Fixing up a barn is a great way to increase the value of your property and get more out of a valuable working space. It’s hard, though, to determine where to start. Some people prefer to completely overhaul the space while others want to do just enough to ensure the barn won’t fall down. If you are thinking about fixing up a barn, you might want to start with these simple ideas. This article is excellent for wear and tear due to water damage.

Fixing up your barn should always start with major renovations. Many barns fall into disrepair as the years go by, with only minor repairs done in order to keep the working space active. If you are looking to make a real change in your space, start looking at the major problems that need to be fixed. Water damage restoration is usually a good place to start, especially if you live in an area where floods have been common. Roof repair is also a necessity in many places, especially if you haven’t paid attention to the roof in years. Starting with structural repairs will make the rest of your attempts at fixing up the barn easier.

Always remember that structural repairs need to start with a good inspection. Yes, you can identify many of the likely problems with a cursory glance – but a professional can help you find all the problems you can’t see. If you get an inspection of your barn done before you start to fix it up, you’ll have a better idea of what can and cannot be done in the space.

Repair the Windows

Barn windows have a sad tendency to fall into a state of disrepair. This might because of the constant exposure to the elements, but it surely has a great deal to do with being in a working environment. Window repair is one of the best ways to preserve the value of your barn since it will help to keep the elements out of the structure. If your bar is old, you may want to think about replacement windows that can better stand up to extremes in temperatures. Window repairs can be very helpful when putting a barn back into top shape.

Pay Attention to the Details

If you are fixing up your barn, it is absolutely vital that you pay attention to the little things. Yes, structural repairs should always come first – especially if there’s a real danger to people on your property. If you don’t have any major repair work that needs to be done, though, it’s a good idea to look at the little things. Add a new coat of paint, take care of some of the nagging repair work that needs to be done, and do a bit to spruce up the area around the barn. All of these little touches will really help your barn to look like new.

Still Functional

It’s also a great idea to make sure that any upgrades you make to your barn are actually functional – especially if it is a working barn. Sure, adding reinforced doors or bigger stalls won’t necessarily look impressive, but they’ll help you with your daily work. Try to remember that a barn should be a functional space and make sure that most of your upgrade money is spent there. Whether you’re looking at better windows, new doors or just a bit of new equipment, the functional aspects of your repair work will pay off in the long run.

Don’t Be Hasty

Finally, make sure that any changes you make are actually worth keeping. A barn can be a huge investment, but so too can the alterations you make to the structure. If you’re not entirely happy with the changes you have made, you’ll be spending more than you might be able to afford. Never make alterations to your barn without thinking seriously about how they will look in the long term and whether they will add value (rather monetary or utilitarian) to the existing structure.

Fixing up a barn can be as simple or complex as your budget allows. Always make sure to spend a significant amount of time making sure the structure is actually safe and to use the remainder of your budget transforming your barn into something that adds value to your property. Whether you need to completely rebuild the structure or just add a new coat of paint is up to you – the most important thing is that you fix your barn up in a manner that will make your proud to have it on your property.

Gardening is for more than just your backyard or front lawn. It is the perfect way to add life and beauty to your interior or exterior home décor. One of the best ways to highlight your windows is with brightly colored flowers and greenery. For those of you who aren’t proud enough of your windows to put them on display – consider replacements! Old windows begin to peel, crack, change shape, and get foggy panes. Newer technology from a top notch replacement window company, like Renewal by Andersen, can go a long way in style and function.

