Since the Flintstones era, humans have gravitated towards fire. There’s something innate about lounging around a blaze with family or friends, barbecuing up whatever meaty goodness you scored at Costco. It’s understandable why homeowners today desire some sort of fire element in their backyards. It’s practically instinct.
With countless design options available, fire pits are a popular choice. Ranging in size from basic tiki torches to contemporary troughs, there’s something for every homeowner and every budget. It’s important to assess what’s out there by considering what will meet your needs.
Vessel fire pits, for example, are elevated containers (typically bowl-shaped) that won’t muss up your lawn or scorch your patio. They come in a variety of finishes, including cast-iron or aluminum, copper, steel, mosaic tile, brick or stone, and can be as grand or as diminutive as you like. Many also come with screens or decorative covers that block smoke and ashes. Before purchasing, check whether the vessel is gas-fired or wood-burning.
Ground fire pits are just that – built either into the ground or on top of it. Homeowners seeking a custom look often consult a landscape architect or a mason, but there are many who choose to do it themselves with a quick trip to their local hardware store. Scoop up a metal ring and some retainer blocks, and you’re in business.
Another factor to consider is what will surround your fire pit. Banquettes can be built around a custom version, but you can also coordinate with an existing space by arranging lounge chairs or benches centered on the pit. To create a dramatic focal point, some homeowners install a pergola overhead or combine elements by placing the pit near a pool or spa.
Keep in mind that metal conducts heat (read: this thing can cause burns), so be cautious, especially when children are around. And never choose a location near anything flammable, including your home and hanging limbs. It’s also a good idea to situate your fire pit near a hose or fountain for quick water access.
Backyard fire pits aren’t just a sizzling outdoor trend – prehistory dictates they’ll be a coveted home feature until Earth ceases to exist. Something tells me the caveman who discovered combustion is over-the-moon about it.
Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2014. All rights reserved.
Debbie Woolard Group
(757) 288-0194
Excellent Service – Excellent Results
Buyers Agent/Sellers Agent
Our focus is helping people find and exchange dream homes. We are seeking buyers and sellers that desire concierge level service including great communication, extraordinary representation and a continuing relationship for years to come.
You and your referrals will be provided with a great team of professionals to help with each step of the process. We are committed and passionate about negotiating the best possible terms and serving our clients at the highest level. Our goal is to create memorable real estate experiences where our clients become raving fans.
Our clients benefit by having a Certified Negotiation Expert on their side. This provides them with better results, a smoother process and greater satisfaction.
Whether a person is looking to buy or sell a starter home or a multi-million dollar estate, Debbie Woolard produces great results for her clients. She gives clients what they expect and deserve, an experienced realtor skilled in marketing and negotiations.
With Debbie Woolard, you will receive personal service as well as exceptional professionalism. She is well qualified for her work with her strong background of sales and marketing. Having been born here and continuously living in the area, she is familiar with the entire Hampton Roads region.
She has earned the professional designations of Certified Negotiation Expert, Certified Residential Specialist, and e-Pro. In addition she is also a Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource with extensive training in short sales and foreclosures. This uniquely positions her to help those in danger of losing their home to foreclosure. It has also proven to be beneficial to the buyers that are seeking to purchase a short sale or foreclosure.
She is well qualified to help professionals, business owners, military personnel and other clients with their real estate needs. She has been selected to work with both the Military Team and Relocation Team. She is consistently producing outstanding results in real estate.
Her first year in real estate she was awarded Listing Rookie of the Year as well as Sales Rookie of the Year. Her sales and loyal following of satisfied clients have grown each year she has been in business. She is in the top 1% of the agents in the area based on sales volume. Her practice continues to flourish thanks to clients recommending her to friends, family members and business associates.
Her clients state that her actions and attitude are best described with the word “integrity”.
Realtors with the Debbie Woolard Group service Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Suffolk, Hampton, Newport News & Portsmouth with specialist in seller representation, buyer representation, military relocation, first time home buyers, short sales and real estate investment.