Boost Your Home’s IQ With Smart Devices
larry • January 25, 2018
Boost Your Home’s IQ With Smart Devices
You’ve probably been hearing the phrase “smart home” quite a lot lately. The Internet
of Things is rapidly expanding into everything from thermostats to toasters. And it’s not all frivolous, some of these are genuinely useful, like getting an alert on your phone when the washer or dryer are done so you can remember to switch them out.
Since it’s winter, and exterior home improvements are probably out of the question,
why not take a look around the house and see where you can add some smart home conveniences? Ok, so maybe you don’t need a new washer or dryer right now, but you can add the conveniences of smart home devices in lots of ways. Here are just a few of the best
devices that popped up in the last year:
Amazon Echo Show ($229):
This is the perfect kitchen smart device. Having your cookbooks and cooking videos up on the screen, or asking Alexa to set a timer or read the next part of the recipe to you because your hands have more egg-and-breadcrumb-coating than the chicken makes cooking
easier to manage. It also integrates with things like wifi baby monitors, smart thermostats, front door cameras, and much more, which extends its capabilities.
Nest Thermostat E ($169):The
thermostat that kicked off the smart home industry is still one of the best in the game. In addition to programmable schedules and the ability to modify your home’s temp from your smartphone from anywhere, it also learns heating and cooling patterns in your
home to further optimize for efficiency. The Nest app also comes with some handy features like energy usage history and tips on improving your energy use.
Smart Plugs ($50 - $150):
There are a variety of wifi connected smart plugs on the market that allow you to control the power to anything plugged into them from your phone or a remote. These are especially handy in older homes where retrofitting switches or lighting can be a major
job. Many of these smart plugs can also be scheduled so that your lights automatically turn on and off at specific times, which is handy when you’re away from home for extended periods of time.
The home of the future is available today and improving fast. Start integrating
these little conveniences, and pretty soon you’ll wonder how you ever went without them!
As we move into the new year, now is the perfect time to plan your dream outdoor space. Madison Deck Builders, the premier deck building company in Madison and Dane County, is offering a limited-time opportunity to lock in 2024 prices on all decks booked through the end of January. Whether you’re envisioning a cozy space for family gatherings or a stylish deck to entertain guests, booking your project early will save you money and ensure your spot for the upcoming busy season.
Summer is the ideal time to transform your deck into the ultimate space for entertaining. At Madison Deck Builders , we understand the importance of creating a welcoming, functional, and stylish outdoor area that can host anything from intimate family gatherings to lively summer parties. Here are some ideas and inspiration to help you design the perfect deck for entertaining. 1. Incorporate Comfortable Seating Comfortable seating is essential for any entertaining space. Consider a mix of seating options, such as cushioned chairs, benches, and even hammocks. Built-in seating along the perimeter of your deck can maximize space and provide plenty of room for guests to relax. 2. Add a Dining Area A dedicated dining area is a must for outdoor gatherings. Opt for a large dining table that can accommodate your typical guest count. For a more casual vibe, consider high-top tables or a picnic table setup. Ensure there's enough space for everyone to dine comfortably. 3. Outdoor Kitchen and Grill Station An outdoor kitchen or grill station makes hosting barbecues a breeze. Equip your deck with a quality grill, a prep counter, and storage for cooking utensils and supplies. A built-in bar area can also be a fantastic addition for serving drinks and snacks. 4. Incorporate Shade and Weather Protection To keep your guests comfortable during sunny days, incorporate shade elements like pergolas, umbrellas, or retractable awnings. These additions can also provide some protection from unexpected summer showers, ensuring your party isn't interrupted. 5. Lighting for Ambiance Proper lighting extends the usability of your deck into the evening hours. String lights, lanterns, and solar-powered deck lights can create a warm and inviting ambiance. For added safety, make sure stairs and pathways are well-lit. 6. Entertainment Features Enhance your deck with features that keep guests entertained. A built-in sound system can provide background music, while a mounted outdoor TV is perfect for watching sports or movies. Consider a fire pit or a fireplace for cooler evenings. 7. Greenery and Décor Plants and decorative elements add a personal touch to your deck. Potted plants, hanging baskets, and vertical gardens can bring color and life to the space. Use outdoor rugs, cushions, and throw pillows to add texture and comfort. Creating the perfect deck for entertaining is all about balancing functionality with style. At Madison Deck Builders , we specialize in custom deck designs that cater to your unique needs and preferences. Contact us today to start planning your dream outdoor living space.
