Room Envy: Outdoor Pergola

Double Function- deck on top

This one comes from the folks at DiyNetwork.com. A gorgeous display of 16 "not your average pergola" patio cover ideas. Think outside the box when it comes to designing your own outdoor retreat, there are a million different options even with something as basic as a pergola patio cover. Check out these for inspiration... some of our favorites, head over the the DIY Network to see more. And if you're feeling extra handy, here's a great basic intro to building a simple wood pergola.

Angled- Japanese style

Urban- incorporating the walls

Arched top outdoor room

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DIY Quiz - Should you really do it yourself or hire a professional?

Great resource from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry -NARI.

Should you save money by doing the job yourself? Do-it-yourself (DIY) jobs are a popular trend in the home improvement industry; however, before you grab a hammer and start swinging, you should know that this is a trend with a few potential problems. Before you decide to do-it-yourself, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) recommends taking this DIY quiz:

Take the full quiz over at NARI and see if it's wise for you to tackle your home improvement project yourself or whether it's best to leave it to the professionals. Here's a peek at some of the questions you should ask yourself before deciding to do things like take a sledge hammer to your bathroom...



Yes or No:

• Do you enjoy physical work?
• Are you persistent and patient?
• Do you have reliable work habits—meaning that once the project is started, will it get finished?
• Do you have all the tools needed and, more importantly, the skills required to do the job?
• What quality level do you need for this project? Are your skills at that level?
• Do you have the time that will be required to complete the project? (Always double or triple the time estimated for a DIY project, unless you are highly skilled and familiar with that particular project.)
• Will it matter if the project remains unfinished for a period of time?
• Are you prepared to handle the kind of stress this project will create in your family relationships?
• Do you know all of the steps involved in the project?
• Have you gotten the installation instructions from the manufacturer to determine whether this is a project you still want to undertake? (Most manufacturers will send you installation instructions before purchase to determine whether the product will meet your needs.)

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Be a part of the club! The Home Depot: Home Improver Club

The Home Depot is a great resource for all things home improvement... if that wasn't clear already! But did you know they have a club you can join, free of course... to get your DIY and home improvement fix? Let me introduce you to the Home Improvers Club! You can finally let go of those memories of being the last person chosen in gym class and be one of the cool kids.

Here's some of the perks, home maintenance and upkeep email alerts, how-to video tutorials, projects based on your local weekend weather report, just to name a few! You also get the benefit of all of their workshops that can teach you everything under the sun like how to install laminate flooring or first aid for your lawn techniques. They even have an entire series of workshops for women and they have workshops for kids, a great way to get them involved in home ownership pride at an early age.

They have a wealth of information available. Check out their projects like "removing rusty toilet bolts," "installing liners and gutter maintenance," "planting bulbs for spring," and even projects like "mortising a door latch," and "installing a wall switch for a ceiling fan". The ideas could keep you busy year round (sorry husbands with your already overflowing 'honey-do' lists)


~5280 Lady

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