H&H_Nov2025_NewHomeowners_NJ by houseandhomemagazine

NEW HOMEOWNER’S

NEW HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE 2025

homeowners to make the transition as smooth as possible

14 Feeling the Heat

To ensure comfort during the colder months, now is the time to make sure your heating systems are operating properly

Nice and Organized

Better organization and customized storage solutions can solve a lot of problems

34 All Decked Out

How to maximize the beauty and utility of your deck with the right finishing touches

PUBLISHER

Edward P. McCartney

EDITOR

Peter Proko

ASSISTANT EDITORS

Matt Cosentino, Madeleine Maccar, Carly Murray

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Hank Alspach

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Brian Mikulski

DESIGNERS

Eileen Pullia, Lisa Zollinger

ACCOUNTING DIRECTOR

Darlene Versak

SALES DIRECTOR

Lindsay Gonzalez

SALES MANAGER

Jim Romano

NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPER

Chuck McKane

MARKETING CONSULTANTS

Nicole Corabi, Kristine Di Nardo, Rochelle Dodge, Darren Slaughter, Lori Vorgang, Amy B. Weiss

ACCOUNTING MANAGER

Max Haggerty

STAFF ACCOUNTANT

Karmal Pritchett

DIGITAL MEDIA DIRECTOR

Leigh Stuart

PUBLISHER EMERITUS

Bob Doran

EXECUTIVE PARTNERS

Gerry Haggerty, Edward P. McCartney

HOUSE & HOME

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MAKING THE MOVE

homeowners make a smooth transition.

Few things in life can be as rewarding as the feeling that overcomes you while walking through the door into your new home for the very first time. It provides a sense of accomplishment, relief and stability after making one of the most significant—not to mention stressful—decisions you’ll ever have to make.

But after the newness of it all begins to fade, you are left with the stark reality that with home ownership comes great responsibility, and it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That is why we’ve compiled this checklist for new homeowners to help them eliminate the guesswork and move forward with a confident approach and peace of mind. Consider these essential tips so you’ll be living comfortably in no time.

1 SECURE IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS

Now that you’ve moved in, you’ll want to make sure you create a home filing system for all your property’s essential documents, namely your deed, mortgage forms, home inspection report and closing paperwork. Information like your homeowner’s insurance policy, appliance warranties and other related paperwork should also be filed away.

2 GET A CLEAN START

Have a cleaning crew concentrate on the areas of the home that will be most heavily used and schedule the service before you move in so you can truly get a fresh start. You’ll also want to replace all of the air filters in your HVAC system as well as have carpets or flooring professionally cleaned. Homeowners

themselves can focus on smaller aspects like sanitizing surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom, cleaning behind appliances, cleaning out cabinets and drawers, clearing air vents and other manageable tasks.

3 LOCK IT DOWN

Now that your real estate agent has given you the keys to your new home, get ready to toss them. That’s because you’ll want to make sure to replace the locks on all entry doors into the home as well as any connected to unattached garages. Another safety measure would be to reprogram your garage door opener.

4 AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION

Review your home inspection report and make notes of any repairs that the previous homeowner wasn’t obli-

gated to handle. As you spend more time in the home, you may also notice other areas that need attention—whether due to necessity or desire.

Grab the essentials!

With moving being such a big undertaking, it’s easy for the little things to get lost in the shuffle. Some handy items you’ll want to have in the home include:

n First-aid kit

n Well-stocked tool kit

n Fire extinguishers

n Batteries

n Phone chargers

n Light bulbs

n Trash cans

n Plunger

n Flashlights

n Household cleaning supplies

n Towels

n Brooms/dustpans/mops

n Vacuum

5 UPDATE YOUR UTILITIES

It may sound obvious, but one of the first things you should do after buying a home is to make sure you have all your utilities up and running, including electricity, gas, water and cable/internet service. Be sure to inquire about any potential discounts available as well as energy saving costs that can help in the long run.

6 DON’T GO UNDETECTED

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are an essential part of keeping your family safe and so making sure they are in proper working order is paramount. Be sure that each floor has at least one smoke detector and check the manufacturer dates to ensure they aren’t more than a decade old. Even if they are fairly new and appear in working order, it is best to replace the batteries to optimize performance.

