Traditional fences are available in materials ranging from wood to vinyl to metal. Homeowners have other options at their disposal if they prefer a more natural fence. Different shrubs, trees or grasses can be planted to create a barrier between properties or within the property.

When choosing a fencing material, consider that even a less expensive material may prove more expensive in the long run if it needs significant maintenance or has to be replaced in just a few years. Therefore, the most cost-effective fencing material may not necessarily be the least expensive one at the store. Here are some materials homeowners can consider.

* Found material: Repurposed wood or metal can be crafted into a rustic, one-of-a-kind fence. Materials can be found that are no cost, requiring only the cost of labor. Should you build it yourself, this can be next to nothing. Sometimes existing fences on another property can be disassembled and re-built on your own property for little to no cost as well.

* Chainlink/chainwire: Chainlink fencing is one of the most economical types of boundary fencing. The fencing comes in a variety of diamond sizes and is fixed to galvanized pipes spaced across the perimeter of the property. Although it is some of the least expensive fencing, it does not offer much privacy on its own. But if you are looking at fencing simply as a barrier, chainlink could be the way to go.

* Picket fencing: A wooden picket fence is another inexpensive fencing material. The pickets can be purchased in various heights, and this fence may be used as garden border fencing or to mark a property line between homes. Spacing the pickets widely apart may cut down on the number that need to be purchased, further keeping the cost down.

* Bamboo: Bamboo is a rapidly growing grass that produces a hard wood-like material that is used in many building applications. Bamboo wood can be used to build a fence, but the natural plant also can be planted to form a living fence for privacy.

* Stockade fencing: A stockade fence is one of the more basic wood fencing options. Wooden slats are placed alongside one another to form an effective and affordable privacy fence. Stockade fencing can be stained or painted to preserve it. Many home improvement retailers sell panels of stockade fencing so that you can make fence installation a do-it-yourself project.

* Vinyl fencing: Although vinyl fencing is one of the more expensive fencing materials at the outset (it costs about twice the price of a wood fence), it does pay for itself rather quickly thanks to minimal maintenance. Unlike some other materials, vinyl will not rot or discolor. You also won't have to purchase stain, paint and expensive cleaners for a vinyl fence. That means once you make the investment, you will have years upon years of maintenance-free enjoyment.

There are many different fencing materials that can coordinate with a variety of budgets.

"Opting to build your house with concrete instead of wood will immediately give you a home with greater impact resistance, specifically to withstand winds of up to 250 miles per hour," says Todd Blyth at Nudura, a leading name in the supply of insulated concrete forms. "The ICF system interlocks, like Lego, to create one monolithic wall with a thickness from 4 to 12 inches, all of which also provides superior fire protection, sound resistance, temperature control and additional occupant comforts. Better still, this type of insulation and durability can save you up to 70 percent on your energy bills. You get a far stronger house -- and it comes with a warm and inviting atmosphere."

The aesthetic beauty inside and out is also important on the list of dream home features, Blyth points out, adding that a concrete home can be designed for brick or for more creative finishes like stone, stucco, wood siding and more, just like a traditional house. Inside, many innovative architectural shapes, like arches, bay windows or specific door styles, can be easily achieved.

"Building the walls with concrete is an option that needs to be decided early in the planning," he continued. "The system discards wood framing in favor of pre-assembled, interlocking concrete forms."

The benefits he says are in the details, as follows:

Safety: If high wind in your community is a concern, data shows that a Nudura home delivers hurricane and tornado impact resistance up 250 mph -- and the fire protection rating is up to 4 hours.

Fuel Savings: Premium insulation is essential with energy costs on the rise. Concrete walls vastly reduce air infiltration (compared to wood walls) and this improves energy performance. By combining two panels of thick (EPS) foam with the structural strength and thermal mass of concrete, the walls can provide an efficiency rating as high as R-50 (compared to an average R-20 in wood structures), saving you up to 70 percent on energy bills. Lowering demand for trees is good for the environment as well.

Comfort: Outside cold easily travels through wood-framed walls causing thermal bridging and creating uncomfortable chilly spots inside your home. Walls with a solid concrete core address and prevent thermal bridging to deliver even temperatures throughout the house. Mold, mildew and toxins associated with wood structures are also eliminated.

Quiet: Solid concrete is an effective sound barrier. It dampens sound vibrations from outside noise, such as traffic, trains and neighborhood parties. Internal peace and quiet is a sheer bonus.

Improved Value: It is generally expected that a stronger, safer, greener home -- and one that is more durable, cost efficient and needs less maintenance and repair -- will steadily increase in resale value.

