New Life

Avoid These 5 DIY Mistakes Like The Plague

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 20:32:00 GMT

You have a nice home. You want to make it even nicer. Right?

So you decide to start down the road of DIY home improvement so you can add that deck, remodel that kitchen, or add that closet you always wanted while saving a “boatload” of money on professional labor.

Hey we get it … DIY sounds great (in theory).

But trust us, it can become a real disaster very quickly if you aren’t careful. So read these 6 common mistakes many DIYers make and then avoid them at all costs.

Mistake #1: Not getting a permit

Yes, permits are a pain in the neck and often seem just like a way for the local government to pick your pocket. But permits are important.

First, if you don’t get a permit you are breaking the law. Consequently, if you build something like a deck without a permit the construction office could fine you, make you tear it down, or rebuild it following the specs they require.

Second, permits are mainly about safety. By enforcing local construction standards, permits give you the best chance to avoid fire, structural failure or injury. If you decide to move, the permit process also protects future owners.

Mistake #2: Cheaping out on materials

How much a difference does it really make if you use composite decking boards that are .82 inches thick as opposed to boards that are .94 inches thick? After all, you can save 20% on your costs and we really are only talking about a .12” difference.

Well the answer is it may make little or no difference. It could also mean a world of difference when those thinner boards bow like crazy because your joists are 16” apart instead of 12”.

There is nothing wrong with trying to save some money on materials if it makes no real difference in the finished product and longevity. But if you don’t consider all the possibilities and fully understand what your application requires, bargain hunting can cause real problems (especially in the long-term).

Mistake #3: Getting the wrong materials

This one is similar to the previous mistake in that it happens as a result of not fully understanding what your application requires.

Caulk, drywall, anchors, fasteners, and even paint all are made for certain applications and using the wrong materials for the wrong project can become a DIYer’s worst nightmare.

Do your research. Figure out exactly what you need and get the right stuff the first time.

Mistake #4: Safety

This mistake doesn’t necessarily affect the quality of your work. But failure to observe proper safety precautions could land you in the hospital, or even the morgue.

Please make sure you are always being safe when you are doing work around the house.

Turn off breakers.
Wear safety goggles.
Don’t remove saw guards because they get in the way.
Don’t stand on the top of the ladder just because you can.

Don’t try to do 2 person jobs with 1 person and some real ingenuity.

Be safe. Your welfare is way more important than your home’s beauty.

Mistake #5: Poor budgeting

This is one may hurt the worst because you went the DIY route to save money in the first place. But there is a reason contractor’s take time to estimate carefully … because they don’t want to get sunk on overages.

Many homeowners just have no clue when it comes to some of the hidden expenses that accompany many home improvements. They estimate light then run into a world of financial hurt only to leave their projects half done until they can replenish their bank accounts.

Do the research.
Budget conservatively.

And plan for some extra expense by having the money available if it happens.

Listen, there is nothing wrong with a little DIY when it’s appropriate. But don’t get buried by these types of costly mistakes in your efforts to stay frugal.

Also, before you decide to go the DIY route get some professional estimates.

Yes, the cost will be higher but often it’s not the type of marked difference you imagine in your head. Also, professionals will be able to alert you to all the considerations you may have missed and most importantly, they will do it right and save you a ton of time and sweat.

Call the experts at New Life if you are considering a home improvement. New Life only uses the best materials and has all the knowledge and experience necessary to deliver a finished product that exceeds your expectations while staying within your budgetary concerns.

The post Avoid These 5 DIY Mistakes Like The Plague appeared first on New Life .

Want Greener Grass When It’s Hot As Hell? Do These 3 Things Less.

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 20:17:00 GMT

Anyone who owns a home in New Jersey knows all too well the struggles that come with lawn care during the hot summer months. 3 months of Jersey heat and humidity can ravage what used to be a beautiful carpet of green grass.

So what can you do to maintain greener grass? How do you avoid seeing all that care and work you did in the fall and spring months go down the tubes when heat and humidity skyrocket?