7 CREATE A MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Set a schedule to have regular seasonal tasks done like cleaning your gut-

ters and inspecting the caulking around your windows, and have a professional perform annual diagnostic tests on your HVAC system. Outside, you’ll want to periodically explore your home’s exterior to uncover any potential concerns that may be hiding in plain sight.

CREATE CURB APPEAL

Give your home a boost in curb appeal by tidying up the yard and landscaping. Then add some of your own style and character with freshly planted flowers and shrubs, or perhaps update your garage doors while also adding pavers to the driveway or walkway areas.

COMFORT

is to install a sealed gas or wood insert. This allows us to seal the chimney top, damper area and fireplace opening, creating an incredibly efficient, airtight fireplace system.

—David Rettinger Jr., Rettinger Fireplace Systems

What are the advantages of wood-burning inserts and wood-burning stoves?

systems are operating optimally.

W Feeling the Heat

by PETER PROKO

ith fall’s arrival and Old Man Winter not far behind, now is the perfect time for homeowners to start focusing on how they heat their home.

From furnaces to fireplaces, having your heating sources inspected and serviced ahead of the frigid temperatures can go a long way to ensuring the utmost comfort while also keeping energy costs down.

To get a better understanding of how to best prepare for the upcoming change in seasons, House & Home spoke with some experts in the field to get their professional guidance to make sure no one is left out in the cold.

As the temperatures being to cool outside, what should homeowners be thinking about in terms of having their heating unit inspected and/or serviced so they aren’t dealing with issues in the dead of winter?

Every homeowner, just prior to at the beginning of fall, you should have your unit inspected or at least serviced to include the following:

• Checking the thermostat operation

• Checking that the furnace is clean

• Checking that the filer and fan motor are clean

That is all that needs to be done, there is nothing extravagant about it.

—Wayne Cangialosi, Wayne Refrigeration Air Conditioning & Heating

Signing up for a preventative maintenance plan will make sure their system is in optimal performance for efficiency this winter. … Keeping systems maintained will save them money in the long run.

—Ann Carolyn Bush, R&D Heating and Cooling

What’s the best way to address cold air pouring through a fireplace?

The most common cause of what we call ‘cold hearth syndrome’ is the inherent inefficiency of traditional open wood or gas fireplaces. Think about it: your chimney is essentially a large hole in your home. Since cold air is heavier, it naturally sinks into your chimney and spills into your living room. Making matters worse, appliances like kitchen and bathroom fans, as well as HVAC systems, draw in outside air, and your chimney becomes a prime source.

Your first instinct might be to close the damper or install fireplace doors. Unfortunately, in most modern homes, that’s not enough to stop the draft. The most effective solution

You can cut your home heating costs by greater than 50% with a wood-burning insert or woodburning stove. A lot of our customers will heat their entire home and just use fossil fuels as a supplementary heat source.

A traditional masonry fireplace is still very popular and people enjoy them, but open burning fireplaces do not generate heat the way a woodburning insert or a wood-burning stove does. If you’re looking for something that takes the chill off and gives you really calming effects, you would want to have a traditional masonry fireplace. But if you’re looking to generate heat and save on home heating costs, you’ll probably want a wood-burning insert or a freestanding wood-burning stove.

—Leon Ochal, Chimney Scientists

What are some of the more popular requests from customers these days?

Customers are looking for rebates from their utility company if applicable, to help save money on electric and/or propane. They also want quietness and, of course, the best option costwise to fit their budget. … Comparing apples to apples, maybe the company they are working with is higher, but be sure to look at company profiles, reviews and the types of services they offer after the installation.

—Ann Carolyn Bush

Is there an optimal thermostat setting for the winter months?

It’s really dependent on your own comfort level. What I tell people normally is that furnaces are designed to reach 72 degrees from whatever the outside temperature is. So if its 0 degrees, the furnace should reach 72 degrees in a certain amount of time. If it doesn’t reach 72 degrees, then either it’s way too cold out, or the furnace isn’t operating with peak efficiency. But that is also dependent on the insulation in your walls as well as the window insulation in the house. Because an older house with newspaper in the walls for insulation is not going to maintain that heat all the time.

I tell my customers that if they’re not home during the day in the wintertime, set your thermostat at 62-65 degrees. That will keep your pipes from freezing and it won’t cost you that much to heat the house during the day. Then, when you get home, you can raise the temperature up to your comfort level. It’s a lot easier to maintain and reach that temperature when it’s

—Wayne Cangialosi

What are some of the most common concerns you encounter with chimneys?

