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Author: Karen Redick

Enjoy Summer to the Fullest! Has Your Construction Project Begun Yet?

Written by Karen Redick on . Posted in Blog.

As summer is in full swing, we hope you have taken some time off to relax and enjoy yourself – preferably in the great outdoors!

Weekends are great but our bodies and our psyche really need a longer period of time to achieve a state of true rest. So treat yourself to some time off of work and get revitalized!

Over many years in this seasonal industry we have noticed that there is indeed a lull in the chaotic frenzy of summer activities around the month of August.  We hope that this is an indicator of that period of rest… ie, vacation! We also notice that clients prefer to start their projects right away in early Spring in hopes of completing the project by the onset of summer weather or they will delay the start of work until the end of summer so that they do not have to live in a construction zone – both solid and logical options.

But in reality, what does “start” a project mean? Most consider it to be when the actual construction begins. You need to keep in mind that in order to begin construction there are several weeks of planning and scheduling and sometimes permits processes to get through.  So, as you are relaxing in your yard and planning a project for later this summer or even first thing next spring, please remember to start early.  Proper planning always results in a better outcome and can even save you time and money!

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Dissecting Custom Design

Written by Karen Redick on . Posted in Blog.

The adjective “custom,” Merriam Webster dictionary defines as: “made to fit the needs or requirements of a particular person.” The word “design” can be used as both a noun and a verb. It is defined by Merriam Webster as (noun) a drawing of something that is being planned or created; and (verb) to create, fashion, execute, or construct according to plan.

Put them together to form the concept of “custom design” and you basically have the business model of Redbud Development. We create a plan that is perfectly suited to your particular style, needs, property type and budget. Then we construct it according to the plan, with high quality and efficiency, of course! It sounds pretty straightforward and easy…but in reality it is pretty involved and complicated. Right now we are creating one project that is rustic with natural stone material in organic shapes with colorful plant accents. Another current project is in a more modern style with a European flair; it focuses more on straight lines, wood and metal accents, with a monochromatic color scheme. Every client is different and should express their own personality.

A lot of time and effort is put into getting to know the client and how they will use the space as well. Even more time is spent getting accurate pricing for the client so there are no surprises. We do not like change orders any more than our clients do. Our tradespeople are chosen for their skill set and compatibility in working as a team. We stand behind our work and will make every reasonable effort to ensure the client is absolutely and completely satisfied.

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Furnishing Your Outdoor Space

Written by Karen Redick on . Posted in Blog.

This time of year we have the added use of our outdoor “rooms” for entertaining and general living space.

This time of year we have the added use of our outdoor “rooms” for entertaining and general living space. Having an outdoor kitchen with a separate covered eating area in addition to a sitting area with a fireplace is all the rage. And people are furnishing these rooms and accessorizing like never before. Colorful drapes with bold patterns provide privacy and a focal point. Cushions and outdoor carpets give you endless opportunities to express your personal style.

Garden furniture trends are moving away from the traditional table & chairs with an umbrella for shade and moving more towards a more relaxed seating style. Deep cushion style seating that looks and feels more like interior furniture is becoming more popular due to both advances in UV-resistant and waterproof fabric technology and the desire to include pops of color and texture. These low maintenance fabrics allow you to be as comfortable outside as you are inside. If your seating serves double duty it will extend the use of your outdoor space. Current outdoor furniture should maximize its potential with built-in storage and reconfigure easily from dining to conversational settings.

Grandma’s wicker is no longer your only option either. Traditional wicker and wood is being modernized with accents of metal, glass, and stone. This works well with the rustic contemporary style that is migrating from the indoors. Bistro tables made of weathered metal base and a stone table top with bar-height stools of hand-hewn wood is just an example of this current trend.

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Spring at Last!

Written by Karen Redick on . Posted in Blog.

Get outside and enjoy the sunshine! Soak up all that glorious vitamin D!

All that snow should have protected your plant material this winter and it will be turning green before you know it!  Hopefully your house and other hardscape elements did not suffer too much from the ice build-up.

The kids and dogs have been outside all day and don’t even want to come back inside!  Can’t blame them… so you may as well make yourself comfortable outside. What do you need?  A new patio?  A shade structure?  Some privacy from the neighbors?  Give Redbud a call and we can help you make your outdoor space more functional and relaxing.

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Landscape Trends for 2015

Written by Karen Redick on . Posted in Blog.

Just like on the fashion runway, the exterior landscape has trends and fads that come and go. Wouldn’t you spend more time outside relaxing and enjoying the company of friends and family if you spruced up the place a little bit?

Nobody likes to eat alone! Invite the neighbors over the next time you are grilling a steak.  Did you know that wine consumption has grown considerable over the last few years? So has the craft beer industry, especially here in NY. This could be all a coincidence that the outdoor kitchen and the fire pit have also grown in popularity over the past few years…but I doubt it!!

This coming 2015 warm weather season, you can expect to see outdoor spaces that are more versatile and inviting. New outdoor fabrics create more possibilities for comfort and color splashes to mimic the indoors. Spaces will be more dual-purpose, especially where space is limited.  Fire features of all kinds will be very popular; maybe because they extend the outdoor season a bit longer.. You will see all variations, from rustic fire pits to the classic fireplace, even to old-fashioned pizza ovens and the built-in grill.

We are seeing move towards natural materials versus man-made materials and quality materials versus the less expensive flashier choices. For example, one might choose true stone veneer instead of cultured stone for the façade of the house or a boulder wall or dry-stack stone wall instead of a pre-cast paver Unilock style retaining wall. Savvy homeowners know that good design is essential when going this route. More people are picking up on the sustainability movement and realize that building it right and with durable material pays off better than the quick fix.