For some, the answer seems obvious … irrigation (A.K.A. and underground sprinkler system). But what about the people out there that either can’t do it or can’t afford it?

Well, while there is no guarantee that your grass will stay green no matter what … we can tell you that if you do these 3 things LESS you will give your grass a fighting chance against that Jersey heat and humidity.

1. Water less.

There are many people out there who mistakenly think that if they keep running their sprinklers and hoses throughout the day they will help fight off the heat stress their grass is experiencing.

Unfortunately that’s just not true. When it comes to watering your lawn, quality is better than quantity.

First of all, the best time to water your grass is in the morning. If you run your sprinklers during the heat of the day most of the water will get lost to evaporation. And if you wait to do your watering at night, the excess moisture will just sit there increasing the risk of fungus.

Second of all, while 90+ degree days may merit daily watering, you don’t want to favor frequency over duration. If you want to grow grass that can endure the hot Jersey summer then you need to water longer, not more often. This will force your grass to go deeper for its water source resulting in a stronger and deeper root system that can endure drought conditions.

Only water when your grass needs it. If the ground isn’t dry you don’t need to run your sprinklers. Disease thrives in wet soil. Realize that lawns need only one-inch of water per week, including rainfall. However, if the heat is excessive soil can dry out in an under an hour so keep a close eye on your grass during heat waves.

2. Fertilize less.

Yes, greener grass requires fertilizer. But when grass is already stressed by heat, an application of fertilizer will send it over the edge. Fertilizer stimulates growth that saps your lawn’s energy and increases stress.

Save your fertilizer for when it’s much cooler.

3. Cut less.

We all love that crisp golf course looking bright green lawn, but when it’s really hot your grass needs some length. Longer grass results in stronger roots and greater stress tolerance. However, cutting your grass too short will sap its ability to produce energy for growth.

Of course every lawn is different. Different types of grass and shade conditions will greatly affect what you need to do, or not do, to give your grass the best chance at maintaining it’s green color and vitality.

The best thing you can do is have a professional take a look at your lawn and recommend a maintenance program tailored to your lawn’s needs. New Life has been helping property owners for over 10 years with their lawn care and maintenance.

Give the experts at New Life a call and let them create a custom plan for you.

The post Want Greener Grass When It’s Hot As Hell? Do These 3 Things Less. appeared first on New Life .

5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Building a Deck

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 19:47:00 GMT

Homeowners love a beautiful outdoor space. When form and function comes together in a perfect harmonious balance the results can be breathtaking. But amazing outdoor spaces cost money. The more elaborate, the more dollars needed to pull it off.

This is one of the primary reasons many homeowners turn into weekend warrior do-it-yourselfers. Saving money on expensive labor leaves funds available for larger plans and better materials. Makes great sense, but unfortunately, DIY projects can be plagued with a host of unforeseen problems

We don’t want that to happen to you. So we want to share with you 5 common mistakes people make when building a deck. Avoid these prime DIY pitfalls and you’ll be enjoying your new outdoor paradise sooner than you think.

1. Poor planning.

Building a deck takes a lot of planning. It requires more than screws, some wood beams, and a few deck boards.

Failure to plan properly can lead to poor construction, budget killing surprise expenses, and code violations.

Before you head to the local home improvement store and load up your pickup, take the time to plan.

Get your design specs in order. Build out your supply list and leave some wiggle room for unexpected costs. Finally, talk to your local construction office and find out what’s required by code, what permits are needed, and what (if any) limitations you are subject to.

2. Improper footers

Every structure is only as good as its foundation. One of the worst, and sometimes costly, mistakes a homeowner can make is building a deck on the wrong footers or footers that are not dug deep enough.

Don’t half-ass it.

Find out what’s required by code. Figure out what’s best for your application, soil type, and property grade. Nail your foundation then move on to the rest of your project.