A lot of people don’t even realize they have a chimney for their heating system. A huge portion of our business is preparing chimneys for your heater. So I would say for your average homeowner, just being aware that they have a chimney for their heater is good to know. And then, if they have never had that looked at, it’s maybe time to hire a certified chimney professional to do a camera inspection.

If you live in a house that was built before 1980, there’s like a 98% chance that you have a chimney for your heating system. And most people are not aware of that. So it’s best to have someone look at it before it collapses on itself and carbon monoxide backs into the basement.

—Leon Ochal

How can you eliminate odor emitting from a gas fireplace?

If you have a gas fireplace emitting unpleasant odors, it’s likely a vent-free model. These units burn room air and exhaust emissions directly back into the room, much like a gas stove. This not only leads to unpleasant smells, but also introduces moisture, which can be particularly troublesome for people with respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD.

Replacing a vent-free unit with a sealed gas fireplace creates a significantly more comfortable environment. These systems provide radiant heat while venting emissions outside the home. The result is increased room temperature without compromising indoor air quality. Many models also include remote controls and thermostatic or high/low settings for maximum comfort and control.

—David Rettinger Jr.

RESOURCES

and

Nice Organized

homeowners peace of mind ORGANIZATION

by PETER PROKO

Whether you are looking to add the closet of your dreams to the bedroom, need more pantry space in the kitchen, are looking to declutter the garage or otherwise, customized closet organization and better storage solutions can help breathe new life into a space.

But trying to determine how to satisfy your needs and balance function with aesthetics can be a little daunting without the right guidance from a trusted professional. To better understand the latest trends and how homeowners are incorporating them, House & Home spoke with several leaders in the industry to get their expert take and some space-saving tips. No matter what your needs, the right approach to being better organized will provide some much-needed peace of mind.

In your experience, what are homeowners looking for these days when it comes to becoming better organized?

“The customer that I have is looking at things that are practical, and more importantly, economical. The innovation, finished materials, spectacular designs [they see online]; that’s all inspiration. They want me as an expert to translate the high-end luxury into something that works for them.

“You can go crazy and try to make your closet look like the inside of Cartier. But what most people say is, “I want to do as much as I can for a reasonable amount of money. How can you help me go from Cartier to something that will fit this space at an affordable amount, so I can not only do my master bedroom closet, but also my pantry, I can do a reach-in, etc.’”

—Jeremy Cressman, owner, One Day Doors & Closets of Delaware Valley

“The most popular choice is more and more people are [organizing] their garages because that’s become the main entrance into the house, so they want it to look nice. … Most of my customers say they should have done this sooner because it gives them more space and functionality.”

—Aaron Lewis, owner, Closest for Less Bucks County

“Closets are really the biggest category for us, although home office space is a growing part of the business. When COVID hit and people started working from home, typically they stole a bedroom to build a home office in. But a couple of times a year, they need that space as an actual bedroom, so we do home offices with wall beds in them.”

—Charles Palko, general manager, Closet Factory Philadelphia

How can a more organized setting with increased storage help transform a space?

“Custom storage solutions can revitalize any space by reducing clutter and utilizing previously unused space, thus creating a sense of calm and order. We provide a carefully thought-out plan and strategy for storage, leading to a space that feels less overwhelming and stressful. By creating a system that makes it easier to find and access items in the kitchen, laundry or bathroom areas of the house we can streamline our routines and improve overall efficiency of daily life.”

—Justin Hostetler, owner, ShelfGenie of Philadelphia

“First of all, it’s time-saving, because everything is organized, homeowners don’t have to fish through everything. If it’s a closet, clothes remain fresher because

they’re not stacked on top of each other, and they’re able to find articles [more easily]. Customers tell us all the time after we do a closet that they’re now using clothes that they haven’t used in years because they were able to find them.”

—Charles Palko

How do you approach customers with differing desires to find a solution that works best for them?

“I have European customers who are more familiar with their closet as a wall wardrobe system. They’re looking for shelving and drawers, they’re looking for closed areas— they’re looking to blend it into the décor of the house so it seamlessly fits.

“Then I have other customers that are traditional and they’re looking for really practical solutions. I’m not talking about form and function, but I’m talking about open shelving, a mix of over and under

rods; the most basic system they can get.”