More information is available online at www.nudura.com.

The National Association for Realtors says that, despite floundering sales, there are fewer foreclosed homes available now than in recent years. Distressed homes -- foreclosures and short sales sold at deep discounts -- accounted for 25 percent of homes sales in May of 2012. That figure is down from 28 percent in April and 31 percent in May of 2011.

While home sales have increased, money is still tight in the building industry and among home buyers. As such, instead of over-the-top features in homes that were once becoming the norm, builders are now focusing on more value-conscious designs and offerings. The list of add-ons also has been reduced.

So what can buyers expect to live without when buying a newly constructed home? Here are a few of the common features that are falling by the wayside.

* Sunrooms: Although the "bring-the-outside-in" movement was once strong, builders are now focusing on home features that immediately add value and attract the eye of buyers. Therefore, they're putting their resources into linen closets and laundry rooms while de-emphasizing sunrooms.

* Extended ceiling heights: It can take a lot of energy to heat rooms with 15-foot ceilings. As a result, grandiose family rooms and two-story foyers are less attractive to buyers focused on saving money. Homeowners want spaces that are easier to heat and cool.

* Luxury bathrooms: Many private residence luxury bathrooms rival those found at popular 4-star hotels. But luxury bathrooms are being phased out in favor of less expensive, more practical options.

* Outdoor kitchens: Although entertaining at home is one way to keep budgets in check, some homeowners have realized they don't need a complete backyard kitchen with a pizza oven and brick fireplace in order to host guests. According to a survey from the National Association of Home Builders, outdoor kitchens are the second least-likely feature to be included in homes built in 2012.

* Media rooms: Individuals certainly love their gadgets, but many of these gadgets have become smaller and more portable. That reduces the need for giant home theaters and gaming spaces.

While certain features are disappearing, there are others that are growing more and more popular. Dual sinks in kitchens, walk-in closets, extra storage areas, and hidden charging stations for devices are likely to show up more and more in new home designs.

The design of new homes is changing to be more budget-friendly and also represent the changing priorities of home buyers. As a result, today's newly designed homes will likely look much different from homes built just a few years ago.

The National Association for Realtors says that, despite floundering sales, there are fewer foreclosed homes available now than in recent years. Distressed homes -- foreclosures and short sales sold at deep discounts -- accounted for 25 percent of homes sales in May of 2012. That figure is down from 28 percent in April and 31 percent in May of 2011.

While home sales have increased, money is still tight in the building industry and among home buyers. As such, instead of over-the-top features in homes that were once becoming the norm, builders are now focusing on more value-conscious designs and offerings. The list of add-ons also has been reduced.

So what can buyers expect to live without when buying a newly constructed home? Here are a few of the common features that are falling by the wayside.

* Sunrooms: Although the "bring-the-outside-in" movement was once strong, builders are now focusing on home features that immediately add value and attract the eye of buyers. Therefore, they're putting their resources into linen closets and laundry rooms while de-emphasizing sunrooms.

* Extended ceiling heights: It can take a lot of energy to heat rooms with 15-foot ceilings. As a result, grandiose family rooms and two-story foyers are less attractive to buyers focused on saving money. Homeowners want spaces that are easier to heat and cool.

* Luxury bathrooms: Many private residence luxury bathrooms rival those found at popular 4-star hotels. But luxury bathrooms are being phased out in favor of less expensive, more practical options.

* Outdoor kitchens: Although entertaining at home is one way to keep budgets in check, some homeowners have realized they don't need a complete backyard kitchen with a pizza oven and brick fireplace in order to host guests. According to a survey from the National Association of Home Builders, outdoor kitchens are the second least-likely feature to be included in homes built in 2012.

* Media rooms: Individuals certainly love their gadgets, but many of these gadgets have become smaller and more portable. That reduces the need for giant home theaters and gaming spaces.

While certain features are disappearing, there are others that are growing more and more popular. Dual sinks in kitchens, walk-in closets, extra storage areas, and hidden charging stations for devices are likely to show up more and more in new home designs.

The design of new homes is changing to be more budget-friendly and also represent the changing priorities of home buyers. As a result, today's newly designed homes will likely look much different from homes built just a few years ago.

Today's hardwood flooring is not the hardwood of the past. There are many options from which to choose, including varied colors, types of wood, patterns, and inlays. In addition, innovations in sealants enable hardwood to be durable and hold up better against the daily grind.

