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For those living in the northern states of the United States, as difficult as it may be in these bitter cold winter days, there’s promise of brighter and warmer days not so far ahead. So, it’s never too early to start planning ahead for the backyard transformation you are dreaming about for those carefree summer days.

Here are a few ways you can transform a dull backyard into a place you can enjoy some fun in the sun:

The patio. Are you looking to turn a patio into a space that wows your friends and family? The possibilities are endless. While it can be upgraded at the ground level with concrete pavers in your choice of styles and shapes, it’s the elements you include on top of that ground that really spruce up your space.

Fountain. One of the most dramatic additions you can make to your outdoor space is a fountain. The right fountain can make your home look more luxurious, but also create a calming ambiance where you can decompress after a hard day at work.

Fire it up! Even if you don’t live in a cool climate, a fire pit is much more than a source of warmth. It’s a focal point that fosters social engagement, and simply relax to. It can be a beautifully custom built pit, or a more affordable and portable version from the local hardware store.

Kick the cooking up a notch. Everyone barbecues in their backyard, but not everyone does it at the same level. Don’t just use a grill, create an outdoor kitchen. A high-end grill is a great place to start, but if you really want to go all out, maybe add a pizza oven, a stocked and a flat screen TV, and you have a world class home entertaining area.

Landscaping. Adding a well manicured garden, and well placed pathways can turn a directionless backyard into one that has focus and appeal.

Also read 5 Ways to Upgrade Your Space for more ideas.

If you are building a deck more than 30 inches above the ground, you are going to need a guardrail.

International Residential Code (IRC) for one- and two-family homes (which is followed by most​ city building departments) requires that you install a 36-inch-tall “guard” to prevent anyone from falling from the deck to the grade below. While a half-wall or even a planter box can be used as a guard, most builders and homeowners prefer to use a railing system -- in this case, a cable railing system.

When building a code-compliant cable rail there are two other safety-related concepts you’ll need to take into account:

The cable infill you use to complete your railing system-- whether installed vertically or horizontally--will need to be spaced according IRC code section R312.3: “Required guards shall not have openings from the walking surface to the required guard height which allow passage of a sphere 4 inches in diameter.”

When you’re working with wood or metal pickets, this rule is much more straightforward and easy to comply with. But, because cable is flexible, you’ll need to make additional considerations for “deflection.” If you were to install cable infill with 4-inch spacing, one could easily push a 4-inch sphere between adjacent cables by pulling up on one and down on the other. The simple solution is to compensate by using 3-inch spacing for your cables. You could never put enough tension on the cable to eliminate deflection, and you certainly wouldn’t want to have an intermediate post every foot for support, so reducing the spacing will be your best bet. In fact, most cable rail suppliers offer posts pre-drilled with 3-inch spacing for code compliance.

In 2000, the IRC included the following language in their guardrail requirements: “[guardrails]shall not be constructed with horizontal members or other ornamental pattern that results in a ladder effect.”

Despite the fact that this was stricken from IRC building guidelines in the following year (and the fact that there have been many code updates since), some inspectors are still making judgements based on the idea that “climbable guards” are not safe. If you have small children that love to climb and may not always be under direct supervision, this type of railing may not be the most practical choice. But, regulating organizations including the IRC and the International Code Council (ICC) are firm in their ruling that climbable guards haven’t proven to be a significant hazard, and that prohibiting horizontal features in a guardrail is too restrictive.

With that said, however; it’s important to be aware of the standpoint of the building inspectors in your area before you begin installation of your cable railing system.

If you want a cable railing system, you should have one! This simple, sophisticated update is sure to improve your views and the value of your home. Happy building!

Physical custody is exactly what it sounds like. A parent who is awarded physical custody is with the child under the same roof. Physical custody can be awarded to one or both parents, and while joint physical custody often involves a 50-50 split of time spent with each parent, it’s not always the case.

Legal custody is more about the decision-making process made in regards to issues involving the child. If you have sole or joint legal custody, you are responsible, or have a say in, normal parenting decisions, like when they should see a doctor, what school is best for them, what religion (if any) will they be brought up under, etc.

Judges often prefer to award joint custody since in most instances it is in the best interest of the child. This ensures that the child has regular contact with both parents and that decisions are made on their behalf as close as possible to how it was during the marriage.

If you are preparing for a divorce and you are okay with your soon-to-be ex-spouse having sole physical custody, it’s important to note that you maybe getting more (or rather, less) than you bargain for. If the other parent is given sole custody, it may leave you vulnerable should they later consider moving to a different city or state.

