Although this holiday marks the unofficial kickoff of summer, Colorado’s mild climate draws us outside year-round. So it’s not a shock that local homeowners consider a deck or patio a landscaping given. But a word to the wise – not all decks and patios are created equal. Either option quickly can turn into a neglected waste of space if your lifestyle and other practical needs aren’t taken into consideration during design.

To make sure your deck or patio is used to the fullest, first consider your lifestyle. Do you need a wide open space to entertain large groups of friends or a more intimate setting for small family dinners? A heavy hot tub might require additional piers to provide adequate support.

And be sure to keep our intense Colorado sun in mind. Will you use your deck or patio if it’s an exposed heat sink? If yes, then be sure to choose durable, low-maintenance materials that can weather sun and extreme temperatures. Steep terrain will influence the design and construction technique applied, which also may require a site review by a structural engineer. Neighborhood covenants, local building codes and your budget will dictate the size and style of your deck or patio and the types of materials used. Speaking of materials, here are the pros and cons for the most popular options:

» Composite or vinyl decking is virtually indestructible and extremely low maintenance. It’s splinter free, contains UV protectant and doesn’t require sealing. However, it may fade in the sun, have a plastic appearance and might get brittle over time.

» Wood decking provides a natural element to your landscaping. Ipe, pronounced ee-pay, is a tropical hardwood option with characteristics similar to teak. It’s twice as strong as oak and more durable than redwood and cedar. Whatever wood you choose, it can get hot underfoot, and it also may splinter and warp. Wood also can be expensive and must be treated and maintained to prolong its wear.

» Concrete patios can be colored and stamped to look like natural stone or brick pavers. They require little maintenance and, depending on your finish choice, can be relatively low cost per square foot. The downside is they can crack, and some stamping and staining options are pricey.

» Paver patios are very versatile and add interest to your landscape. Their natural joints can support a lot of weight so you don’t have to worry about stress cracking. The biggest drawback to brick pavers is the higher cost of labor and materials.

If you want to hit the deck running with your outdoor project but are not sure where to start, check out the free public seminar Outdoor Living Spaces at 5:30 p.m. May 31 at HighCraft Builders, 429 S. Howes St. in Fort Collins. Visit www.HighCraft.net for more information and to register.

Adding a mudroom to your home is a good solution to stop the mess of mud in its tracks and create a practical transition place between indoors and out. Whether it’s located off a side, garage or backdoor entryway, here are some suggestions for creating a functional mudroom for your home.

Smart storage: Create an organized space to shed coats, hats, shoes and backpacks upon arrival. A locker or open cubby system with hooks for coats and baskets for smaller items like gloves works for this. Install pre-made systems or custom cabinetry to suit your individual needs. Include a place to sit for putting on or pulling off shoes and a designated spot for keys.

Make it easy to find and grab things as you’re running out the door. If your mudroom doubles as the laundry area, then include a folding counter, Murphy-style ironing board, hamper pull-outs for sorting, retractable racks for hanging wet clothes and storage for soap and other cleaning supplies.

Easy clean up: Floors and countertops in your mudroom should be easy to clean. Laminate or a low-maintenance solid surface is a great choice for countertops and tile, concrete or linoleum ideal for flooring. The mudroom should be command central for messy, emergency cleanups.

If you have enough space, consider a small drain basin on the floor with a hand shower to immediately wash muddy boots or paws upon entry. A large utility sink is useful for washing toddler T-shirts stained with spaghetti sauce, paint brushes and small pets.

Place for pets: Speaking of cats, dogs and other household critters, the mudroom is more than just a great place to keep them clean. Create a built-in bed or kennel for your dog, a designated place for food and water bowls and a space to hide the litter box.

One clever homeowner actually installed a cat door into a base cupboard to keep the box tucked away in a tidy “cat cabinet.” The cat cabinet gives felines a private spot for those private moments, contains odors and prevents kitty from kicking litter all over the floor.

If you’re building new or remodeling an existing home, we encourage you to make room for a mudroom. We’re confident you will love this smart space that packs such a highly functional punch, or our names are mud.

