Sprucing up our Curb Appeal

Our entry project (last summer) included a new door, awning, handrails, and light fixture.  Motivation: The existing door was sticking and difficult to shut and the aluminum awning just had to go!  We originally wanted sidelights at the door but this involved additional structural work that we decided to forgo.  Instead, we chose a Therma-tru fiberglass door with oval glass panel to bring in some light.  We went with vinyl posts and handrails which is a bit more expensive than wood but is said to last longer.  Also, I'm not a huge fan of wrought iron railings which I believe are more expensive and not as easy to maintain anyways.  As shown in the before and after pictures, the entry has definitely improved our curb appeal.  (In the After photo, the light fixture under the awning has not yet been installed.)  

Contractor: Almar Building & Remodeling

Before

After (w/o light fixture)

The Accidental Project - Back Stairs

After getting a quote for a new exterior deck (Summer 2010), we decided against the full deck to simply upgrade the wood treads of our existing back stairway with Trex material.  Upon ripping up the stair treads, Nick found the stringers were rotted and decided to demo the entire stairway.  So Nick and his friends spent the summer rebuilding the stairs.  It was not the ideal time of year to demo the stairway leading to our backyard, patio, and pool and any plans of summer cookouts had to be put on hold as our patio soon became a construction zone.