About 25 years ago, a homeowner basically had to settle for wood flooring that was solid oak strips at 2.25 inches wide. The strips were nailed in place by a carpenter and finished on site. Now, more than half of hardwood is fabricated and prefinished at a factory and is much easier to install -- even by the homeowner himself.

The range of styles and colors is also very extensive. Planks can be chosen in thin strips or wider options. Native hardwoods are available, as are offshore woods from different countries. Finishes can also be customized with higher gloss or matte choices.

For homeowners interested in going green, hardwood flooring also presents many options. A growing trend is using reclaimed wood that is recycled and then refinished into new items. Lumber may be reclaimed from old buildings, railroads, barns, homes, and even river bottoms. The varied history of the wood adds to its aesthetic appeal.

It's important for homeowners to know that the price point for hardwood will vary depending on species and finish. However, the way the boards are cut will also be a consideration for homeowners. Plainsawn or flatsawn boards have growth rings that run at anywhere from 0 to 45-degree angles to the wide surfaces of the board, with lots of loops and swirls. Quartersawn boards have rings that run from 45- to 90-angles and are not as lively in pattern. Quartersawn boards will expand in thickness depending on moisture and temperature. Plainsawn will shrink and swell widthwise. Quartersawn tend to take wear better and more evenly, contributing to their typically more expnesive price tag.

Homeowners can also choose among engineered wood products, which are essentially several layers of wood veneer adhered to a solid backing of plywood and sealed. This layered construction can make engineered flooring more stable and durable than traditional hardwood flooring. That means it can be used in rooms where hardwood was long frowned upon, like basements and bathrooms.

Wood flooring will continue to garner mass appeal and be the preference of many homeowners. With new innovations and availability, there are more options than ever for discerning homeowners.

A patio is one area of a home that can boost a home's appeal while also providing a great place for current homeowners to relax outside. Many homeowners waver when choosing a material for their patio because each material has its own advantages and disadvantages.

A backyard patio is a place where friends and family members can convene in the nice weather to enjoy dining al fresco. In the cooler months, a patio is a great place to gather around a fire pit and warm chilly toes while sipping mugs of hot cocoa.

When designing a patio, homeowners must make a host of decisions, not the least of which is choosing a patio material. Wood, stone, concrete, paving blocks, and tile all can be used to create appealing and functional patios. Because of the widespread availability of concrete, pavers and wood, many patios are constructed of these materials.

Concrete

Concrete is one of the more affordable patio materials. With stamped concrete, homeowners can enjoy more colors and designs than ever before, and new technology in tinting and styling enables concrete to look like other expensive stone materials at a fraction of the cost of stone.

For the experienced mason, laying concrete is a relatively easy job. It may be more difficult for the novice do-it-yourselfer because laying concrete requires knowledge of grading and also installing spacers correctly to deter cracking. Because concrete is not as labor-intensive as some other materials, homeowners may save some money if they choose concrete.

Concrete is durable, but over time cracking is inevitable. Some concrete requires the application of a sealant every few years to protect coloring and durability. Around pools, concrete can become slippery when wet if an anti-skid agent was not applied with.

Paving stones

Many homeowners gravitate toward paving stones because their varied texture and shapes can create quite an appealing look in a yard. If installed correctly, pavers will not crack and it is possible to easily add on to an original design because of the portability of these stones. And because they can be moved, pavers can be repaired from underground and stones can be replaced without any demolition. Homeowners like that pavers can quickly make a yard look high-end.

Although pavers can be installed as a do-it-yourself project, such installation can be labor-intensive. The ground needs to be accurately leveled and prepped before the stones can be placed to help ensure there is no shifting or movement. Polymeric sand should be applied and pushed into the joints between blocks to alleviate shifting. The sand contains a polymer that hardens and locks the blocks in place. Such detailed work is beyond the abilities of many homeowners, who typically pay a substantial amount to have the stones professionally installed.

Though the sand may inhibit weed growth, weeds can still pop up between the blocks, so maintenance is necessary. Also, paving blocks are slightly uneven and they can loosen, which can prove a safety hazard to the elderly or young children who aren't surefooted.

Wood

Wood is often thought of in a raised deck scenario, but it can also be laid at ground level to create a low-lying patio. A wood patio can be unique and stained or painted in a variety of colors. It also may be less expensive to install than concrete or pavers. If the shape is relatively simple, a do-it-yourselfer also may be able to do the job without hiring a professional.

Though wood is a good choice for many homeowners, it is one of the more maintenance-heavy materials. Wood must be routinely cleaned, stained and sealed. Even with the best care, wood can warp, splinter and chip. When surrounding a pool, wood may deteriorate after coming in contact with chemicals from the pool water. Though most wood is treated, it may be susceptible to boring insects and other pests.