The terms “green” and “sustainable” are often used interchangeably, but purists will argue the two terms are not one in the same. Technically, they would be right. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, green is defined as “tending to preserve environmental quality (as by being recyclable, biodegradable, or nonpolluting).” The term sustainable is described as “a method of harvesting or using a resource so that the resource is not depleted or permanently damaged.”

For the purpose of this column, we will use the more global term “sustainable remodeling” to encompass both green and sustainable strategies that promote the health of homeowners and the planet for future generations.

Remodeling an existing home is inherently more eco-friendly than new construction because you are upgrading rather than replacing, repurposing rather than building new. Sustainable remodeling goes a step further by prioritizing home improvement choices that improve energy efficiency, resource conservation and a healthy indoor environment.

To maximize sustainability in your remodel, consider the following:

> Energy efficiency

Begin with a home energy audit to find leaks. Remodeling is a great time to add insulation, seal drafts, install new windows, and replace old appliances and HVAC units with energy-efficient options. The reduced energy consumption is great for the planet, and it means lower utility bills every month for the life of your house.

> Indoor air quality

Poor indoor air quality is linked to chronic respiratory problems. Some of the most common air pollutants in our homes are asbestos, chemicals, combustion, formaldehyde, lead, ozone, particulates, pesticides, radon and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). According to Realtor.com, wall-to-wall synthetic carpeting can contain up to 120 toxic and carcinogenic chemicals, which have been linked to a number of flu-like symptoms. Healthier flooring options include natural-fiber carpets, hardwoods, natural linoleum, cork, ceramic tile, marble and stone. Choose paint, sealer, stain, caulk, grout, adhesive and paint thinners with zero VOCs to minimize unhealthy off-gassing.

> Water conservation

Save water by installing low-flow plumbing fixtures, high efficiency or tankless water heaters, and high efficiency toilets and dishwashers. In Colorado’s semi-arid climate, it’s water wise to install drought-tolerant landscaping with a drip irrigation system.

> Material use

The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) suggests that sustainably-minded materials are natural and nontoxic, locally made or sustainably harvested, recycled and recyclable, energy-efficient to produce and durable. In Northern Colorado, using reclaimed or local beetle kill lumber is a great option. If planning an addition, staying within the existing footprint of your home will reduce the heavy equipment and quantity of building materials needed for the job, too.

For more ideas about sustainable remodeling, contact the Colorado Chapter of the USGBC (www.USGBCColorado.org). Even if you incorporate just a few sustainable strategies during a remodel, you will contribute to a healthier living space, a happier planet and more green in your wallet.

“Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy.” (Retrieved from www.pantone.com)

Here are some of our favorite finds in this delicious shade!

We’re talking about reclaiming unused attic space to create an additional bedroom and bath. If this sounds like something worth your remodeling investment, the experts agree. According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2011-12 Cost vs. Value report, the attic bedroom project made the top-ten list for the third year in a row. Nationally, the project ranks third in expenses recouped after resale. In Colorado, the attic bedroom conversion ranks as the top project for return on investment coming in at 76.4 percent ROI, up from 65.5 percent in 2010. This outpaces basement remodels, bathroom additions, deck installations, new garages, kitchen remodels and more.

Attic remodels are popular because they avoid expenses associated with additions, such as costly excavation, foundation work, roofing and extensive framing. They also offer an economic alternative to purchasing a larger home to gain extra space. And although proper permitting is required for an attic remodel, you can avoid zoning restrictions because the project stays within the home’s existing footprint

If you’re serious about converting your attic into a bedroom with bath, it’s important to consider the following:

>Professional help. At minimum, consult a professional architect and engineer before you start any attic remodel. They can quickly determine if your attic is a good candidate for a conversion. If it is, they will ensure your plans have the proper trusses and ceiling joists to support the heavier load of a finished attic. Once you understand the anticipated work and costs associated with your specific project, you can make better go or no-go decisions given your budget and desired outcomes.

>Building codes. Although you might be free from certain zoning restrictions, you must still comply with building codes. These codes are designed to protect homeowners, and will dictate proper ceiling height, adequate joist support, and appropriate ingress and egress options (i.e. how you will access the space).

>Accessibility. And speaking of ingress and egress, an attic bedroom requires a standard staircase with hand railing so your plans must accommodate this necessity, as well as include proper windows. Attics can be dark, so when adding windows think about including solar tubes, skylights or dormers.

