peacefulness and a warming comfort.

There are so many options to optimize the space in your backyard, front yard and even side yard. By creating distinct outdoor areas, these spaces can serve different purposes: relaxing, dining, entertaining and if you’ve got kids, a play area!

Sherwood Path Front Deck and Pergola (Photo: Archive Client)

Sherwood Park Backyard Basketball Court (Photo: Archive Client)

Consider just a few of the benefits of indoor/outdoor living:

• a quick, economical way to enhance the home without a huge renovation or addition,

• increased living space for the family,

• a unique selling point that adds to the value of the home, and

• of course, the positive effects on mental and physical health.

With summer approaching, it just might be time to upgrade your yard by adding space, function and beauty to your current home. We can help!

A beautiful view of Edmonton from Hardisty Drive

Spring has sprung and historically, this is the time to tackle some of the deeper cleaning around the house. After a long winter, it’s inspiring to clean, purge, organize and dust off those winter blues. A home that is ‘so fresh and so clean’ provides us with many benefits including: overall protection for the home, contents and our well-being, allergen reduction, increased productivity and focus (good news for those of us still working from home!) less stress and mental clarity.

It may be hard work but a clean slate is refreshing! And while getting into those forgotten nooks and crannies can be satisfying, we can’t forget about some of the ongoing home maintenance tasks either! Below, we have gathered together some things to think about as we emerge from our winter hibernation and spring into the warmer months.

Our Fall and Winter Home Maintenance Checklists stressed the importance of inspecting the roof. Spring is no different. Look out for cracked, missing or loose shingles and fasteners and be sure to remove all debris to guarantee peak performance. Gutters should also be clear of debris and any remaining ice or snow.

Look at windows and doors…again!
The combination of cold air and central heating systems could cause condensation to occur and accumulate during the colder months. Any additional moisture increases the potential of mould and possibly cause further damage to wood framing and paint. Before washing the windows themselves, check around them! Once the cleaning is done, open them up to get some fresh air in which will help further evaporation.

Windows for Custom Build in Rio Terrace

Peek in the attic.
Ensure there is proper insulation and ventilation which helps deter any moisture build up and potential mould growth. While you’re up there, check for (and get rid of!) any insects or small critters that could have migrated in from the cold.

Get downstairs!
Spring is typically wet and the basement is prone to dampness. Be on the look out for cracks, water penetration and small openings that small creatures could have created! Any moisture suggests higher than normal relative humidity and inadequate ventilation.

Now that the grittier work is done…

Refresh your space!
Whether you are working from home, taking advantage of a hybrid work model, you want to love where you are. An easy solution would be to brighten the walls with a fresh coat of paint in a cheerful shade. For inspiration, read our blog post on the 2023 Pantone Colour of the Year. If you’re not into painting, you can use soft furnishings such as pillows, blankets and accent pieces with colour and texture to add levity and brightness. Bringing the outdoors in with flowers and greenery is another simple way to give any living space a seasonal refresh. The colours and scents remind us of new growth and awakens the senses.

Any refresh, whether big or small, can create a ‘new’ space to enjoy. If it’s a building envelope issue, our building science experts can help diagnose and plan the repair. If it’s a bigger renovation, we have experienced in-house staff who can design, plan and execute your next home improvement.

A clean and fresh home promotes a clean and fresh mind!

With inflation and increased interest rates, it may seem that home buying may be out of the question. However with a bit of research, a trust-worthy real estate agent and mortgage broker, you can definitely find a property that is a fit for you. You just might have to think ‘outside of the box’ a bit…

If there’s a particular neighbourhood you’d love to live in but a house needs improvements, Archive can help with that. With years of experience in home repair and renovation, we love a good challenge. We can create the space you need and make a house the perfect place for you.

If you’re a current homeowner and thinking about selling, it’s a good idea to take a look at any repairs or upgrades that can be done to increase the market value of your home. Getting a head start to prep your home for sale is advantageous. With energy efficiency and net zero homes (and rebates!) becoming more popular, it’s never a bad idea to improve your home.

Maybe you’re thinking, how can I afford any of this? The best idea is to know your budget; whether you’re a home buyer or seller. Know what you can afford and stick to it.

Over the years, we have collaborated with Wendell Mortgages to explore the many avenues available when it comes to mortgages and home improvements. We came up with our three-part Mortgage Moment series covering options for first time home buyers, current home buyers and those looking for secondary properties.

Take a look!

1. Purchase Plus Improvements:
   www.archivecontracting.com/the-blog/march-mortgage-moment

2. Current Homeowners and Home Improvement Financing:
   www.archivecontracting.com/the-blog/may-mortgage-moment

3. Secondary Home Purchases:
   www.archivecontracting.com/the-blog/july-mortgage-moment

Buyer or seller, you have the opportunity to build your history. Let’s get rolling!