Creating a patio can add value to a home. The hard decision is selecting a patio material that fits your budget and gives your patio the look you desire.

Many question if chlorinated pool water poses any ill effects on the grass in the backyard. In addition to splash-out of water during fun times in the pool, water also will be tracked across the lawn from children and adults exiting the pool or will flood the grass when it is necessary to clean and "backwash" the filter. Will you be left with a dried-out patch of chlorine-burnt lawn? Probably not.

Healthy chlorine levels in a pool are kept so that the pool water is generally on par with the chlorine levels contained in regular tap water. You wouldn't hesitate turning on the hose to water your lawn, so you shouldn't be overly concerned about pool water splashing out of the pool, particularly if you are stringent about maintaining the proper pH levels and chlorine levels. Also, soil can withstand chlorine at high acid levels and is pretty resilient about self-correcting. Furthermore, grass blades are selective about which nutrients they absorb, so excess chlorine likely will not penetrate the grass blades. Chlorine also dissipates in the sun. Therefore, while the levels may be elevated upon just hitting the grass, over a short while the chlorine will essentially be used up and pose no additional threat to the surrounding lawn.

Some people have actually said that watering your lawn with pool water can be an eco-friendly way of curbing water usage. Therefore, it may be safely used on lawns and most flowering plants. It is unadvisable to water vegetable gardens with pool water because of any trace levels of other chemicals that may be found in the pool water.

Homeowners still concerned about exposing their lawns to pool water can create a buffer zone around the pool. Inground pools are traditionally bordered by concrete or patio blocks. Place stone or mulch around the perimeter of an above-ground pool to catch any splashes and to create a barrier between the pool and the lawn. Also, direct backwashed water through a long tube and have it flow it to an area away from the lawn.

Pool owners who want to have vibrant grass likely don't need to worry about chlorine damaging their lawns. In fact, the lawns may flourish with the extra watering.

"It's unwise to pay too much . . . but it's worse to pay too little."

"When you pay too much, you lose a little money . . . that is all. When you pay too little, you sometimes lose everything, because the thing you bought was incapable of doing the thing it was bought to do."

"The common law of business balance prohibits paying a little and getting a lot - it can't be done. If you deal with the lowest bidder, it is well to add something for the risk you run. And if you do that, you will have enough to pay for something better."

Let Bail Home Services and Construction, Inc. help you enhance the quality and value of your home. Call today for a no-obligation estimate.

Homeowners are including swimming pools, home gyms, home theaters and home offices into their remodeling plans. Not to mention updating their kitchens with granite countertops, a kitchen island, and energy efficient appliances. This allows more home entertaining and less going out.

1. Find out who your contact person is throughout the project (Salesperson, Lead Foreman, etc.)

2. Have after-hour phone numbers in case of an emergency that will affect the project.

3. Create a place on the project site where notes and messages can be left.

4. What concerns should the workers have for the house pets?

5. Where would you like the materials for the project to be kept?

6. Find out what hours the workers will be at your home, and do they work on the weekend?

7. Establish traffic flow and access in and out of the project.

At Bail Home Services and Construction, Inc. we meet with all parties involved before your project ever begins to discuss these and other issues.

Open communication will help turn your dream project into reality.

You can, however, help to control mold growth by controlling moisture. Here are a few ideas we use at Bail Home Services and Construction to minimize mold growth:

1. Install proper-sized venting fans in high moisture areas, such as kitchens, Bathrooms and laundry areas.

2. Pay special attention to flashing when installing roofs, windows and siding.

3. Allow for proper drainage of roof water away from the building through Guttering and downspouts.

4. Eliminate air and moisture gaps through exterior caulking and sealing.

1) Agree on the scope of the work to be performed and what part the contractor and homeowner play in this.

2) Select materials and products to be used before signing the contract. This will reduce the chance for delays and overages on allowance items.

3) Talk openly with the contractor about the schedule of the project and leaving time for unexpected delays.

4) Find out the name of the person in charge of your project, if you don't already know it, and the best way to communicate with them whether it is by phone, text, email, etc.

5) Let the contractor know if there will be additional expenses during the project. They will need to know this before the work begins in the form of a signed change order for example.

Consider a new front door with side-lights to let in extra sunlight or maintenance free replacement windows. Imagine the balmy spring and summer afternoons from the comfort of your new sunroom. Enjoy a barbecue on your new TREX deck with family and friends. Remodel your kitchen just in time for summer entertaining and at the same time make it more efficient for you the rest of the year.