3. Wrong materials.

Pressure treated lumber, composite decking, vinyl … the choices are numerous. There is no one size fits all when it comes to building a deck. For example, if you aren’t planning on staying in your house for more than 5 years then composite decking might not be the way to go.

Also, if you do go composite but live in a very shady neighborhood then you could be regretting things if you buy a light grey, low-grade product that produces a harvest of mold for you to contend with every year.

Do your research. Compare all your choices and weigh the pros and cons of each. Make sure you have exactly what you want before you start screwing in your first deck board.

4. Improperly installed ledger boards

Some estimate that as high as 90% of deck collapses (something you clearly want to avoid) occur because of deck separation from the house. This is primarily due to poor installation of the ledger board.

Trust us, all the screws in the world won’t make up for some good old-fashioned galvanized lag screws. It’s imperative that you use the correct hardware when attaching your ledger board … and don’t skimp on the flashing either.

5. Not following manufacturers’ instructions

Yes, we know … sounds a bit cliché, but it’s an absolute necessity that you follow the manufacturers’ instruction when you build your awesome deck.

For example, if you buy a lower grade, low-cost composite decking then make sure you find out what the maximum span of your floor joists should be to avoid sagging of your deck boards. 16” on center might work for a hardy pressure treated plank, but it’s not going to “cut it” for many composite decking manufacturers.

DIY is not a bad option for homeowners looking to maximize their return on investment. But if you make any of these critical mistakes (and these are just 5 of many) then you could be setting yourself up for a world-class nightmare.

New Life has been building quality decks for homeowners for over 10 years. We have the expertise to ensure that your deck is built the way it needs to be so you can enjoy it for many years to come.

Yes, hiring a professional contractor is going to cost you some more money than trying to knock it out yourself. But you might be surprised how affordable hiring a professional like New Life can actually be.

Call New Life today and get a professional quote on your decking project. You might decide to go the DIY route anyway but at least this way you’ll know your options.

The post 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Building a Deck appeared first on New Life .

5 Vital Do’s and Don’ts for Trimming Your Bushes

Fri, 16 Aug 2024 19:19:00 GMT

If you own a commercial property or home you probably have started thinking about trimming the bushes in your yard. After all, the weather is starting to get warmer and no one wants an unsightly overgrown shrub taking over their landscaping situation.

But if that’s you, be warned … trimming bushes is more than just picking up some shears and cutting off branches indiscriminately

If you want to do things right and not make your landscaping situation worse you need to know some things. Things that will benefit your yard and home’s curb appeal.

Here are just 5 do’s and don’ts that you should be aware of before you begin to machete your way through that suburban jungle of yours:

1. DON’T prune more than 1/3 of any plant at any time.

Hey, we can’t blame you. You get a trimmer or set of shears in your hands and who doesn’t want to go a little crazy with them? But, if you do it will shock your plant and/or bush.

If that happens your prized plant may not bounce back … EVER!

We know it will take restraint but keep the cutting down to a minimum.

2. DON’T prune flowering shrubs or trees in mid or late fall.

Trimming and pruning in the fall may seem to make sense but it is that time of year when flowering plants start budding for next season. Colder weather is on its way so when plants get ready to go into hibernation you don’t want to disturb that delicate process

3. DO prune dead or diseased branches off of any tree or shrub as soon as possible.

News flash … disease is bad for your plants and trees. If you see something that’s not right cut it off before it spreads.

If it’s dead cut it off too! Whatever killed that branch may be ready to spread to the healthy ones. Also, by trimming dead branches you will help your plant or tree conserve needed energy for new growth.

4. DO trim in the late winter when trees and shrubs are fully dormant.

Late winter is one of the best times to trim most non flowering plants ( with some exceptions – see our next DO ).

5. DO Trim flowering shrubs, bushes and trees shortly after they are done flowering.

Trimming these type of plants at this time of year will help ensure that you don’t take off next years flowers. No one wants a flowering bush that doesn’t flower!

