Waukesha County Home

243638009 HOMES PLUS JULY 2015 6 MUSKEGO — With many families watch- ing their spending, opting for "staycations" instead of extravagant getaways has become a frequent compromise. A stayca- tion is a vacation from work for relaxation and leisure activities at home. A wide range of upgrades, additions, and remodeling projects for the home's exterior can be done to create the ideal atmosphere for vacationing at home, according to repre- sentatives of Callen Construction, Inc. "Entertainment and relaxation doesn't have to mean taking a trip away from home," said Christopher Wittmann, an exte- rior product specialist for Callen. "Design- ing outdoor spaces does take planning, but these suggestions can help turn your back- yard into a staycation destination." Wittmann said the first step is to think of exterior space like the inside of your home. "What are you trying to accomplish? Do you want space for cooking and entertain- ing? Do you want seating and recreation areas? Once you have an idea of what you want to achieve, you can move forward on developing the space," he said. Deck Homeowners can make the deck a desti- nation by defining different activity zones within the space. "For example, a pergola featuring vines and an abundance of plants in containers bring the surrounding garden up onto the deck and help blend the struc- ture into the landscape," Wittmann said. "Another option is adding a hot tub or spa for long, relaxing soaks. To determine the best location for the spa, consider access to the house, privacy, and whether you want the tub in sunshine or shade." A typical round hot tub is 6 feet in diameter, requir- ing 30 square feet of space, while a rectan- gular tub requires about 48 square feet. Additional space is needed for sitting and walking around the tub. "Keep in mind that a hot tub full of water may weigh up to 2 tons, so it will need a foundation separate of the deck's foundation," Wittmann said. Patio The patio has become an extension of the home and, with planning, the space can be a restful seasonal room. "Patios are usually surfaced with brick or stone," Wittmann said. "If concrete is used, I suggest adding texture and color to imitate stone for a more natural look. It is also best to pattern the space after the home's archi- tecture. Outdoor kitchen If you are a regular griller throughout the year, eating outdoors as weather permits, an outdoor kitchen is often an excellent addition to a home. "You don't need a fancy grill, but a coun- tertop for preparing food, along with closed storage and a separate side burner will improve the outdoor cooking experience," he said. "Also consider adding a small refrigerator and sink to make preparation and cleanup even easier." Making your home an inviting staycation destination StatePoint An inviting, multi-use outdoor deck is a frequent option for staycationers. It can be enjoyed into Wisconsin's falls. See Staycation/Page 7

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