In cases of joint legal custody, things can get a little messy if one spouse wants to move out of state, and the other objects. Even if you have visitation rights and your ex wants to relocate, they need to give you advance notice, at which time you have 30 days to file an objection.

If parents who have joint custody just can’t come to an agreement on important decisions, and it’s escalated to a judge who may give one parent sole custody. Therefore, it’s always best for parents to do everything they can to resolve these issues on their own… or risk losing their custody rights to their children.

There are some differences between legal separation and divorce, but the three essential differences include:

Deciding between a legal separation and a divorce is a personal choice. In fact, sometimes spouses elect to remain married but live separately for religious or moral reasons. 

Other causes include spending time apart deciding if divorce is positively desirable, and allowing for the retention of medical benefits that divorce ends. Sometimes opting for a legal separation rather than a divorce is a good financial decision. 

Additionally, a legal separation may present a less stressful environment to for negotiating a separation agreement than negotiating a divorce agreement. However, if you make the decision to terminate your marital status, then filing for divorce is the best option.

However, it is important in order to get the best possible results. For example, if you want to install a beautiful cable railing, you need to know all the cost details, so you can make this project a reality. With the following guidelines, this is possible.

 

During your home renovation, it is always important to understand what you are paying for. This is why it is a good idea to have a contract. There are some costs that are more definitive. These include costs for materials. 

However, there are other hidden or less obvious costs that you are probably paying for. These include costs for labor, fees for permits, consulting costs, design fees, and more. Make sure that you are on the same page with everyone that is working on the project about the budget.

 

 

There are occasions when people run out of money. If this is happening to you, it might be a good idea to rethink the project. You could do a smaller railing, or change some of the finishes. You could also postpone the finish date until you come up with more cash.

 

Hopefully you never have to worry about running out of money. Instead, try to budget early so you can understand the costs and pay for them.

 Improve your mood - Everyone wants to be happy and there are various (and sometimes complicated) reasons why we aren't. External factors aside, there are both biological and psychological reasons weight loss surgery can help you look at your days with a glass half-full mindset.

You've surely been on the highway next to one of those large 18-wheelers transporting half a dozen or so vehicles that are fresh off the line to their new home on a dealer’s lot. However, those lots are seldom empty, so what happens to the cars that haven’t sold when space has to be made for these newer models? There are a few options.

 

 

First, the dealership is likely to drop the price. If there are still no bites, the price may drop even more but now with decreased rebates so the dealership can still recoup their investment. There might also be a special employee pricing offered. As time goes on, special financial offers may be tacked onto a vehicle such as zero percent financing and other incentives. After a significant amount of time, the dealer may simply want to cut the loss and drastically reduce the price in a last ditch effort to move it.

 

 

A dealership may contact their counterparts in other locations where the vehicle may have a better chance of selling. The price may have to be reduced, but there is a greater chance of recouping a significant amount.

 

 

Some of these vehicles may be sent to auto auctions where smaller dealerships are looking to increase their inventory with “new” stock at below market prices. They, in turn, can sell to their niche customer base. Auctions can attract smaller dealers who come in search of quality cars or shop on a client’s behalf. Rental companies may also consider the vehicle for its fleet. The problem the dealer faces with this option, however, is that they have to pay a cut to put their already under-valued vehicle up for auction, recouping even less of their investment.

 

 

While this occurs rarely, a dealership can offer a vehicle up as a donation for a specific cause or to a nonprofit. The charity, in turn, can auction off the vehicle to increase their funds. The info on the amount that they received is given to the dealer to use for tax credit. This method provides the dealership with the least amount of financial gain as there may be a cap to the amount the company can write off.

 

 

If the space is needed and a sale is not eminent, the vehicle can be moved to a storage lot temporarily. There are numerous locations where automobiles without homes sit in long lines waiting for demand to increase, as might be the case in a time of economic downturn, or when another decision is made about its fate.

 

Unsold “new” cars can be hidden gems on the lot when dealers are trying to move them. Just a few months can make a huge difference in what a dealership is willing to take to move it to make way for incoming inventory.

 

 

If you live in a state that uses a point system to keep track of your driving record, there’s a good chance that you can accumulate enough points to have your driving privileges revoked or suspended if you’re caught texting while driving. Simply waiting until you’re parked or out of the car before you send your message is a much better option compared to a smear on your driving record.

