Transform Your Backyard: 10 Ideas for Enhancing Your Outdoor Space

Your backyard is more than just an outdoor space, it's an extension of your home! Make the most of your space by creating a relaxing oasis right outside your door. Whether you have a small urban backyard or a wide and spacious lawn, there are countless ways to enhance your home’s beauty, functionality, and overall appeal. If you're looking for ways to get more creative with your home’s design, keep on reading! We’ll explore a couple ideas for improving your backyard, turning it into a space you'll never want to leave.

1. Turn Your Backyard Into an Outdoor Living Area:

Envision your backyard as an outdoor living room. Consider adding comfortable couches and chairs to create a relaxing environment where you (and your guests) will want to lounge. Install a pergola or an awning to provide shade and incorporate ambient lighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for evening gatherings!

2. Design an Inviting Dining Space:

If you’re looking to add something new and unique to your backyard, why not create an outdoor dining space?! We all love eating on the patio during summer, so why not extend this atmosphere to your home? Build an outdoor bar, BBQ center, or other outdoor kitchen appliances to add that extra appeal. Complete this space with a dining table and chairs, where people can gather around.

3. Integrate Water Features:

The sound of running water can instantly create a serene ambiance. Install a small pond, a fountain, or a cascading waterfall to introduce a soothing element to your backyard. These features not only add visual interest but also attract birds and other wildlife, enhancing the overall appeal of your outdoor space.

4. Design Beautiful Garden Beds:

Introduce color and texture to your backyard by creating captivating garden beds. Choose a variety of plants, including perennials and annuals, to ensure a continuous display throughout the seasons. Incorporate decorative borders and pathways to add structure and define the different areas of your garden. Plants and flowers will add extra beauty to your yard!

5. Make the Most of the High Desert

Bend's high desert climate provides us with a unique opportunity to showcase the region's native flora. When designing your garden, consider adding native plants that not only promote sustainability but also require less water and maintenance. Consider consulting with local nurseries or landscape designers to choose drought-tolerant plants that thrive in Bend's climate. Xeriscaping techniques, such as utilizing gravel paths, mulching, and efficient irrigation systems, can also help conserve water and add a distinctive touch to your outdoor space.

6. Establish a Vegetable or Herb Garden:

Nothing compares to the satisfaction of growing your own fresh produce. Set aside a portion of your backyard for a vegetable or herb garden. Research which crops thrive in our region and start planting! Not only will you enjoy the benefits of homegrown food, but gardening also provides a therapeutic and rewarding experience. Plus – everything tastes better when it’s fresh from the garden!

7. Install Outdoor Lighting:

Illuminate your backyard through the night by investing in quality outdoor lighting. Choose from a variety of options, such as string lights, lanterns, and spotlights, to highlight specific features or create a cozy ambiance. Well-placed lighting can transform your backyard into an enchanting space for nighttime relaxation and entertainment.

8. Build a Fire Pit:

A fire pit serves as a focal point and a gathering spot for friends and family. Whether it's a portable fire pit or a permanent installation, it adds warmth and creates an inviting atmosphere. Roast marshmallows, tell stories, and enjoy the warm flames as the stars light up the night sky!

9. Install Functional Structures:

Maximize your backyard's potential by adding functional structures such as a shed, a gazebo, or a playhouse. These structures not only provide additional storage or shelter but also contribute to the overall aesthetics of your outdoor space. Choose designs that compliment your home's architecture and blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.

10. Add a playground:

If you have children, consider incorporating play elements like a swing set, a trampoline, or a sandpit into your backyard. Integrate fun and engaging features such as a playground set, a sandbox, or even a mini rock-climbing wall. Building a treehouse or installing a zip line can bring out the imagination and adventure in your kids. They’ll enjoy creating lasting memories for years to come. Additionally, consider designating an open area for outdoor games like spike ball, soccer, or corn hole. By combining playfulness and functionality, you'll create a space that caters to everyone's enjoyment.

Here in Central Oregon, the possibilities for improving your backyard are endless. By embracing the natural beauty, unique climate, and the spirit of outdoor living, you can transform your backyard into a personal luxury. Whether you choose to create a peaceful sanctuary, an entertainment hub, or a playground for your family, remember to incorporate native flora, sustainable practices, and elements that resonate with the stunning surroundings of Bend. Unleash your creativity and unlock the full potential of your backyard, enhancing both your quality of life and the natural splendor that makes Bend truly special.

