New England Outdoor Blog

How to Assess Your Outdoor Structures for Winter Damage

The snow is finally melting in New England, and that means you can start planning spring projects around your home and yard. However, one of the first items on your seasonal to-do list should be to assess your yard structures—like sheds, gazebos and pergolas—for any winter damage. Not sure where to start? Here’s a quick guide on how to check outdoor structures for winter damage, starting from the ground up. Foundation Just like how freeze-thaw cycles in New England cause potholes, the temperature fluctuations can lead to cracks in a concrete foundation. Even small cracks can lead to serious structural…

Are Sheds Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

Insurance Coverage

A backyard shed can be a great addition to your property—not only are sheds aesthetically attractive, but they’re a practical place to store tools, lawn mowers and other yard essentials. However, when pricey items are stored in a shed, it raises an important question: What if something happens to the structure or its contents? Will they be covered by your home insurance if, for example, a tree falls on your shed? Here’s what you need to know about how sheds fit into your home insurance policy. What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover? When you build an auxiliary structure in your yard,…

Tips for Creating a Trendy Outdoor Kitchen

Outdoor Kitchens

One of the hottest trends in landscape and yard design this year is outdoor kitchens. These al fresco entertaining areas are so convenient, welcoming and functional that it’s a wonder people didn’t fall in love with them sooner! Here’s what you need to know about the outdoor kitchen trend and how you can create your own open-air entertaining space. Outdoor Kitchen Essentials The premise of an outdoor kitchen is to make entertaining easier. If you’re hosting a summer gathering, you’ll constantly be going in and out of the house to get food, beverages, table settings, and more—so why not just…

How to Maintain Your Pergola During a New England Winter

Pergolas

Your pergola may be your go-to hangout spot in the summer, but chances are that it won’t get much use come the winter months. After all, MA, NH, and other New England states usually get a fair amount of snow that will render the area unusable. However, if you want your pergola to be ready to go come spring, it’s important to maintain it properly during the winter. The following are a few key steps you should take to winterize your structure. Wash Your Pergola Pick a nice fall day and thoroughly wash your pergola to get all the dirt,…

How to Use and Maintain Sheds in New England

Storage Sheds

Sheds are an important part of homes all around the country, but they play a special role in New England states like MA, NH, RI, and VT. In the Northeast, the changing seasons and often harsh winters make a quality storage shed a must-have for many homeowners. If you invest in a shed for your property, it’s essential that you make the most of it and take the right steps to maintain it. Here are some seasonal tips on how New England homeowners can get the most out of their investments. Spring In the spring, your shed is sure to…

The Family Business: New England Outdoor

Do I Need a Permit to Build a Shed?

Storage Sheds

A high-quality shed makes a great addition to any home—not only will it look awesome in your yard, but it’s the perfect spot to store your summer grilling supplies, fall landscaping tools, winter snow gear, and more. However, before you start construction, it’s essential to figure out if you need a permit to build a shed and, if so, to obtain the proper documents. Read on to educate yourself on the factors that dictate whether a shed requires a building permit. Permits on a Town-By-Town Basis The most important thing to understand about shed permits is that the requirements are…

5 Easy Gazebo Decorations for Autumn in New England

Gazebos

Autumn in New England is simply gorgeous with its brightly colored leaves and crisp breezes. If you’re anything like us, you’ll want to spend as much time as possible enjoying the season, and there’s no better place to do that than in your backyard gazebo. If you live in MA, NH, or another northeast state, use one of these quick and easy gazebo decorating ideas to create the perfect autumn haven for your family. 1. Fall Garlands Garlands are perfect for decorating the posts of your gazebo. Head over to your local craft store and pick up some autumn-themed runners…

What’s the Difference Between a Pergola and a Gazebo?

Gazebos, Pergolas

If you live in New England, chances are you relish spending summer weekends outside, enjoying the weather your family and friends. However, it can get hot out there in the sun, so you may be thinking about installing a backyard structure to provide shade during your gatherings. This begs the question, though: Should you install a gazebo? Or a pergola? If you’re wondering about the difference between pergolas and gazebos, here’s what you need to know about these two structures and some tips on picking the right one for you. What Is a Gazebo? Gazebos are outdoor structures that are…

Where Should My Shed Go?

Storage Sheds

Investing in a new shed can be a great idea. Sheds give your home extra storage, functionality and can look great in your yard. But for use and style, it’s important that you place your new shed in the optimal location. Follow these tips so that you’ll know where to put your new shed so that it works for your yard. Think About Function First Are you planning to build a garden shed? Are your using it for a ride on mower? Are you storing snowmobiles or other tools? Place your shed closest to where you’ll want it when you’re…

6 Ways to Use a Pavilion on Your Property

Pavilions

Installing a pavilion near your home can help improve your property. Not only do these beautiful and simple structures add aesthetic appeal to your yard, they can also add function and versatility. If you’re looking to get more use of your yard, whether you have 1 acre or 100, a pavilion can be the right answer. Check out six ways that a pavilion can upgrade your property and give you a fun, useful new space. 1. Create a Barbecue Shelter with Your Pavilion Many homeowners love to grill or barbecue outside. From summer burgers and hot dogs to early autumn…

New England Outdoor Blog

How to Assess Your Outdoor Structures for Winter Damage

Are Sheds Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

Tips for Creating a Trendy Outdoor Kitchen

How to Maintain Your Pergola During a New England Winter

How to Use and Maintain Sheds in New England

Do I Need a Permit to Build a Shed?

5 Easy Gazebo Decorations for Autumn in New England

What’s the Difference Between a Pergola and a Gazebo?

Where Should My Shed Go?

6 Ways to Use a Pavilion on Your Property

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