 

 

Receiving a ticket is also included on the list of potential consequences of texting and driving. In many states police officers are allowed to stop you and write you a ticket if they catch you texting while operating a motor vehicle. In California, it’s not unusual to have to pay as much as $300 in fines and fees for texting while driving.

 

 

Your insurance company has access to your driving record. If they see that you have had points for texting while driving, they may decide to increase your insurance premiums accordingly. In order to keep your car insurance premiums as low as possible, you've got to do everything you can to show that you are a safe, responsible, and trustworthy driver, which means thinking about the consequences of texting and driving.

 

 

Should you ever injure someone while texting and driving, you could be hit with jail time. It’s not unusual to hear of texting drivers who have been found guilty of vehicular manslaughter or homicide. Those few seconds that you spend looking at your phone can potentially cost someone their life or lead to serious injury.

 

 

If you do ever take someone’s life because you were texting and driving, it’s something that you’ll have to live with for the rest of your life. Imagine being reminded of that guilt every time you get behind the wheel or send a text message no matter if you’re in a vehicle or not. No matter how good of a driver you are, there’s no way of telling if your quick reflexes can avert a potentially fatal accident. Don’t allow texting while driving to slow those reflexes.

 

The potential consequences of texting and driving simply aren’t worth the trouble or the money it costs for tickets and higher insurance premiums. Do yourself and everyone else on the road a favor and keep both hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road while driving.

1. Trunk Damage

Vertical cracks, hollowing trunks, dead branch stubs, and unhealed wounds are often indications of potentially serious internal decay. While many tree species can survive for quite some time with a partially hollowed trunk, their lack of structural integrity makes them especially dangerous.

When a tree's canopy consists of 25 percent or more dead or dying branches, it is a good sign that something is wrong. Make sure to have the tree examined by a professional to determine whether it needs to be removed.

Dead branches that are noticeably clustered on one side of a tree could be evidence of serious root or trunk damage on that side. Such trees pose the danger of falling limbs as well as compromised stability.

Shoots and sprouts that originate from either the base of the tree or higher up on the trunk itself are usually a response to major environmental stress, such as adjacent construction or sudden over-exposure to sunlight after forest thinning.

While mushrooms often grow harmlessly at the base of certain species of tree, fungi growing on the roots, trunk, or branches of the tree itself may indicate internal rot or root disease.

Nearby excavations, construction, root disease, and insect predation can all cause serious root damage, leading to leaning and lopsided trees. In general, a tree that is angled more than 15 percent from the vertical should probably be removed.

Trees planted beneath power lines can pose a major fire hazard. During wet conditions, electricity can arc up to ten feet to nearby foliage, potentially causing power failure and catastrophic property damage. Due to serious electrocution risks, a professional arborist should always handle pruning, trimming, or removal of trees beneath power lines.

Even if your backyard tree has just begun to show signs of decay or deterioration, it is always a good idea to get a professional assessment as soon as possible. In addition to forestalling costly property damage and unexpected hassle, responsible tree management can prevent potentially fatal accidents.

Excepting emergency branch removal, pruning (and particularly extensive pruning) should always take place during late autumn or winter. Like all living things, trees are susceptible to stresses caused by physical damage. During the colder months, however, trees are mostly dormant, making them less vulnerable to sap loss and growth stress. Additionally, since insects are also mostly dormant during the winter, they will be less likely to cause further damage to newly pruned areas. You should keep in mind that the best time and method of pruning can differ from species to species. When in doubt, feel free to contact a certified arborist to get an expert opinion on timing, approach, and any safety concerns.

Since trees are susceptible to stress from pruning, it is also important that you make sure not to cut back too much at one time. In general, you should try to prune as minimally as possible, and never take more than about a quarter off the crown of the tree. As well as being a locus of new growth, the crown is the primary energy source for most types of tree, making it risky to prune too much too quickly.

Responsible pruning can also be a good way to manage the growth and ultimate configuration of your trees. In addition to avoiding conflict with power lines, buildings, walkways, and drives, careful trimming can actually improve the tree's overall structural integrity. By removing extraneous, awkward, or damaged limbs, you can also prevent future issues with falling branches and poor weight distribution. Proper pruning can also keep backyard trees looking their best, promoting even growth and improved aesthetics.

While smaller trees may not pose much of a problem, you should always keep in mind that large trees are best left to the pruning professionals. In addition to having the right tools for the job, these trained technicians will be able to get the work done quickly, safely, and without undue damage to the tree itself.