While you’re planning out your home renovation projects, keep us in mind! At Building Solutions, we specialize in handling a building project from beginning to end, from the ground up. From foundation materials down to the doorknobs, we have the knowledge and experience to complete your project, outside of electrical and plumbing.

Our building material experts begin with the in-house takeoff from your blueprints and, when necessary, will visit your job site to ensure accurate measurements. Our service area covers most of Central Oregon, including Redmond, Madras, La Pine, Sisters and Sunriver.

Bring your plans in today and see how our high-quality building materials and experienced staff can work for you. Your project, Our Materials.

✉️ info@buildingsolutions.com

📞 (541) 388-9988

📍 62960 Boyd Acres Road - Bend, OR

Built with the Future in Mind: Sustainability Practices for Your Next DIY Project

Do-It-Yourself projects are a fun and rewarding way to personalize your home and create the space of your dreams on a budget; however, they can also be a source of waste and environmental harm if not approached with sustainability in mind. At Building Solutions, we take our commitment to sustainability seriously. That's why we partner with companies who share our dedication to environmentally friendly building design and materials. We hope that you share this passion with us, which is why we’ve listed out some tips and tricks for being more sustainable with your DIY projects.

1. Plan Ahead

The first step in sustainable building is to plan ahead. By taking the time to plan your project thoroughly, you can reduce waste and save money. Start by creating a detailed plan that includes the materials you will need, the tools you will use, and the steps you will take to complete the project. This will help you identify any potential issues and allow you to make adjustments before you start building.

2. Choose the Right Materials

One of the most important ways to be more sustainable with your DIY projects is to use sustainable materials. This means choosing materials that are responsibly sourced, have a low carbon footprint, and are built to last for years to come.

At Building Solutions, we partner with vendors who share our commitment to environmentally friendly building design and materials. Trex is a great example of a company who strives to maintain sustainability. Not only do their products create beautiful results, but they are manufactured with the future in mind.

3. Repurpose Materials

Another way to be more sustainable with your DIY projects is to repurpose materials. Before throwing out old furniture or household items, consider whether they could be used in your DIY projects. Old doors, windows, and other construction materials can often be repurposed into unique and stylish pieces.

4. Use Non-Toxic Products

When working on DIY projects, it's important to consider the impact of the products you are using on the environment and your health. Choose non-toxic products and avoid using harmful chemicals when possible. For example, consider using natural cleaning solutions like vinegar and baking soda instead of harsh chemicals. You can also choose paints and primers with low VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) to minimize harmful vapors.

5. Reduce Waste

Reducing waste is another key aspect of being more sustainable with your DIY projects. This means avoiding unnecessary packaging and using reusable containers and tools whenever possible. Consider using cloth rags instead of paper towels and washable paint trays and buckets instead of disposable ones.

6. Choose Energy-Efficient Tools

Using energy-efficient tools is another way to be more sustainable with your DIY projects. Look for tools with energy-efficient ratings and use them as efficiently as possible. For example, turn off power tools when not in use and use hand tools whenever possible.

At Building Solutions, you can find everything you need to get the job done. Our experienced staff will help you get the right tools for any project. Our selection is of the best quality, so you can trust that you’re investing in a tool that will last from project to project. Choosing tools that don’t need replacing as often is a great way to practice sustainability.

Being more sustainable with your DIY projects is not only good for the environment, but it can also save you money and create unique, personalized items for your home. By using sustainable materials, repurposing old items, using non-toxic products, reducing waste, and choosing energy-efficient tools, you can create DIY projects that are both beautiful and eco-friendly.

We are also proud to share that we are a proud member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The USGBC is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable building practices and transforming the building industry towards a more sustainable future.

As a USGBC member, we have access to a wealth of resources and opportunities to promote sustainability in our work. We have access to the latest research, best practices, and training programs to ensure that we are staying up to date with the latest developments in sustainable building practices. We are also able to connect with other industry leaders who share our commitment to sustainability, fostering collaboration and innovation in the field.

We are constantly looking for ways to improve our practices and reduce our environmental impact. We prioritize the use of environmentally friendly materials and construction techniques, and we work closely with our clients to ensure that their projects align with their sustainability goals. We are dedicated to improving our practices and reducing our environmental impact, and we believe that sustainable building practices are essential to creating a more sustainable future for all.

Give us a call today or stop by our design center to learn how we can partner in sustainability on your next project.

📞 (541) 388-9988

📍 62960 Boyd Acres Road - Bend, OR

Winter Home Maintenance: Preventing Costly Repairs

As Bend residents, we are accustomed to snow and frigid temperatures, but that doesn't mean that we are immune to the brutal effects it may have on us. Our homes are no exception either!