Easter Sunday occurs this year on April 12th. If you are one of many families that celebrate by giving Easter Baskets to children, you may be working on them now. Smaller kids are easy, as they tend to get excited about any little snack or trinket that is offered to them. However, if you have an older child or teen that you give an Easter basket to, you may be struggling with ideas. Older children typically don’t have much use for stuffed animals, bubbles, or Play-Doh. So, what can you get them without going overboard? 1. Hat Basket – One popular idea is a hat basket. Find a baseball style hat that they would like (a favorite sports team, a funny saying, or something else they like), turn it upside-down and fill it with their favorite treats. The hat won’t hold a lot, so no need to get much. Just a couple favorite snacks, maybe a small gift card and call it good. Simple and useful. Some hats will work better than others so double check that you will be able to put what you need into it before purchasing. 2. Shower/Pamper Basket - If your teen or older child isn’t into baseball hats, try a bag of shower goodies. Use a make-up or shower bag as your “basket” and fill it with items they will use. Bath bombs, lotions, shower shoes, and nail files are a few ideas. 3. Starbucks Basket/Cup - Another fun idea for a teen who likes Starbucks is to get them a Starbucks thermos for their “basket” and fill it with a Starbucks gift card and perhaps a small traditional Easter treat. 4. Artist Basket – If you have an artsy teen or child you can make them an art basket. Use a crate lined with fabric or felt (to hold the supplies in it) and fill it with a few art items. Try blank canvases, paints, brushes, molding clay, felt, decorative cutting scissors, or whatever their art preferences are. 5. College basket – For a teen leaving for college you can create a basket with college essentials. For a few ideas you can use headphones/ear buds, a daily planner, USB flash drives, a reusable water bottle, and don’t forget a gift that displays the logo for the college of their choice (a keychain, hat, or coffee mug would work). 6. Fishing Basket – If you have a child who likes to fish, you can use a tackle box or fishing net for your basket and fill it with Easter treats and fishing gear. Swedish fish gummies, gummy worms, bug spray, sun block, lures, and other fishing gear are a few ideas to get you started. These are just a few ideas for a teen or older child. There are many other ideas to help you out. Pinterest is a good place to check if none of these seem to work for your child. You can always keep it simple and do a traditional basket with Easter treats and throw in a small gift card to their favorite store. Happy Easter!
What is the difference between a pergola and a pagoda? The names sound similar and they have similar functions. However, there are slight differences between the two. As you begin your search for the perfect addition to your outdoor space, you will find that there are many different options.
However you choose to bring in the New Year, we wish you all luck and prosperity in 2020!
- Your deck can act as a second living room or dining area with the added benefit of being able to enjoy the outdoors.
-A deck offers a GREAT return on investment in comparison with other home improvement projects.
-A deck will add aesthetic value to your home
Instead of being like every other house on the block, consider handing out some non-food items to the kids who stop by!
We love spending time out on our decks and patios when the weather is nice. Unfortunately, so do insects. Your idea of a good time outdoors probably doesn’t involve gnats flying up your nose, mosquitoes biting, or flies swarming your food. Here are a few tips to keep some of the most common bugs away.
Deals will begin making their appearance the weekend following the Fourth of July. The Fourth of July marks the last major holiday when grills are widely used. Of course, any grill master knows that there are plenty of good grilling weeks left in the season.
Choose outdoor furniture that is both comfortable and weather-proof. Wicker furniture with waterproof cushions/fabric, is probably your best bet. Stay away from any metal-framed outdoor furniture. Not only can this type of furniture scratch you deck but it can also rust and leave rings where it sits.
