Bob’s Top Tips for Building a Treehouse This Spring

Last week we talked about some tips for planning a treehouse build. This week, I wanted to go over some of the basics to consider when taking this project on. Every treehouse will be different in terms of their size, shape, and configuration, but there are a few common rules to be aware of regardless of the type of hideaway you are building.

Keep Design in Mind

While many people prefer a more rustic approach, there are also hundreds of amazing treehouse plans that you can access through the internet. Check out www.treehousesupplies.com which offers plans for every size and shape of house and www.theclassicarchives.com which also includes a shopping list for all the lumber and equipment you’ll need. A treehouse with some pizazz can actually increase your resale value if you decide to move house after the kids have grown and gone.

Level the Floor

Building a structure that’s off the ground is tough, but it’s important to get the platform completely level with the weight evenly distributed between the tree branches or the supports. You can do this by laying the beams across the branches or running the beams between multiple tree trunks and then shimming them until they are level. If you’re building around the base of one tree, you can level it using your supports. Treehouses can last a lifetime and you want to make sure you get the first step right or the rest of the build is going to be more difficult.

Build in Pieces

Rather than trying to construct your house up in the trees, consider building each section on the ground first and then hoisting it into position using a backhoe or a pulley system. Generally, the four walls and the roof can be built on the ground and then assembled when it's on the base. Measurement is key here because you want to be absolutely sure your treehouse fits when it is in place.

Keep the Tree Healthy

Building a treehouse can put a lot of strain on the tree itself and punctures will leave it more susceptible to disease. Use floating brackets to allow for flexible support so the tree can move and sway in the wind the way that it's supposed to. You can purchase specialty fasteners that are made specifically for treehouses that will do less damage and keep the house secure. Also, remember that trees grow and the size it is now will change in 10 or 20 years time. Don't build too tightly around it.

Remember the Extras

A treehouse is all about imagination, so don’t be afraid to get creative with some fun add-ons. A tire-swing, zip line, ladder, bridge, fold down seating, water cannon or a fireman’s pole are some of my favorites. Also, consider making a pulley system to help kids get toys, snacks, and games up to the treehouse so they can climb in and out as safely as possible.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Choosing the Best Driveway Material for Your Home

A cold winter and damage from plow trucks and salting might have your driveway looking a little worse for wear. I’ve had curbs taken off more times than I can count, and cracks almost always appear as a result of rough weather and surface materials that haven’t been updated in some time.

While it’s true that a driveway is a convenient place to park your car, it also offers considerable curb appeal and can increase the resale value of a home if a potential sale is in your near future. Of course, when considering driveway material, there are many to consider and what works for one house might not work so well for another. So let’s go through the pros and cons of the four most popular options to help you make the best decision for your home.

Asphalt

This is the most popular driveway material and for good reason - it’s practical and easy to install. An average asphalt driveway and typically be laid in a day and if properly maintained, they can last for up to 30 years or more. An asphalt driveway is also a safe bet with our cold winters and hot summers as they can stand up to severe temperature changes.

Sounds pretty good right? I think so, but there are a few drawbacks to be aware of. For starters, asphalt only comes in one color - black. So if you’re looking for something special to match the aesthetic of your home, you aren’t going to find it here. Another thing to consider is that asphalt does crack and crumble with age, but problem areas can be resealed so you don’t need to replace the whole driveway with every blemish.

Gravel

For people looking for a driveway solution on a budget, gravel might be the way to go. While they aren’t as popular as they once were, gravel is great for very long or intricately shaped paths. On the flip side, using loose stone can get very sloppy and you’ll likely find yourself regularly going out to get new materials to replace what’s been lost from both the weather and everyday use. Gravel is also tough to plow and shovel, so take that into consideration if your driveway gets a lot of snow.