Trim off the old flowers as early as you can so next year you are assured of some great new growth and beauty. ( Side note: Most plants flower in spring however, some flower in mid to late summer )

If you abide by these Do’s and Don’ts when trimming bushes and trees in your yard you will help improve the beauty of your property while strengthening the health of your plants.

Of course, there are many more Do’s and Don’ts than these 5 so the best thing may be to hire a trained professional like New Life who will keep a watchful eye on your landscaping needs year-round.

Get a FREE estimate from New Life today. You’ll be happy you did!

The post 5 Vital Do’s and Don’ts for Trimming Your Bushes appeared first on New Life .

6 Questions You Should Ask A Potential Landscaper

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 18:38:00 GMT

As we approach spring, if you are a property owner, it has probably crossed your mind that now is the time to start turning your attention to your yard and landscaping situation. Maybe you are a “do-it-yourselfer” and you are starting to hit your local garden center every weekend looking for the right plants and shrubs to enhance your outdoor space. You’ve started tuning up the ride-on mower and blowing the dust off your shovels and rakes as you get ready to take on the suburban jungle that lies outside your front door.

Or maybe you are like many of us and you rather spend your time playing with your kids and doing things that you actually enjoy, so have started looking at potential landscapers to take care of all that outdoor work for you.

Well if you find yourself in this second group then it is important you know what questions you should be asking a potential landscaper. Questions that will help you separate the capable professionals from the kids who “borrowed” their dad’s lawnmower and are just trying to make a few bucks to buy beer this weekend.

Trust us, if you ask these potential landscapers these 6 questions you will go a long way towards ensuring you get the right company for the job.

1. What is your experience?

Listen, anyone can go to a garden center and pick out beautiful flowers and plants BUT a professional landscape designer with the proper education and experience will be able to recommend and select the right plants for your outdoor space.

Plants and flowers that will:

– Grow to the right size for the chosen planting area
– Provide color in all 4 seasons not just summer or spring
– Offer a variety of textures that will make your landscape explode
– Thrive in your lighting and soil conditions

At New Life we understand that one size doesn’t fit all. Each project has different requirements. Don’t choose someone who lacks the experience to offer you this type of tailored service.

2. Plan of Action

Since you are investing so much money into your landscape make sure your landscaper has a plan of action. Find out how they are going to schedule your job?

Can they provide you with a design or a layout so you are both on the same page when it comes to the design of your space. They should be able to walk the property and then sit down with you to put together the proper plan.

At New Life we have plan for every job. In fact, we offer 3D imaging and overview drawings to walk you through your virtual landscape before we even get started.

Your property is one of your greatest investments. Make sure your landscaper values it the way you do.

3. Material Reliability (cost effective)

If you are thinking of getting a paver patio or deck installed make sure you see pictures of previous work done. Ask lots of questions about the different styles and materials to make sure you are getting the best material for the best price.

A good landscaper should know what materials are good but still cost effective, and should also be able to tell you which materials are banking on a recognized name but not worth the huge price tag that comes along with that fancy name.

At New Life we look at quality but we also look at value. So when we talk to a client we make sure that both considerations are taken into account when it comes to the section of materials.

4. Maintenance Plan

Once the the landscaping and/or construction is done make sure to ask them how to maintain it, or if you don’t have the time, have them offer you a quote to maintain it for you.

One of the worst things you can do is spend money installing a new landscape, creating a backyard getaway an/or or upping your front yard curb appeal just to let it go to waste over the years with no maintenance.

You will run into problems that are more expensive down the road. Best to spend a little at a time to keep it maintained on a regular basis so that you can enjoy your newly designed living space year round.

A good landscaper will be able to guide you in this area and should be concerned enough to do so.

5. What is your warranty if any?

This one is pretty simple. Do they offer a warranty?

At New Life we warranty our work. We want you to feel confident in your investment and even though we are sure you won’t have any issues, we want to make sure there is some protection in place should an unforeseen problem occur.

6. Budget

Make sure you let them know your budget and ask them if they can work within it. It is easy to dream big. But don’t waste your own time or the landscapers time. Make sure you are both on the same page with the right budget.