—Jeremy Cressman

How important is it for customers to set realistic expectations and keep in mind their immediate needs may not reflect their future desires?

“A young couple [for example] may want to think about their future. Right now they could be using a space as a guest room, but if you’re talking about having kids someday, that space could become a baby room.

“[Sometimes] people tell you want they want, and it could be off the wall. [With my experience], sometimes you have to tell a client what they are looking for isn’t going to work in their space. I hate to say it, but Pinterest has become a major thorn because people go on it and look and they have these massive pipe dreams of what they can do in a closet and the closet’s only a third of

the size of what the Pinterest picture looks like.”

—Aaron Lewis

What are some of the more creative ways you are able to help homeowners find storage and space solutions with limited kitchen space?

“Custom pullouts allow homeowners struggling with limited storage space to utilize vertical storage more effectively. Static shelves force you to keep levels further apart in order to have the ability to access an item, creating unused or ‘dead’ space. ShelfGenie pullouts turn the unused air space into viable storage space. Our pullouts are custom built to the millimeter to fit perfectly into any existing space and are full depth, meaning we use 100% of the cabinet or pantry. We also eliminate the need for stacking items, dramatically increasing efficiency and overall ease of access.”

—Justin Hostetler

RESOURCES

Closet Factory Serving Pa. and N.J. (215) 268-7660 ClosetFactory.com

Closets by Design (866) 278-8881 (Pa. and Del.) (888) 500-9215 (N.J.) ClosetsByDesign.com

Closets for Less of Bucks County Warminster, Pa. (215) 660-3080

Closets4LessBucks.com

One Day Doors & Closets of Delaware Valley Marlton, N.J. (856) 485-4006

OneDayDV.com/promo10

ShelfGenie of Philadelphia Pottstown, Pa. (484) 798-7243

ShelfGenie.com

Wealth of Knowledge

Whether it’s

or

who’s just

’ advisory team helps each client make informed decisions that will shape their financial future.

by Bill Donahue | photos by Alison Dunlap

Financial markets never stand still. Considering the dynamic nature of the business, investors would be wise to seek out an advisory firm that has no fear of change, a future-looking partner focused on growth, continual rebalancing, and education.

Enter Family Wealth Partners of Medford, New Jersey. Led by the advisory team of Mark Finelli, CFP®, and Tyler Love, CIMA®, Family Wealth Partners strives to build trusting relationships with all its clients by understanding their long-term financial goals and then devising carefully researched plans designed to turn those goals into reality.

Finelli and Love first met at Merrill Lynch, where Finelli had been a vice president and Love was enrolled in a development program for aspiring financial advisors. Over the next several years, Finelli would branch out to launch Family Wealth Partners, while Love would cut his teeth as an investment advisory specialist before transitioning into an advisory role. When the two reconnected about seven years later, each saw in the other an opportunity to grow. Love joined Family Wealth Partners’ advisory team earlier this year, giving the firm a unique combination of youth and experience.

“In the corporate world, it’s a volume business, but on the independent side, it’s all about customer service and getting to know

your clients,” says Finelli, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. “I don’t like the word boutique, but that’s the level of service clients can expect from us. All of our clients hear from us quarterly, at the very least, and for some it’s a lot more often. That’s especially true if they’re going through a marriage, a divorce, or some other big life change.

“We’re not calling you to chat about vacations or something going on in the community, though we do get to know people on that level,” he continues. “We’re calling you because we spend a lot of time doing research and coming up with ideas for you, and plotting out where things need to go. We’re looking into the future and imagining what will happen, and then coming up with a plan that’s designed to get results.”

The firm’s proactive approach helps to ensure that clients feel confident about the future and can take advantage of every available opportunity—including during times of peak volatility, such as the global stock market crash from April of this year.

“Right now we’re blessed to be in a high-

interest-rate environment for savers, but the markets are dynamic,” Finelli adds. “Money market rates are at about 4 percent, and at some point interest rates are going to come down. Anyone who has nothing but cash in the bank or hasn’t touched their old 401(k) is doing themselves a major disservice. Your financial strategy cannot be static, which is why it’s important to have someone you trust rebalancing it for you.”