Although there are many renovations that can increase your home’s resale value, cable railings are a great option. This project is budget friendly, and the results are uniquely beautiful.

A chameleon trucking company does “bad stuff” to your property, then closes up shop and reopens under a new name to avoid legal action. This “bad stuff” can be intentional, such as stealing your property, or it can be unintentional but the owners don’t want to face the music. Maybe they didn’t carry insurance and broke your precious belongings or they hired crooks who took your electronics to a pawn shop.

Pulling a disappearing act doesn’t just cost you—it can actually threaten your life. Here’s how.

Once a moving company touches your property, they’re in charge of it staying in the same condition as when you handed it off. However, if they’re careless and/or don’t have insurance, what happens if they break your treadmill and don’t take care of it? You could easily hurt yourself and they’ll have already disappeared.

The same could be true of electronics, which can be a fire hazard if damaged. In some extreme instances, these companies can even hold your property for ransom. You’re trusting movers with nearly every speck of your property, and doing so blindly without proper research and put you in harm’s way. Don’t go with the lowest offer unless you’ve properly done your homework.

Surprisingly, chameleon companies get by more often than you think. The property owners are already stressed out and may be in a new location after the move. They can’t get ahold of the moving company, and any physical location listed is suddenly vacant. Filing a police report is the next step, but there are no guarantees. Most chameleon companies are skilled at doing this and have their bases covered.

However, there are still some things you can do—like hire an attorney. If you were physically or emotionally hurt by the actions of a moving company, an injury lawsuit might be a good approach. Partnered with a private investigator if necessary, you might be able to track down those responsible and get restitution for your experience. You can also couple your claim with a property damage lawsuit to maximize potential compensation.

Moving companies know that you’re at a disadvantage while moving. You’re scrambled, stressed and have a lot on your plate. In other words, it’s prime time to pull a scam. You can prevent this by checking references and being wary of low-ball offers. A reputable company will be established with zero BBB complaints and are happy to share testimonials. Why trust yourself to a shady company? You and your property deserve better.

If you're an avian enthusiast, you likely keep at least one or two feeders and a ready supply of water to attract you local feathered friends. However, if you really want to create a bustling year-round habitat that will draw an active assortment of birds, planting a few well-chosen trees is a good way to go. These six trees are great Northwest choices for livening up your backyard.

1. Birch (Betula)

This large group of deciduous shrubs and trees offers attractive, nectar-laden flowers during the spring (popularly known as catkins), and plentiful seeds in late autumn. These dense-packed grains are irresistible to many small perching birds, including redpolls, chickadees, and pine siskins. Depending on the variety, birches can grow to heights ranging from 3 to 70 feet.

2. Beech (Fagus)

Beech trees are on the medium to small size. After flowering in the spring, they quickly develop prickly fruits containing small brown nuts that make excellent feeding for birds that overwinter locally. Species that enjoy beechnuts include warblers, titmice, chickadees, nuthatches, jays, and some types of woodpecker. Beeches will reach between 20 and 100 feet, and some varieties can even be trimmed to form handsome hedges.

The horse chestnut is another deciduous tree that makes a spectacular show of nectar-rich blossoms early in the year, followed by huge palm-shaped leaves that provide ample shelter for birds to perch, nest, and feed in safety. In the fall, the horse chestnut produces a leathery fruit containing nutrient-rich, nutlike seeds. This tree prefers full sun, and grows 30 to 75 feet.

Magnolia trees come in evergreen and deciduous varieties, and can be identified instantly by their dramatic white-to-mauve springtime blooms and thick, waxy leaves. In the late summer, magnolias offer beautiful cone-shaped clusters of bright red seeds that bring in larger perching birds like sapsuckers, vireos, and woodpeckers. Magnolia species enjoy full-sun to partial shade conditions, and reach mature heights between 10 and 80 feet.

This popular deciduous ornamental offers a breathtaking profusion of magenta-hued flowers in the spring that lead to reddish-brown, beanlike pods that last well into winter. These pods provide a nutrition-packed treat to chickadees, nuthatches, and many other seed-loving birds. Redbuds grow well under full sun and light-shade conditions, and reach heights between 10 and 35 feet.

From native vine varieties to bright-colored sugar maples and distinctive Japanese ornamentals, maple trees and shrubs produce a plethora of small, winged nuts relished by robins, warblers, vireos, wrens, finches, and many other birds. Depending on the species, mature maple trees can reach heights between 15 and 35 feet.