>Necessities. If your remodel includes a bathroom, you will need to: connect water drain and supply lines to the existing system; and, install proper electrical circuits including a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, or GFCI. For heating and cooling, it may be more cost-effective to install a separate HVAC system for the attic rather than tie into the existing system.

If you need extra living space there’s no need to hit your head against the wall. With careful planning, you can knock through the ceiling to create your dream attic remodel and increase the value of your home. Now, that’s using your head.

Click here to view our column in the Coloradoan, Building Solutions.

It’s a classic case of the post-holiday winter blahs. A sure-fire cure is a warm island getaway. Unfortunately, we can’t send all five of our loyal readers to a tropical island paradise, but we can offer plenty of suggestions for bringing the island to you.

We’re talking about kitchen islands – we are remodeling guys, after all. Kitchens have long been the central gathering place in our homes. Parties always end up in the kitchen, as well as craft projects, homework, bill paying … you name it. All this togetherness can be overwhelming if space is cramped, but it also can be wonderful if you incorporate a thoughtfully designed, fully functional island as the central hub of activity.

If you’re thinking of adding an island to your kitchen, here are some suggestions to increase its functionality:

» Meet your needs: It’s important that the design of the island meets your lifestyle needs. If you cook and entertain a lot, then consider adding a seating area, a second sink with disposal and a mini-beverage refrigerator and built-in icemaker for mixing drinks. If you bake, work on craft projects or your kids do their homework in the kitchen, then allow ample counter space to spread out. Also consider unique under-counter storage solutions, pull-out recycling drawers and extra electrical outlets for smaller appliances or laptop computers.

» The right size: Make sure your island is big enough to serve your needs, but not so large that it’s difficult to move around. Allow a 36- to 60-inch clearance space to pull out stools and 42- to 48-inch work aisles to avoid traffic jams. When it comes to counter height, there are one- and two-level options. A two-level counter top can hide messes, create a seating area at true bar height.

On the other hand, a single-level counter provides a much larger work surface, which also makes the entire kitchen space feel larger and more open. We’ve seen a surge in the popularity of single-height islands, and we’ve replaced several small islands that offered ridiculously little counter space.

» Have fun with finishes and lighting: Counters and cabinets don’t have to match the rest of the kitchen. In fact, contrasting finishes create visual interest in the room and emphasize the island as the central gathering point. Overhead lights, such as colorful pendants, also showcase the island. In addition, they offer practical task lighting and add personality to the space.

So the next time a party guest asks, “What can I do to help?,” give them a job without worrying about too many cooks in the kitchen.

Who needs a tropical paradise when you have a kitchen island, right? OK, that might be a stretch, but it does make winter a little more bearable when you gather with family and friends around your new island. And if that’s not enough, we bet that helpful party guest will make you a little drink with an umbrella in it.

Click here to see our Building Solutions  column in The Coloradoan.

Based on the studies for the Denver region, you can expect the highest return on investment from these five home-remodeling projects:

#5 Minor Kitchen Remodel

At a 71.2% recovery rate, this might be our favorite pick, because hey, who doesn’t love a gorgeous kitchen?! This percentage covers a surface area of 200 square feet and 30 linear feet of countertops and cabinets. The study tags this bill at $19,150, incorporating new cabinet fronts (leaving the box frames); a new wall oven and cooktop (energy-efficient); new laminate countertops, sink and faucet; new trim, wall coverings and new flooring into the costs.

#4 Attic Bedroom Remodel

While you’re doing your annual spring cleaning, it might be worth your while to consider converting some storage space into a living space. According to Remodeling magazine, turning your attic into a bedroom will not only add living space, but you’ll recuperate over 71.5% of your investment. This project includes adding a 15×15-foot bedroom and 5×7-foot bathroom to your home. Built into the costs, which fall in around $46,000, the attic remodel would include four new windows, closet space, carpeting, extending the HVAC to the new room, electrical, finished walls, etc.

#3 Window Replacement (vinyl)

Thinking about how much new windows do for a home, it’s no surprise that window replacement is #3 on the list. Quality windows have quite a few benefits, the biggest of those being lower heat and cooling costs–not to mention good ol’ sunshine pouring into your house. For under $8000 you can swap out 10 windows (3×5-feet, double hung) for insulated window replacements and recuperate 71.7% of the investment in home value.