Incorporating Gardening with Your Windows

• Vase – sometimes simplicity is beautiful. Placing a simple flower vase in the window can be enjoyed from both the indoors and close-up outdoor viewing. The effect is similar
  to placing a lit candle in your window during the night.
• Multiple Vases – You could also place lines or varieties of small plants in your window sill. The benefit of working with plants is that you can add as many colors as you like without getting that tacky effect. No matter what you do, you are working with natural materials.
• Holiday Arrangements – You may also consider implementing holiday-themed flower arrangements during different times of the year. For instance, poinsettias combined with greenery make for a Christmas and wintery atmosphere. Bright orange daylilies and black orchids are appropriate for Halloween, and burn orange colored roses are great for Thanksgiving and the later fall.
• Box Garden – If you are feeling up for a project, try building (or ordering) a box garden. Drilling a box made of ¾ inch thick wooden
  boards to your exterior wall can create a vibrant garden display. An easier variation is to line a wooden crate with plastic, fill with rocks and soil and add plants.

• Floating Plants – Not a fan of dirt? Floating plant displays are another neat way to incorporate bright colors in a peaceful atmosphere. Simply use a bowl of water; and add water hyacinths, parrot’s feather, or other floating plants to the surface. Make sure you are regularly adding water to keep a consistently full bowl.

Each of these methods are great ways to vamp up your home’s design. Whether you decide to add an interior or exterior plant display, websites are swarming with themed ideas to match your taste.

Planting a Senior Garden

To some, the point of gardening is to make your yard a beautiful place. People will either hire landscapers, find gardeners, or put hours of work into their garden to make it flourish. However, some prefer to garden because it is a leisurely activity. Nature can be a sanctuary from busy life, especially during quiet times of day. Following are some tips for seniors to make their gardening experience truly relaxing and fulfilling.

• Hire a little help – Hiring a landscaper or an expert can both be expensive and take away the fun of gardening. Instead, try a senior care service that offers companionship. With the little help from an aid, gardening can be much more enjoyable for the elder population. It is easier to have a little help with pulling out that heavy hose, and some company never hurt. Make gardening a social activity to get the most out of it.
• Ease the strain – No matter your age, bending over and reaching can be strenuous for your lower back and joints. To avoid the amount of bending needed to tend to a senior’s garden, consider raised plant beds. With elevated plants, it is possible to garden standing up or simply sitting on the ledge while weeding and watering. Another way to avoid aches and pains is by adding some benches to the lawn near the garden or taking a portable stool around.

• Avoid extreme temperatures – Gardening during the noon and hottest times of the day can be grueling. Instead, seniors should make it part of their routine to wake up early and garden. Some also prefer to spend time outside in the evening.
• Protect yourself from nature – Wearing long sleeves, pants, and closed toe shoes can help you be safe from mosquitoes, bugs, and prickly plants. This is another reason to garden during cooler temperatures; you can comfortably wear more clothing. Rain boots and closed toed crocs are popular choices due to their comfort and water resistance.
• Stretch first – Even with benches or raised flower beds in place, stretching can prevent injuries and soreness. Elders should stretch their arms and lower back before setting out in their garden. Even when not gardening, stretches can help increase blood flow and prevent injuries from daily stress. Morning stretches can help you think more clearly and feel more alert and positive throughout the day.
• Research local plants – Although some people prefer to pepper their gardens with exotic plants, the easiest and most beautiful plants are often local. The flowers and greenery that naturally thrive in your state’s environment are the ones that will be the easiest and look the best in your backyard. For instance, in a dry environment, local plants will need less watering and survive droughts. The same applies to areas with heavy rain or extreme heat.
• Eat a healthy meal – Before trekking outside, eat a hearty meal. This will help give you endurance when standing for long periods of time and stay sharp when choosing the right pesticides and watering intervals.
• Install a sprinkler system – Water is heavy! Carrying a hose or a watering can around can be difficult and slow you down. If you, or your senior friend, are having difficulty lifting and carrying heavy items; consider getting a sprinkler system to keep your plants looking lively. An underground irrigation system will provide similar benefits. This article describes the different types of watering and their benefits for those who are willing to invest in an automatic system.

Following some simple steps can help bring joy and creativity to a senior’s garden. If you are in your golden years, don’t be scared to ask for a little help! And if you are trying to help a family member, be sure to lend a hand. To get the most out of your gardening, prepare yourself to make it a relaxing, leisurely experience.