If you're not attentive, winter may be a difficult season for your house and cause extensive (and expensive!) damage. Homeowners need to be aware of several problems that might occur when there is a mix of cold temperatures, snow, and ice. Luckily, we've seen some of the most common kinds of problems that arise during winter, and we compiled a list to help you prevent these problems from happening in the first place!

Mold Growth

Winter weather can cause moisture to build up in a home, particularly in places with inadequate ventilation. Excessive moisture can cause mold to develop on surfaces including walls, floors, and ceilings. This mold growth can negatively affect your health, especially if you have respiratory issues. Recognizing and taking care of any moisture sources that may occur in your home is an important maintenance chore to keep in mind throughout winter. Repairing leaks, improving ventilation, and maintaining proper humidity levels may all be part of this. When mold growth is detected, it is critical to have it professionally cleaned to ensure that the area is sanitized and that further regrowth is prevented.

Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes are a common problem during winter and can cause significant damage to your home. When water freezes, it expands, which can cause pipes to crack or burst. Bursting pipes can lead to flooding, water damage, and additional costly repairs.

Keeping the temperature in your home above at least 60°F will prevent your pipes from freezing. Letting the cold water from your faucets drip out can also help, but the most recommended prevention is insulating your pipes with foam insulations if they are in unheated areas such as garages, attics, and crawl spaces.

For those who live in rural areas and have a well, consider installing a heat source or cover the well to help the temperature from dropping below freezing. This, in conjunction with keeping the well pump running, can help prevent your pump from breaking and ensure a steady supply of water throughout the frigid season.

Roof Damage and Leaks

Heavy snowfall, ice accumulation, and freezing temperatures can compromise the integrity of your roof. This is especially true if you are living in an older home. One of the most common issues is leaks! They can be particularly damaging if they go unnoticed for a long time, as they can lead to mold growth and further structural damage.

To prevent these problems, it's important to ensure your roof is properly maintained and prepared for winter storms or extreme weather conditions. This includes checking for any existing damages or leaks, removing debris from your roof, and ensuring proper insulation and ventilation to prevent condensation buildup.

Ice Dams

This is a frequent winter issue that occurs when the snow melts and then refreezes along the eaves. The melting snow on your roof may become stuck behind the dam and spill into your home, causing water damage to your walls, ceilings, and insulation.

You may enhance the insulation and ventilation in your attic to prevent future ice jams. This will keep the roof surface frigid and keep snow from melting and refreezing.

Drafts

Drafts are small openings in your home, such as gaps around doors and windows, that allow cold outside air to enter and the inside of your home's warm air to escape. During winter, this can be a significant source of heat loss, which can result in increased energy bills and reduced comfort.

To prevent drafts in your home, you can seal gaps around doors and windows using weatherstripping and caulking. You can also add insulation to your walls, floors, and attic to reduce heat loss. Additionally, consider using draft stoppers or door sweeps to block drafts from entering under doors.

Clogged Drains

Clogged drains are a common nuisance, especially in locations with significant snowfall. As snow and ice melt, they can build up in your gutters and downspouts, clogging them and preventing water from flowing correctly.

To avoid clogged drains, clean your gutters and downspouts on a regular basis, especially before and after large snowfalls. To clear the trash and allow water to flow freely, use a gutter scoop or a garden hose. Installing gutter guards is also a smart idea to keep leaves, twigs, and other debris out of your gutters.

Foundation Cracks

When the ground freezes and thaws repeatedly, the soil around your home can expand and contract, which can put pressure on your home's foundation. Over time, this pressure can cause cracks to form in the foundation.

To prevent foundation cracks, it's important to maintain proper drainage around your home, ensure that your downspouts and gutters are functioning properly, and avoid planting trees or shrubs too close to your home's foundation. You may also want to consider having your home's foundation inspected by a professional to identify any potential issues and address them before they become more serious.

But in case you do notice foundation cracks in your home, it's important to have them inspected and repaired as soon as possible. Depending on the severity of the cracks, repairs may involve sealing the cracks with epoxy or polyurethane injection, or in more serious cases, rebuilding a portion of the foundation.

Don't let the harsh winter weather ruin your home! Prevention and consistent maintenance are crucial to maintaining a healthy home.

If you find yourself looking to maintain or renovate your home post-winter, swing by our design center to grab the right materials for the job.

📞 (541) 388-9988

📍 62960 Boyd Acres Road - Bend, OR