Consumer E-Newsletter - 07/26/2007 (Plain Text Version)

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In this issue:
First Home Purchase 101: The Financial Preparation Basics
It’s Gettin’ Hot in Here! Tips for Keeping Cool This Summer
Top Ways to Add Value to Your Home
New Hotline Helps Prevent Home Foreclosure
When the Family Is Away, Make Sure the Burglars Don’t Play
NAHB to Launch National Green Building Program
How Long Will It Last? From Roof to Paint, The Life Expectancy of Your Home’s Components
Keep Safe With Smoke Alarms
It Pays to Go Green When Remodeling
Photo Gallery: Outdoor Spaces
In My Opinion: Fair Housing for Housing Affordability
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Photo Gallery: Outdoor Spaces

The summer months are finally here and the great outdoor beckons. Here's a look at the best of outdoor spaces — an ingenious place that allows you to enjoy the best of the indoors in the beauty of the outdoors. In our next issue — mark your calendars — in September, we'll be looking at the "hot" room in the house — the kitchen!

To submit your home's kitchen space for consideration, e-mail nclark@nahb.com and include the subject line "Photo Gallery: Kitchens."

This outdoor kitchen and entertaining space, as seen in the 2006 New American Home in Orlando, Fla., was built by Hannigan Homes. Inc. The space is designed to flow into the interior when walls of doors slide into hidden pockets, and features retractable screens.

photo by James F. Wilson

At the 2007 Renewed American Home in overlooking Lake Eola in downtown Orlando, remodelers PSG Construction, Inc. added this outdoor area next to garage/mother-in-law suite to increase living space.

photo by James F. Wilson

In Monte Hewett Homes’ new development in metro Atlanta, West Village, patios feature fireplaces, a growing trend in outdoor living spaces.

For those looking for creative ideas, the following images from the Backyard Idea Book by Lee Ann White (Taunton Press, 2004) show just how different and unique outdoor living can be. Here is a homeowner who has taken advantage of their water views with a lush garden wonderland.

photo by Steve Silk, Taunton Press

Another space shows a how dining outdoors can be an elegant experience sans picnic box and a blanket.

photo by Anne Gummerson

Even small spaces can become retreats when designed appropriately. Plants and flowers add to this courtyard's serenity.

photo by Lee Ann White

Personal touches such as sculptures and a porch swing transforms this patio into an unique and artful gathering area.

photo by Dency Kane