Once again, I find myself turning back to the Cape Gazette’s Spring Home & Garden Guide for outstanding ways to update and increase the value of our homes. I am spotlighting two more great subjects: installing outdoor lighting to extend your enjoyment of your home late into the evening, and finding a contractor who can transform your home improvement dreams into reality.
OUTDOOR LIGHTING THAT BRINGS A SPECIAL PERSPECTIVE TO YOUR HOME AND GARDEN
This feature on page 72 of the guide makes several recommendations I hadn’t even thought of, including:
- Layering light to create an interesting sense of depth and accentuate beauty spots. Adding lights to pathways will enhance safety and create attractive pathways to and from your home. Soft and ambient light can set off gathering places like gazebos and patios. Accent lighting and base of trees, garden beds, water features and other special places can have an appealing overall impact on the way your space looks and feels.
- Recognize that different lights create different vibes. If you want to create a warm and welcoming sense to visitors and passers-by, chose fixtures that emanate an amber or yellowish glow as opposed to cool or bluish tones. These tones complement residential materials like wood, brick and stone and are a good alternative to brighter lighting that creates a harsh glare or commercial-like appearance.
- Enhance safety in a subtle and attractive way. Ample lighting can make your home feel more secure, but subtlety will also make it more appealing. Installing motion-sensor lights near entry points like garages and front and back doors will ward off intruders, but they’ll be less obtrusive if they’re angled downward and only activated by motion. And if you’re fortunate enough to be surrounded by tall trees and other natural features, make sure you select features and installation that avoids excessive brightness that alters the nature vibe or interferes with wildlife patterns.
- Consider solar or wired for different reasons. Solar lights are great for your budget and offer flexible installation options because you don’t have to worry about wiring. But they tend to be best for areas where you want subtle illumination at night but are able to count on sufficient sun exposure during the day. Wired systems offer more consistent light and more options for timers and smart controls and a more elaborate scale.
- Plan for different effects during different seasons. If you enjoy a lot of time outside during the spring, summer and early fall, consider how lighting will enhance patios, decks and play spaces like pools or sport courts. During the late fall and winter you might focus more on options that bring a sense of warmth to your outdoor spaces. Many systems that are installed by professionals offer ways to adjust the brightness based on different factors and needs.
TURN TO THIS CHECKLIST WHEN INTERVIEWING HOME IMPROVEMENT PROS
Hiring a contractor for major or even minor renovations and repairs can be a very stressful experience because the stakes for cost overruns, delays or unsatisfactory work are so high. Page 64 of the guide features some very smart advice for smart decision-making.
- Know almost exactly what you want and need. Think carefully about exactly what kind of work you need done, and investigate typical costs in your area so you’re better prepared for your first conversations with potential contractors. You don’t have to have a precise figure in mind, but it’s good to know what you’re apt to spend and what you can afford to spend. It’s also good to have a firm idea of what you want in the design (eg: wood floors vs tile floors, barn doors or pocket doors, French doors or sliding doors) . . . while being open to revisions if you’re speaking with contractors with strong design visions.
- Zero in on factors that will protect your investment. Is the contractor licensed and insured (and can you verify that on your own)? Does he or she have proof of liability and worker’s comp coverage? Does the contractor use subcontractors, and if so are there good references for them? When, exactly, will the project be started and completed?
- Get estimates from different contractors. Count on speaking with at least two or three – and remember the lowest bid isn’t necessarily the best. And make sure the estimates clearly outline differences between labor and materials costs. Also make sure you get a timeline and payment schedule.
- Be cautious with deposits. A request for very large upfront payment could be a red flag because it could signify that a contractor is already facing cost or revenue challenges. It could also jeopardize your finances if the project doesn’t go well and stops mid-stream. Recouping expenditures due to shoddy work is a time-consuming and expensive process that you don’t want to go through, so make sure the payments are tied to a timeline for deliverables.
- Get a written contract! This is tremendously important. While it doesn’t guarantee you’ll be able to recoup money spent on a project that doesn’t go well, it’s a smart step for both you and the contractor. Also, make sure it clearly outlines the scope of work, materials, payment schedule, warranty details, and start and completion dates. Simply put, you can’t count on verbal agreements alone.
- Look out for other red flags, like being pressured to decide on a contractor immediately, contractors who don’t provide references, those who don’t show proof of insurance, those who offer estimates that are far below those of competitors, and contractors who ask for the full payment upfront.
At Active Adults Realty, we believe that a house becomes a home when it’s filled with the people and pastimes you love. Whether you’re illuminating your garden for a twilight gathering or vetting the perfect pro for a kitchen remodel, our goal is to help you navigate these transitions with confidence. We are so incredibly thankful to be a part of this vibrant Delaware community, and it is a true privilege to serve our neighbors as they settle into their next great chapter. If you ever have questions about local resources or your home’s value in today’s market, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re always here to help you live, love, and thrive locally.
💡 LOCAL TIP OF THE WEEK: THE APRIL FERTILIZER RULE
Did you know that April 15th is the "magic date" for Delaware gardeners? While we feed our plants with a granular fertilizer on the 1st of the month, mid-April is the ideal time to follow up with a liquid fertilizer (like Hasta Gro) for your blooming perennials and spring veggies. Everything in Sussex County is in "full growth mode" right now, and this mid-month boost ensures your garden stays vibrant through the summer heat!
Bonus Tip: Mark your calendars! The Historic Lewes Farmers Market officially returns to George H.P. Smith Park on Saturday, May 2nd (8 AM – 12 PM). We can’t wait for those local strawberries! 🍓🌷