Landscaping or Hardscaping is expensive and can add up quickly. If your budget is properly managed by your landscaper you should be able to stay within budget and still get what you want (as long as your budget is reasonable).

If your budget is too low for what you want a great landscaper can provide you with a good alternative to either meet your goal in one shot or know how to properly break it up in to a two part job while not leaving the first part looking undone or incomplete.

This will make it easy to save up more money and still add on to reach your ultimate goal.

So go ahead and start planning your outdoor getaway. Just make sure you get the right people for the job. And of course, if you want to make sure you have a landscaper that can answer all of these questions and meet all your expectations then look no further.

Get a FREE estimate from New Life today.

The post 6 Questions You Should Ask A Potential Landscaper appeared first on New Life .

7 Steps That Can Take Your Yard From Blah to TADA

Fri, 02 Aug 2024 18:00:00 GMT

Have you ever experienced jealousy? It’s safe to say we all have at some point.

Jealous about your coworker’s promotion …
Jealous about your uncle’s new sports car (that he’s too old to drive any way) …
Jealous about your neighbor’s beautiful yard that makes yours look pedestrian …

Well, while we can’t help you with your job or your uncle who’s suffering from severe mid to late life crisis, we can help you overcome your landscape envy.

Here’s the thing. Getting your yard from blah to TADA is not as hard as you think. And it doesn’t necessarily mean going into deep debt either.

In fact, transforming your yard from a source of shame to pride is easier than you think.

Here are 7 steps you can take that will help with your property transformation:

1. Add color.

One thing that can absolutely kill your curb appeal is a lack of color. An all green yard might sound good but it doesn’t look so impressive.

Add some color to your flowerbeds and planters. Annuals are not expensive and you can do some real good with a modest budget. Trust us. Drop as little as a hundred dollars on some colorful flowers and plants, spread them throughout your landscaping and see if things don’t pop more.

2. Mix it up.

Just as important as a variety of color is to your yard, so are a variety of plants. If you think the answer to a beautiful yard is buying and planting 5-7 boxwood bushes then you are headed for a yard that screams B-O-R-I-N-G!

Your property needs a variety of plants. Flowers, bushes, planters, and topiaries all should be in the mix.

Variety is key to curb appeal that lasts during the warm months and the cold ones.

Tall bushes, short bushes, annuals, perennials, flowering plants and evergreens all go into the creation of a well balanced and appealing landscape.

3. Provide focal points.

If you ever watched an interior decorating show I’m sure you’ve heard about the importance of focal points. It’s no different with landscaping.

Focal points don’t need to be super-elaborate or expensive. But they should be there. Water features are great additions to any yard and they can be relatively inexpensive and easy to install.

Give your neighbors something to direct their attention to.

4. Shine some light on it.

Why only show off your yard when it’s sunny out? Some of the most impressive landscapes come alive at nighttime because of well placed lighting.

Lighting can be elaborate and expensive. But is also can be scaled back to be adequate and budget friendly. Not to mention, landscape lighting is low voltage so you aren’t going to kill your electric bill while impressing all the neighbors.

Buy some landscaping lighting and accent your flowerbeds and focal points.

5. Add hardscaping.

This one admittedly can get costly. But nothing says you have to spend a fortune to accomplish your goal.

Hardscaping is permanent, low maintenance, and eye catching.

Adding some simple garden walls around your flower beds can really elevate your yard’s beauty and will look 1,000 X’s better than those tired railroad ties and plastic edging.

6. Build it and they will come.

Again, this step may require a little bit of budgeting but why create a beautiful outdoors if you can’t enjoy it and show it off?

If you live in an area when you get warm seasons you should seriously consider investing in the construction of a beautiful outdoor space.

Go simple or elaborate. But do something.

Add a deck or a raised patio. Think about a sweet pergola and some beautiful outdoor furniture.

No one says you have to do it all at once. Start with the basic and then build out from there.

