Backyard Re-Model

For years, we have been talking about building a deck off of the back of the house and getting a hot tub but this year, we finally made our dreams a reality. It was no easy task. We had to have a beautiful (but dying) tree removed and had to have the concrete stairs demolished. Although we thought that we'd be able to build the deck ourselves, once we decided to put the hot tub ON the deck, as opposed to on a concrete slab on the ground, we thought it best to hire someone to build the deck. All of those things were the easy part, as was picking out and buying the hot tub. Actually getting the hot tub delivered was an entirely different story - despite making the purchase in mid September, the hot tub was not actually delivered to the house until early December, rescheduled time and time again. Once safely installed on the deck, we needed an electrical upgrade to ensure that everything would run smoothly. And so far, it's been great. For all those people that said "but you aren't hot tub people" - we are using it three or four nights a week, including Christmas Eve, when it was 10 degrees outside. Emily has been taking dips after workouts, to sooth her tired legs. It is really great and we are looking forward to years of soaking.

We absolutely loved this tree, but it was rotting from the inside out and every storm meant more lost limbs. We were worried the next big storm would drop the tree on the house so it was a bit of relief when it finally came down.

The contractors put up the deck in three days. 

We still need to get furniture for the deck, but will take our time with that.