Time to Try to DIY: Easy Outdoor Living Projects That Can Be Done in a Few Weekend

Screen Shot 2014-04-18 at 10.17.03 AM(BPT)—Spring is the perfect time to put your home’s best face forward. The good news is you can refresh your outdoor living space with easy-to-tackle projects that can be done in a few weekends.

Whether you’re building a brand new deck from the bottom-up or updating your existing outdoor living space, the experts at Trex are sharing five simple tips to help do-it-yourselfers turn their dream deck into a reality.

Find online inspiration

Determine the type of outdoor living space you want to create that will fit your family’s needs and complement your existing exterior and architecture. Tap your inner designer by flipping through pages of your favorite magazines, perusing online inspiration via Houzz or Pinterest and experimenting with online virtual applications that allow you to test different colors and configurations.

Take it to the store

After gathering inspiration, visit your nearby home improvement store, like The Home Depot, for additional ideas. Explore the aisles to check out materials, calculate costs and purchase necessary tools and supplies. Bring with you a list of questions you might have regarding your project. Store associates are always willing to give advice – tap their knowledge for any inquiries you might have.

Enhance your deck with quality materials

With so many types of decking material available it is hard to know which products will give you the best return on your investment. When researching, find quality low maintenance materials that can withstand years of wear and tear from weather, outdoor furniture, dropped grilling tools and foot traffic. A high-performance wood-alternative decking like Trex Enhance offers superior durability and long-lasting appearance. With Trex’s protective shell technology, it’s resistant to fading, staining, scratching and mold, offers hassle-free maintenance and only requires an occasional washing with soap and water.

“Having an outdoor living space that doesn’t require a lot of upkeep allows you to spend more time enjoying – rather than maintaining – your deck,” says Adam Zambanini, vice president of marketing for Trex. “With composite decking you don’t have to worry about rotting, warping, cracking or splintering, and you’ll never have to sand, stain or paint.”

Priced at a value that appeals to do-it-yourselfers, Trex Enhance decking offers additional peace of mind with a 25-year Fade and Stain Warranty. It’s also available in stock at The Home Depot stores, making it more accessible for those wanting to build their dream deck.

Test your green thumb

From flower beds to vegetable gardens, landscaping can add privacy, beauty and create a better backyard for entertaining family and friends. Evaluate your climate, land, existing plants and structures that will affect your landscape design. After assessing your space, visit your local nursery or home improvement store to select the kind of plants you want to use. Talk with store associates to find out what types of plants grow best in your environment. For smaller spaces, consider planting container gardens. Mix perennials, annuals, ornamental grasses and shrubs in pots for bright bursts of color.

Complete with accessories, furnishings and decor

Finish your outdoor space with durable, all-weather furniture and decorative accessories. Incorporate color with an assortment of weather-resistant cushions, throw pillows and umbrellas in stylish patterns. Finally, add ambiance and safety with outdoor lighting. Available for both decks and landscaping, the proper lighting will enable you to enjoy your beautiful new outdoor living space long after the sun goes down.

For more outdoor living do-it-yourself inspiration and advice, visit www.homedepot.trex.com.

About the Author

Greg DiGiorgio is a highly reviewed Arlington MA Realtor who is a dedicated, passionate, and market-savvy professional who puts his clients’ satisfaction before all else. His attention to detail, superior people skills, broad knowledge of the real estate industry as a whole, and his pure determination to indulge his clients with first class service sets him apart. In addition to Greg being an Accredited Buyers Representative-ABR, he understands the power of creative, well-organized and highly effective marketing and offers customized marketing plans that maximize property exposure to the most qualified buyers. He has appeared several times on Fox 25 News where he was interviewed on current market trends and conditions. A real estate transaction is really about managing people, their desires and their finances. It is an intricate and consequential negotiation.


Greg understands that it is important to secure not only the most able buyer, but also to the one that is most likely to close the deal. When so much is at stake, Greg is the one you want to represent you. His fair yet aggressive negotiating style and protectiveness of his clients’ best interests and ultimately, their assets, has gained his respect with colleagues and clients alike.


Greg also knows that every transaction represents the most important purchase or sale a person can make, and he takes every precaution to ensure that communication is impeccable with all parties involved from beginning to end. Whether it’s patiently guiding first time buyers through this exciting process or following through with clients’ needs long after the transaction is over, Greg’s warm, caring yet efficient business style will turn you into a client for life.


Driven


Greg grew up in the Greater Boston area and has a deep appreciation for the North East way of life. He attended The University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing, with a concentration in Marketing Research. Greg’s professional background is rooted in the technology sales & marketing. As a result, he learned to adapt to many different people and situations quickly and competitively. The insight that he has gained from many years of involvement in bringing all components of a transaction together smoothly has granted him a unique perspective and approach to the real estate industry. His enthusiasm and tenacity has allowed him to emerge as one of Greater Boston’s finest Realtors, and one of the highest reviewed amongst Arlington MA Realtors!


My Goal


My goal is to provide the best experience possible to my clients while helping them achieve their real estate goals. My streamline systems and use of technology ensure a smooth ride along the way. Whether it’s a first-time buyer, a seller, or investor, I strive to gain lifelong clients and friends by providing them with a fun, relaxing, but yet educational experience throughout the entire process.


Objectives for my Buyer Clients


Counsel session to determine wants & needsSchedule times to view properties

Run comparable analysis report for subject property

Help negotiate terms of the offer

Provided options for home inspectors

Help negotiate & finalize terms of Purchase & Sale Agreement

Assist in finalizing finances with Mortgage Broker

Handle any other paperwork and/or tasks including meeting mortgage commitment deadlines to making sure the transaction closes on time.

I keep an open door policy with all my clients even after the sale should they have any questions, or need help with any of their real estate needs. The closing of a real estate transaction is not the end, but just the beginning of a relationship.


Objectives for my Seller Clients


Listen carefully to make sure your goals and objectives are clearly understood

Explain the home selling process thoroughly

Discuss agency relationship

Price your home accurately

Stage your home for sale

Plan & implement a proven & innovative marketing plan

Work diligently to sell your home quickly and efficiently

Follow up with open house leads & showing brokers to obtain feedback

Work hard to ensure that each step of the transaction is running smoothly

To ensure that all smoke & carbon monoxide detectors are installed and working correctly, and to obtain certificate from town/city

To obtain final payoff for city/town water bill

“Most Importantly to communicate with you consistently and efficiently throughout the entire home selling process”

Certifications and Recognitions


Winner of Leading Edge Real Estate’s Outstanding Creative Marketing Award. Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)

Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR)

Member of the Institute of Luxury Home Marketing (ILHM)

Licensed Massachusetts Real Estate Broker

Member of Greater Boston Real Estate Board (GBREB)

Member of National Association of REALTORS (NAR)

Zoning & Building Codes Certificate

Residential New Construction Certificate

Title V Certificate