7. Maintain.

The last step should be an obvious one but unfortunately many homeowners drop the ball right here.

Don’t make the mistake of spending your money on a bunch of yard work and construction just to let it go to (you know).

Maintain your yard.

Cut regularly.
Water regularly.
Apply fertilizer and weed killer regularly.
Power wash and seal as needed.

Get it?

A landscape that wows doesn’t start and end at installation. It’s an ongoing investment.

Of course we recognize that this all sounds like a lot of work. Well it is. Something that’s worth having usually requires effort and investment.

If you want that TADA curb appeal but rather not spend endless hours outside working on it call the experts at New Life.

Our professionals can develop a plan for your property that answers all these concerns and stays within your budget (as long as it’s reasonable).

Get that yard you always wanted and start being the one that makes everyone else jealous.

The post 7 Steps That Can Take Your Yard From Blah to TADA appeared first on New Life .

3 Reasons Why Mulch Can Benefit Your Yard

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 17:17:00 GMT

Now that the weather has warmed up many homeowners and property owners are headed out to their local home improvement stores to stock up on fertilizer, flowers, and bags of mulch.

Let’s be honest, there are hundreds of things we can burn our hard earned dollars on in the hopes of improving our landscaping and beautifying our homes. But with so many options the question is, where is our money best spent?

What is going to give us the best bang for our buck?

Of course the answer to that question has a lot to do with your property and your goals. However, something you shouldn’t skimp on is mulch.

Mulch is relatively inexpensive, looks great, and offers many benefits for your yard. Here are just 3:

1. Mulch acts as a thermal blanket.

In the summer temperatures can sore causing heat stress to your plants and shrubs. Mulch, when applied correctly, can help keep soil temperatures down and moisture levels up.

Without mulch the water in your soil evaporates quickly causing the roots of your plants to dry out.

However, under NO circumstances should you over-apply mulch around shrubs or tree trunks. This will hamper proper oxygen exchange and rot the trunks of your trees.

2. Mulch acts as a natural fertilizer.

Yard debris such as leaves, woodchips, and grass when applied at proper amounts can act as a great fertilizing agent. These biodegradables breakdown and aid the growth of your plants by providing important nutrients.

Likewise, wood mulch will break down over time and offer your flowerbeds the same beneficial fertilizing effect.

3. Mulch prevents weed growth.

No one likes pulling weeds. But if you want to enjoy a beautiful and manicured landscape then you will need to contend with them.

If weeds are pulled prior to mulching, you can help deter new weed growth and cut down on your labor time in the yard.

Besides these three benefits, mulch will give your flowerbeds a nice clean look.

But all mulch is not created equal and you need to apply it in the proper areas at the correct depth. Failure to mulch properly can actually cause you more problems than if you don’t mulch at all.

The experts at New Life can evaluate your property and make sure that you are using the best materials and mulching correctly. Get a FREE estimate from New Life today. You’ll be happy you did!

The post 3 Reasons Why Mulch Can Benefit Your Yard appeared first on New Life .

6 Steps To Winterizing Your Yard

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 16:45:00 GMT

Task #1: Fertilize

Task #2: Aerate

Task #3: Apply cool weather grass seed

Task #4: Dethatch the lawn

Task #5: Clean out and mulch your beds

Task #6: Winterize your trees

Don’t let the term “winterize” get you too worried. Winterizing trees are very simple and usually, just involves watering them properly in the fall. This reduces the risk of winter damage that often stems from a tree’s inability to draw water from the frozen earth.

Trust us , while it may be tempting to sit back and relax now that the weather has gotten a little bit cooler, fall is the time to get outside and prep your lawns and flower beds for a better and bolder spring growth.

Of course, this all requires a bit of work and things like fertilization need a fair amount of research and care. Do yourself a favor and call the experts at New Life for a no obligation winterization quote. You’ll most likely be pleasantly surprised at the affordability of our services and that way you’ll know for sure that everything gets done right.

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