Finelli, 46, and Love, 31, stand apart in an industry in which the average age of U.S. financial advisors is approaching retirement age. Their uniqueness extends to their interest in education, which should come as no surprise considering their shared background in coaching—wrestling for Finelli, baseball for Love. Whether someone wants to “understand how the sausage is made or just wants us to take care it and give them straight answers,” Finelli says the firm wants each client to be as informed as possible. When prospective clients meet with Family Wealth Partners for the first time, they’re trying to determine if the firm will be a good fit. Finelli and Love are doing the same, as they need to understand if the client’s priorities and attitudes align with their own.

“Most of our clients might not have the time, knowledge, or inclination to immerse themselves in the ongoing process of planning out their financial future,” says Love, a Certified Investment Management Analyst® professional. “They see the value of having a partner in their financial life, someone they can lean on to help make informed decisions with confidence.

“The client should also feel like they are working with someone they can collaborate with, because it’s not a one-way street,” Love continues. “They hire us for not only for our expertise, but also for our availability, transparency, and ability to listen empathetically. We show clients our true selves in the same way we work to understand what truly matters most to them.”

As an independent Registered Investment Advisor, Family Wealth Partners has a fiduciary duty to always act in the clients’ best interests. The firm works with many high-net-worth clients. At the same time, the advisors enjoy working with clients who are early into their financial planning journey.

“The people who are just getting going have been largely underserved by this industry,” Finelli adds. “What happens often is that one of our clients will come to us and say, ‘Here’s my son, who has $50,000 to invest.’ We can be there for him now so he can reap the rewards later. The people who have $2 million to $3 million now started out with much less. So don’t be scared to come to us and say you’re just getting started. We can help.” ■

Tyler Love, CIMA®

Mark Finelli, CFP®

All Decked Out

BY CHELSEA VALCOURT

Maximize the beauty and utility of your deck with finishing touches and unique additions.

With holiday barbecues around the corner, temperatures rising and flowers blossoming, the desire to be outdoors is on a steady increase. Decks make an excellent place to hang out with family and friends, entertain or simply just soak up the outdoors on a beautiful day.

At its core, a deck is just a platform—but with careful planning and a few exciting additions, you can transform your deck into an outdoor space fit for relaxing, hosting and wellness, maximizing your investment and enjoyment in your home.

An Extension of Home

A good deck should blur the line between the home and the outdoors, ensuring the same comforts of home while still allowing you to embrace the beauty of the outdoors.

“The deck is an extension of the house and it should have colors and shapes that coincide with both the home and landscape,” says Mike Jerminski of Get Decked. “It should be built to enhance the structure it is attached to but also act as an entrance to the yard. Balancing functionality and design can make the deck feel like a natural addition as if it’s always been a part of the home.”

Alongside matching accents, the deck design should be carefully thought out to ensure it meets your every desire and prevents the space from feeling crowded or disorganized.

“The key to getting the most out of your deck isn’t just about size—it’s about intention. Dividing the area into distinct ‘zones’ for cooking, dining and lounging helps organize the space and gives each activity a sense of

All Decked Out

place. Incorporating natural elements like planters, vertical gardens or even water features brings a sense of calm and connection to the outdoors,” says Joe Oakes, owner of First State Building & Design. “And don’t forget the power of flexibility—modular furniture, retractable shade systems and smart lighting let the deck evolve with your needs. Ultimately, a great deck feels like more than an outdoor platform—it feels like a destination.”

Bringing the Heat

Hot summer days often come with colder temperatures at night, potentially limiting the functionality of your deck. Fire features can add an extra flair and increased usefulness to your space.

“A built-in or portable firepit adds a natural gathering spot. Go for sleek, gas fire bowls for a modern look or rustic stone for a cozy feel,” says Dave Fisher, owner of Dutchies Stoneworks & Outdoor Living. “For more compact spaces, tabletop fire bowls provide a smaller but still atmospheric alternative.”

In addition to providing heat and light, fire features can be used to add a little whimsy to late nights outdoors with roasting marshmallows.

Seeing the Light

Lighting is a big consideration when it comes to providing the perfect ambiance. White lights are better for visibility, but their harshness may be too much for homeowners—and their neighbors—late into the night. Yellow lighting is easier on the eyes and can work to create a cozy, warm vibe. But the options don’t stop there; colored lights can also be used to curate the perfect feeling no matter the occasion.