#2 Deck Addition (wood)

To say that we have an outdoorsy culture here in Colorado is an understatement. So, seeing that decks, the home of barbeque grills, hot tubs and all things summer, have the second best recuperation rate puts a big smile on our faces. Building a new wood deck about 16×20-feet will fall in at over 75% recuperation! The study tallies costs for this project just under $10,000 and includes pressure-treated joists, concrete piers that anchor 4×4 posts, pressure-treated boards, a built-in bench and planter, stairs, railing and more.

#1 Siding Replacement (fiber-cement)

Did the winter take its toll on your home’s exterior? Well, it’s a good time to think about new siding. With a a 77.3% rate, new siding tops the charts as the #1 item for ROI in property value. This accounts for 1,250 square-feet of siding and trim using either PVC or fiber-cement boards. Averaging just over $13,000 in costs, you can have a gorgeous home exterior and lose only 22.7% of your investment. Take that, Jack Frost.

Click here to see Remodeling magazine’s Cost vs Value report.

This year, HighCraft teamed up with 97.9FM Big Country to outdo last year’s food drive and help Big Country with their Quarter-Million Can Crusade. Thanks to Big Country and all of the wonderful people who stopped by with food donations, HighCraft Builders was able to deliver 557 lbs. of food to the Food Bank. Incredible!

Our small food drive is just a sample of how much we can accomplish when people band together for a common goal. We’d like to thank those of you who took the time out of your day to come by the HighCraft office to drop off food for the less fortunate. For those of you who haven’t had the chance to drop off your donations yet, don’t fret. We’re still collecting change for the Food Bank’s Kids Cafe, and you can still contribute to Big Country’s food drive or donate your goodies directly to the Food Bank for Larimer County.

Click here to read learn more about foods that qualify for donation. Happy holidays!

There might be more than a few folks out there who find it hard to describe the lavatory as a warm and cozy place to hang out. Who can blame them? With the abundance of tile, metal and porcelain surfaces, a bathroom can feel downright chilly during colder months. In fact, we’re getting goose bumps just writing about it.

But there are plenty of things you can do to transform your bathroom from a dash-in, dash-out icebox to a warm, inviting retreat.

First, properly winterize the space. Take the chill out of your bathroom by sealing around any leaky windows with silicone caulk or weather stripping. Lined curtains and heavy blinds also add another layer of insulation between you, your window and the elements.

Next, add some heat. This time last year we wrote a column showcasing the growing popularity of oversized walk-in showers with all the bells and whistles, including multiple shower heads, rain bars, thermostatic temperature controls and steam features. A steam shower wraps you in warmth by capturing heat and steam for a true sauna or spa-like effect. Just remember that steam units require floor-to-ceiling water-proof walls, a ceiling finished with impervious material and a good fan to exhaust all the steam once you’re done showering.

To avoid the arctic chill that hits most of us as we step out of the shower and onto a freezing floor, consider installing a heated floor system. In-floor heating types include radiant, water-heated and electric pad systems installed directly under flooring materials like tile or stone. Take comfort and relaxation a step further by adding a fire feature such as a natural gas fireplace or biofuel element.

New infra-red heat lamp technology uses smaller, longer-lasting bulbs, which produce instant heat with the flick of a switch. Last, but certainly not least, install heated towel bars, which include wall-mounted, free standing, hard-wired or plug-in models. We recommend hard-wired wall-mounted versions for increased safety.

Finally, consider adding more textural and visual warmth to your bathroom. Thick, plush rugs add a warm, comfortable layer between toes and cold flooring. Although they obviously won’t affect the actual temperature, rich wood tones and warm paint colors make spaces appear warmer.

The same visual trick applies to ambient lighting and candles, which produce a warm, yellow glow. Candle scents like vanilla and spice often trigger kitchen associations in our mind. When we think kitchen, we often think of the warmth associated with cooking, baking and the hearth.

Bottom line, if your bathroom is pegged as the coldest room in the house, then warm up to the idea of making a few simple changes to make it more comfortable and inviting.

Click here to check out our Coloradoan Column.