Keeping with the environmentally responsible trend, even those in urban areas see the benefits of providing food, water and shelter for migrating birds and native species of all types. This can be done by planting large evergreens for year round shelter or by converting a section of your garden to a wildflower meadow. Some may even go to the extent of adding a beehive or a chicken coop!  Similar to last year, including edible plants in your gardening scheme will continue to be popular (as well as efficient and attractive!)

Get a jump on the season and call Redbud today to get started on a plan to improve your outdoor space.

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Batten Down the Hatches!

Written by Karen Redick on . Posted in Blog.

“To batten down the hatches” is an old nautical saying from the early 19th century.  The ship captain would call for the crew to batten down the hatches as the ship was heading into rough seas.  It is typically used when one is preparing for an emergency situation or facing a great difficulty.

Enter the cold winter season.  There are a few basic precautions you can take to get your house and exterior spaces ready for the cold and snow:

  • Close up the pool and winterize any water features or outdoor kitchens​
  • Remove leaves from lawn areas and apply fall fertilization​
  • Cut perennials down and protect other delicate plants with plant protectors (those wooden tee pees…)​
  • Apply Wilt-Pruf to plants, shrubs, trees and flowers to provide added strength and protection for harsh winter conditions.​
  • Clean your gutter and have your chimney cleaned by a professional!​
  • Set up a heat trace on roof areas that are prone to ice build-up​
  • Mark the location of your propane tank (if underground) with a tall rod so it can be found in deep snow conditions​
  • Finalize your snow removal contracts or make sure your snow blower is serviced​

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Colors in Fall…Colors in Design

Written by Karen Redick on . Posted in Blog.

Fall is all about color. It is almost as if we forget about color for 3 seasons and then in fall we realize how magnificent the world around us really is and it is all due to the changing colors of the trees.

Color is also a quick and easy way to freshen up a space, even on the exterior of your home. A simple change to the accent color or stain on the front door, garage door or even just the shutters can have a significant impact on the curb appeal of your house. It is a similar effect to having an asphalt driveway re-sealed; it deepens the color and draws the eye right to it. But perhaps the easiest way to revitalize the exterior in fall is by planting mums or creating a seasonal display with corn stalks and pumpkins.

If you are contemplating a larger more permanent improvement project such an addition or replacing hardscape materials, please, please, please remember that color (and texture) should still adhere to the Rule of Three in design. The rule asserts that information and objects that appear in threes are more appealing, memorable, and effective than other numbers of objects. It is no coincidence that Color Theory is also based on a three-part color wheel that guides us to visual harmony; too few colors is boring but too many colors is chaotic and messy. And since home improvement projects are more often than not done piece-meal and over time, it is important to take a step back and look at the whole to ensure that the full scope of work is synchronized.

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The Dog Days of Summer

Written by Karen Redick on . Posted in Blog.

Many breeds of dogs LOVE to swim.  A quick jump in the lake or stream to retrieve a stick will certainly cool them down in this heat.  But what about in the backyard pool? Can the family dog enjoy a quick dip in pool with you?  Yes, they can, but with some considerations.

First, make sure your dog is introduced to the pool and knows how to get in and out safely.  As with children, never leave them unattended in the water.  You will also need to pay more attention to the chlorine and pH levels and sanitize the pool more often because the dogs will bring more dirt, fecal matter, insects, body oils, etc. to the pool.  And all that dog hair has to go somewhere! You will need to skim the water more but the hair and lint pot (part of most pumps) and/or the filter (sand, DE, or cartridge) will end up with the majority of the lost hair. Dog fur will get caught in the pool equipment and may result in  more frequent service or replacement of parts.  And when the dogs are done you should rinse them thoroughly since their skin and eyes are just as sensitive, if not more, to the drying effects of chlorine.

So enjoy the warm weather while we have it and spoil your pets!

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Pools, Patios and Decks, OH MY!

Written by Karen Redick on . Posted in Blog.

June is here and it feels like we are finally getting some good weather!  It is time to get outside and start enjoying your outdoor spaces.

The lawn should be fertilized, the veggies should be planted… so get in the pool!  Crank open the BBQ and get cooking!

Usually this is also the time when you start to look around and realize what works in your space and what does not work.  Sometimes it is just cosmetic and you just need to do some powerwashing and add some colorful plants.  Other times, you realize the space does not function well enough for your needs or you simply want to make improvements.  Maybe with the kids being out of school you realize that having a fence to keep them enclosed is now a good idea or that you really need to do some re-grading and get a larger level area of lawn for play space. Or maybe you realize that you hate spending time outside because you have no shaded space; you need to create shade by building a wooden overhead or possibly some well-placed trees would do the trick.

The possibilities are really endless.  Every family has different needs, different property and different budgets! Let Redbud help you get the best beauty and function for your space and that will meet your budget.  Just as the old saying goes “work smarter, not harder”  we believe that you should “spend smarter, your money goes farther.”

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Spring Equinox is Less Than a Month Away!

Written by Karen Redick on . Posted in Blog.

Yes, that’s right. Spring is coming! and soon…It is hard to wrap your mind around that when you look outside and all you see is snow.

But a nice thick layer of snow is actually very good for some plants; it insulates plants, acting as a protective blanket from the continual freeze and thaw during winter.  In Taylor’s Encyclopedia of Gardening, snow is called “the poor man’s fertilizer.”  As it falls through the atmosphere, nitrogen and sulfur attach to the flakes.  When the snow melts, these elements are released into the soil and absorbed by plants.  Nitrogen is essential to plant growth.  Before we know it the daffodils and tulips will be sprouting.  Maybe thoughts like this will help us get through the next polar vortex…

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