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a craftsperson’s work
and verify references
from each contractor
before hiring anyone
to work on the
property.
Homeowners
who want to include
traditional hardware
and other period
details in their homes
may be able to find
quality replicas
of historic milling
materials, while others
may want to scour
antique shops or
salvage yards for eraappropriate materials.
Historic renovations
can be costly and have
a tendency to go over
budget because of
unforseen damage
and hazards that have
to be repaired so the
building is up to code.
Going into the project
with this in mind can
help soften the blow
of extra costs down
the road.
Historic homes
can be beautiful and
appeal to buyers who
appreciate the one-ofa-kind nature of older
properties. Renovating
historic homes may
take time and money,
but the results may be
well worth the effort.
v MetroCreative
Connection
The Do’s
and Don’ts
of Backyard Fire Pits
Once a rarity, fire pits have grown
increasingly popular in recent years,
as more and more homeowners turn
their homes into private oases. Fire
pits run the gamut from the very
simple to the more elaborate, and the
fire pits homeowners choose often
depend on the space they have available as well as their budgets.
But even homeowners without
any space or budget constraints
should give careful consideration to
which fire pit they ultimately install,
especially if they plan to make that
installation themselves.
The following are some do’s and
dont’s of fire pits for those homeowners about to add this relaxing and
popular accessory to their backyards.
Starting early could result in fines if it
turns out you aren’t allowed to have a
fire pit. But you may also begin building a bigger fire pit than the local
government allows, and that could
be money down the drain later. Wait
until you get official word before you
proceed with the project.
DO confirm you can legally
build a fire pit in your yard.
DON’T build near
flammable structures.
Fire pits have become so commonplace that homeowners may think
there are no regulations governing
their construction. However, it’s still
best to confirm with your local government planning or zoning offices
if you can build a fire pit and if any
restrictions apply.
DON’T proceed with the project
until you have been granted
official approval.
Assuming you have the go-ahead
to build a fire pit is not the same thing
as knowing you have been approved.
DO build on flat ground.
The fire pit should be built on flat
ground to reduce risk of accident
and/or injury. A fire pit built on flat
ground also means everyone can
enjoy it comfortably and equally once
the project is finished. If the ground
around the pit is not flat, some people
may be forced to sit crooked or lean
forward just to enjoy the pit.
Build the fire pit far enough away
from existing structures, such as your
home, garage or shed, so flickering
flames do not catch some wind and
lead to disaster. Before building in a
given spot, monitor the wind patterns
for a few days by sitting in a lawn
chair at the spot you ultimately want
the fire pit to be. If you notice the
wind is blowing toward your house,
you will want to choose another area
for the pit so smoke from the fire will
not be blowing into your home every
night.
DO choose the right size.
The size of your fire pit will depend
on the space you have available,
but even if you have a vast swath of
space, keep in mind that professional
contractors typically recommend
building a fire pit no bigger than 44
inches wide. Anything larger can be
unsightly and may not appeal to prospective buyers down the road. In addition, an especially large fire pit may
result in potentially unruly flames that
can present a fire hazard.
DON’T go at it alone if your
DIY skills are suspect
Installing a fire pit is a relatively
inexpensive DIY job, but that does not
mean anyone can do it. Ground needs
to be excavated and the slope of the
yard must be measured so the fire
pit is safe and functional for years to
come. If your DIY skills are not up to
snuff, hire a professional contractor so
your backyard oasis does not become
a costly headache.
A fire pit can turn a boring backyard
into a relaxing retreat. But homeowners must adhere to the do’s and dont’s
of fire pits to ensure their retreat is
something they can enjoy for years
to come.
v MetroCreative Connection
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TODAY’S HOME - Spring 2015 • 19