SPRING HAS ARRIVED! LET THE OUTDOOR PROJECTS BEGIN
Friday, April 26th, 2019
If you are at all like me, the moment the sun began to peek and snow started to melt, magic visions of outdoor projects started dancing through your head.
With that in mind, it’s important to do careful planning to ensure that not only are you adding to the enjoyment factor of your home, but to the value of your Fort McMurray property as well.
Here are a few tips to keep you on the straight and narrow:
RAISED BEDS, PLANTERS AND TREES
A raised bed can do wonders for beautifying and maximizing your yard. It can be either free-standing or built against a solid, vertical surface. Generally, raised beds against house walls are not a good idea, unless there is sufficient damp-proofing protection between the bed and the wall. Be cautious that the bed will not create a situation where the damp proofing can breached and the wall damaged. If the bed is against a wooden fence, there should be a waterproof barrier between the timber and the compost to protect the fence.
Trees carefully chosen provide shade, windbreaks and an opportunity to invite birds. Take care where planting. Small trees become big trees, so don’t plant too close to your home. Trees with aggressive or large root systems can cause structural damage when planted too close. Ask a professional from a Greenhouse or contact the RMWB Horticulture technician for tips on which plants and trees thrive in Fort McMurray and would be most suitable for your use. Have fun, Create! Add some colour to the warm fragrance of summer.
DECKS AND FENCES
Do you think a deck would be an awesome idea?? We agree. A deck is the ideal outdoor space for relaxation or entertaining guests. You can create aesthetic appeal with your design. Whether a weekend DIY project or using the services of a trustworthy contractor, be sure you have a clear plan and use quality pressure treated or weather proof decking materials.
Good Fences make Good neighbours! So the saying goes. Before installing your fence consider the purpose. Privacy? To keep the pets in? Inquire with any local homeowners or condominium associations and municipal building code officials regarding covenants that dictate fencing look, height, and material. Are there set- backs from sidewalks and property lines? Fort McMurray Municipal and neighbourhood rules may vary. Be a good neighbour, chat with your neighbours about your fencing plans. A party fence can often be built and shared by two or more neighbours. Ensure property boundaries have been professionally determined by a surveyor.
ALWAYS GET PERMITS
It can be tempting to try and skirt the permit process. The cost and hassle of getting a permit may seem unnecessary step, especially if you are handy or your buddies offer to do it. The permit process is an important one and relatively low cost and easy. When it comes time to sell your home, lack of permits can often prove to become a real problem. This can be considered a deficiency when time to sell. Buyers may be hesitant to purchase a home that does not have permits. Protect your investment into your improvements.
Find out if your fence, deck, driveway or garage projects will require a building permit.
Contact RMWB Planning and Development
T: 780 799 8695
Most importantly,
SAFETY FIRST
ALWAYS! ALWAYS! CALL BEFORE YOU DIG!!!!
Alberta One Call 1 800 242 3447
IF YOU ARE CURIOUS HOW MUCH VALUE YOUR SUMMER PROJECT CAN ADD TO YOU HOME, OR WHAT YOUR HOME IS WORTH IN TODAYS MARKET CONTACT US. WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE WHAT SUMMER FUN YOU HAVE PLANNED!
HAPPY SPRING!