Pavers

No one can deny the beauty of a brick or stone driveway. Homeowners love them for an upscale look that can mimic the style of the property while still offering a strong and reliable material that will last for decades. Of course, with beautiful pavers also comes high product and labor costs as each piece will have to be laid by hand. Take this into consideration when you’re thinking about which material to use as the installation of this material will likely mean your driveway will be out of commission for a lot longer than some of the other options.

Concrete

If you’d like a driveway with some individuality but don’t want to fork over the cash for pavers, concrete might be your best bet. Concrete is poured quite easily so the installation is relatively fast, although you’ll need to wait a week to drive on it. There are also many options to stamp or dye the material to create a unique look, including mimicking the design of pavers. While concrete is still more expensive than asphalt, it also lasts a really long time - 30 years or more. The downside? Concrete can be susceptible to cracking and can be pricier to fix.

No matter what type of driveway material you decide on, the end result will only be as good as what’s underneath the material. A qualified professional will discuss elevation, drainage, and environmental factors with you to help you make the best choice for your home.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Shop Local and Support Small Businesses This Holiday Season

The holiday shopping season is in full swing and while it might be easier to hit the mall or fill your Amazon cart with gifts for everyone on your list, there is much to be said for shopping local and giving small businesses a part of the action. According to the U.S. Small Business Association Office of Advocacy, small businesses represent 97 percent of companies here in Connecticut, employing nearly half of our workforce. Almost 20 percent of our economy is represented by businesses that have less than 20 employees.

Small businesses make our communities exciting and vibrant places to live, but they need our help to compete with the big guys and thrive. So this holiday season, let’s all do our best to support the small business owners who make our state and local cities special. To get you inspired, here are some of my favorite holiday gifts for the homemade right here in our own backyard.

Customized Push Pin Travel Map

Hailing from Trumbull, Connecticut, Amanda Naqvi and her team at 76th and Newbury create customizable paper goods and prints to help people bring their memories to life. I love the travel maps which can be personalized with names and regions to keep track of all your adventures. Starting from $50 at 76thandnewbury.com

Connecticut Pillow Cover

Laurel Ryan’s pillow covers are a simple and fun way to update your home with a personal design. I like the Connecticut outline, but Laurel can create almost anything from family crests to initialed monograms on both pillows and towels. Best of all, she keeps it local from her studio in Ridgefield. Starting from $40 at etsy.com/shop/LaurelRyanDesigns

Stained Glass Ornaments

John Chapman’s Uncasville stained glass studio is the perfect place to be inspired for that tough to buy for person on your list. With over 100 different designs, John’s ornaments and sun catchers make a beautiful addition to any home and a holiday gift that grandma or your little one’s favorite teacher is sure to enjoy. Starting from $12 at etsy.com/shop/ChapmanStainedGlass

Soy Candles

Manchester-based Lumiere Candle Company hand pours wood wick soy candles and wax melts that last ages and smell awesome. Their small batch runs come in seasonal scents like Crackling Campfire, Eggnog, and Woodland Foliage and make a great stocking stuffer for anyone who loves the smells of the season. Choose any three from $17 at etsy.com/shop/LumiereCandleCompany

Nordic Gnomes

DaVinci Doll Designs makes the perfect pals for little ones in your life. The Hartford-based studio creates classic Scandinavian style gnomes that make unique decorations or a great substitute for the classic Elf on a Shelf. Each one is painstakingly crafted and stitched by hand. Starting from $43.99 at etsy.com/shop/DaVinciDollDesigns

Wood American Flag Wall Art

D&L Designs from Berlin make some of the coolest signs and art using reclaimed wood found right here in Connecticut and beyond. The husband and wife team create everything by hand and designs can be custom made to fit any room in your house. Starting from $49 for signs and $125 for flags at etsy.com/shop/DandLwoodworking

Do you have a favorite small business in our area that makes fantastic holiday gifts? Tell me about them on Facebook at facebook.com/odonnellbros

Bob O'Donnell is the owner of O'Donnell Bros, Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro”. All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O'Donnell Bros, Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.