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Backyards are a big perk to owning a home, as you can create your own personal oasis. Creating a space that welcomes good times where you can create family memories is what every homeowner dreams of. One unique feature that’s becoming more popular is having your own outdoor fireplace.
If you’re over 55 and in the market for a new home in Melbourne, check out Bridgewater at Viera. This 408-acre gated enclave features 870 beautiful single-family homes especially designed to accommodate the varied needs and lifestyles of today’s 55+ community. Plus, a whole new collection of twin homes is coming soon.
If you’ve been thinking about adding a fire pit to your outdoor space, here are some things to consider to make this dream, a reality.
Get Permission
Before diving deeper into this project, check with your Homeowner’s Association, county, or city ordinances to determine the laws and regulations in your area. Make sure you obtain any permits or permission you may need before any work begins.
DIY or Hire A Pro?
You can easily DIY your own backyard fireplace with the help of videos and tutorials online. Those who have grand ideas for their setup, may need to hire a pro to ensure the process goes smoothly and give you the best results for your money. Get some quotes and compare prices for professionals to find one the best fits your vision and budget.
Set A Budget
Budgeting is always important with any new home project, and you can set how much you’re willing to spend or break down your vision and work the budget around that. Simple free-standing fire pits, or materials to DIY, can start at under $100 to purchase at any local home improvement store. Know that if you’re looking into building a more permanent elaborate structure the prices could easily range in the $1,000s.
Pick A Location
You could already be imagining a perfect spot in your backyard as you read this! However, if you’re not sure yet, determine a location and any landscaping changes that may be necessary to make your fire pit dreams a reality. Keep in mind that your spot should have a flat level surface as well as have enough distance away from your home, other outdoor structures, and trees.
Practice Fire Safety
No matter how big or small your fireplace is, it’s essential to always practice fire safety. Find a list online to follow, and make sure all family members and friends who will be using it know the safety measures they should be keeping. Depending on your structure, it’s recommended to use a spark screen and avoid using your fire pit on a windy day. Make sure kids aren’t left unattended around the open flames and always keep a fire extinguisher handy as a precaution.
Learn Fire Pit Care
In order to get the best use out of your new fireplace, learn the proper ways to care for and clean it. When you’re done using it, allow flames to burn out naturally rather than pouring a large amount of water directly onto the fire, which may cause damage to the structure. Keep your fireplace covered or closed to protect it from rain and other outside elements that can damage it.
Ready to make some memories? Keep these tips in mind when creating your cozy outdoor fireplace to have fun and stay safe!
One of the most creative ways to celebrate your mom this Mother’s Day is to DIY a personalized present. And if mom has moving on her mind, Lennar has some wonderful options for her to consider!
Avalon Trails, Bridgewater at Viera and Veranda Preserve are all “55 & Better” lifestyle communities with homes tailored to the needs of residents with plenty of amenities and social activities. If mom would prefer a townhome, Towns of Andalucia has spacious floor plans with 1,604 to 2,032 A/C square feet, while Woodlands at Ibis in West Palm Beach offers beautiful single-family homes worth considering.
If you’re looking to give mom the perfect Mother’s Day gift, here are some fun DIY suggestions:
One of A Kind Creation
Get little ones excited to create a handprint bouquet that mom will love and treasure. Set up a little station in the backyard with colorful construction paper, safety scissors, glue, and whatever other decorations you can think of. The kiddos can also make her a custom card or flashcard notebook filled with everything you all love about her.
Home Decor & Accessories
Older children can get a bit craftier and create beautiful tile coasters or personalized mugs for mom to show off when she entertains. Look for a blank pieces to paint and decorate with handprints, sentimental sayings, or as a work of art for mom to use every morning with her coffee or tea. Test out your sewing or crochet skills and make a beautiful infinity scarf or cozy throw blanket for mom to use any time of the year.
Handcrafted Jewelry
Little ones can have fun and easily make mom a custom bracelet or necklace with handy kits found at your local craft stores. Challenge your older kids to paint their own necklace pendant or bracelet charms and craft something a little more elaborate for a classier jewelry set.
Relaxation Gifts
Honor mom with a relaxation gift basket filled with a cozy robe, slippers, facemasks, and complete with your own bath bomb creation. Buy blocks of soap for older kids to try and carve into unique designs. Find easy soap and bath bomb DIY tutorials online to give mom the ultimate gift of relaxation.
No matter how well-crafted (or not) the gift is, mom will certainly appreciate all the love and hard work that went into her personalized DIY present!
Mother’s Day is around the corner, and if you or mom are looking for great new living options, check out Lennar’s many diverse communities and designs: townhomes in Ft. Lauderdale at Edge on 20th, single-family and twin homes in Miami at Campo Bello, chic condos and townhomes in Doral at Urbana, and innovative Next Gen® homes in Miramar, at Marbella.
Residents of Lennar’s communities in Ft. Lauderdale and Miami enjoy amazing amenities and easy access to the best attractions in the region. Here are some great ideas for enjoying your Mother’s Day out in South Florida!
Daytime Activities
Spend the day at Flamingo Gardens strolling through the Botanical Gardens or visit the Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary, where you will discover the largest and oldest collection of Florida native wildlife. Residents of Palomino Lake can take a short 15 minute drive to enjoy all that this location has to offer. Go down to Miami and visit the beautiful Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum or the Perez Art Museum right next door. Both are sure to have fun for the whole family with planetarium shows, colorful marine life, featured exhibits, and beautiful artwork.
Brunch Specials
Find out if your favorite local eateries are serving up a Mother’s Day brunch by looking online. Some restaurants offering all-inclusive Mother’s Day brunch specials are Casa Sensei, Fi’lia, Zuma Miami, and many others. Take the whole family out to toast mom with glasses of mimosas and yummy food.
Take Advantage of Amenities
Lennar communities are full of fun amenities that can be used year-round, but are especially fun to use during times of celebration. Lennar’s Broward communities, such as Cascata at MiraLago, offers fun trails, resort-style pools, and clubhouses to host fun picnics at or a surprise party for mom.
Fine Dining Specials
If brunch isn’t mom’s thing, or you’re looking to treat her twice, many local eateries offer delectable dinner specials on Mother’s Day. Find good deals and eat at restaurants such as Déjà Blue Restaurant, BLT Prime Miami, Apeiro Kitchen & Bar, and more. Do a quick search online to find out which other restaurants are offering special deals for our special moms.
However you celebrate, mom is sure to appreciate you spending the day with her. Happy Mother’s Day to all the Lennar moms out there, and if you’re looking to become a new Lennar mom, stop by any of our Welcome Home Centers to find the home of your dreams.