“Lighting is a must-have for homeowners who want to enjoy evenings on their deck,”

says Jerminski. “Lighting should be soft yet provide a warm glow, and a very peaceful and relaxing ambiance to unwind at the end of a stressful day.”

In addition to setting the mood, lighting can provide an important safety function, reducing the potential for tripping, running into things or losing items.

Lighting can be set up many different ways. From under-the-deck accent lights and overhead lights to strung twinkle lights and spaced out lanterns, there’s an arrangement for everyone, regardless of personal taste.

Outdoor Kitchens

Outdoor kitchens are continuing to grow in popularity due to their customization options and homeowners’ ability to spend more time outside with friends and family. No longer does one person have to stay inside toiling over the stove while everyone enjoys a beautiful day outside. Instead, an outdoor kitchen allows the cook to continue to host, watch over little ones and breathe in the fresh air.

“The kitchen has always been called the ‘heart of the home,’ so why not make that space outside as well by adding an outdoor kitchen on your deck?” says Andrew Mowery, sales and design manager at Amazing Decks.

Today, an outdoor kitchen has so much more to offer than a rust-riddled grill shoved up against the house. Custom-made countertops can be constructed to allow for smokers, grills, sinks, refrigerators and

more into the build of the deck—making for a cohesive and intentional look.

In addition to standard equipment, pizza ovens can be constructed to provide the perfect brick oven pizza at home.

When it comes to outdoor kitchens, the sky is the limit as improvements in equipment, materials and technology allow for a set up perfectly designed to fit any homeowner’s needs.

Maintaining the Beauty

Living in the Northeast means life isn’t always spent in the sun, so how do you take care of your outdoor space during the colder months? Well, it’s not as labor-intensive as it may appear and just a few simple actions can make a significant impact.

“Winter doesn’t have to be the end of your deck’s utility—but it is the time to be thoughtful about care. Outdoor kitchens and shade structures need a little attention as the seasons shift,” says Oakes. “Covering appliances, sealing stone surfaces, draining waterlines and storing soft goods indoors all go a long way in protecting your investment. High-quality materials like composite decking and powdercoated steel structures are designed to withstand the elements, but giving them a little help in the off-season ensures they’ll look and perform their best when spring returns.”

Finishing Touches

The perfect deck comes with intention, suited to fulfill each homeowner’s unique lifestyle. In addition to built-in options, finishing touches such as entertainment, seating and decor can really pull together a space.

“Outdoor furniture and accessories have come a long way and now there’s so many options for homeowners looking to dress up their outdoor space,” says a spokesperson from Deck Guardian. “Hammocks, planters, rugs, electric waterfalls, fire tables and sofas all enhance the comfort and look of decks and make them so much more useful than in the old days where a deck was just a

All Decked Out

place to cook.”

Outdoor game tables, cornhole boards and entertainment systems can help to bring the comfort and enjoyment of indoor activities outside.

Watch your favorite baseball team while grilling up lunch, embrace the outdoors while catching up on the hottest new drama or spend a romantic movie night under the stars with the simple addition of a TV or projector.

“A TV wall allows homeowners to bring out an outdoor TV to enjoy while lounging, sitting by the firepit or cooking in the outdoor kitchen,” says Deck Guardian’s spokesperson.

If you’re looking to add on to your health journey or incorporate something new into your post-workout routine, a cold-plunge tank or sauna may be the way to go.

“Homeowners can add a sleek, modern cold plunge tub just off the deck for a bold, health-conscious statement. Consider a cedar tub for a rustic vibe or a stainless steel model for a cleaner, spa-like look,” says Fisher. “Alternatively, an outdoor sauna— barrel or prefabricated cabinstyle—nestled beside your deck adds warmth, both literally and visually, and it’s the perfect year-round escape, turning your deck into a luxury retreat.”

In the end, a deck should be a reflection of the homeowners’ hobbies, needs and taste. There’s no right way to construct, decorate or use a deck—that all depends on what you hope to get out of

it. Focusing on making intentional choices about everything from lighting and unique additions, to seating and beyond, can ensure the deck becomes a space fit for relaxation, hosting or both.

“When thinking about your deck space, don’t think of it as just a deck, think about it as an extension of your home,” says Mowery. “Whether you are enjoying it for everyday life or hosting extended family and friends, how you customize your outdoor living space is key to get you outside more.”