February 2011
From the Desk of Terri Norman

Last month, we started our two-part series on creating your dream backyard. This month, we'll explore the remaining steps to creating a backyard haven for your family.

Sure, it's still frightfully cold outside--but that's what makes it such a great time to start thinking about how you'll improve your backyard this spring. So, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and consider printing this issue out so that you can get ready to create your own backyard haven this year.

Enjoy!
Terri Norman
General Manager
Medallion Security

P.S. If you missed last month's start to this series, make sure to check it out at: http://medallionsecurity.com/newsletter/january-11.htm.

In This Issue

• Create a Backyard Haven, Part Two
• Ready to Make Your Dream Backyard a Reality?

About the Newsletter

Medallion publishes Picture Perfect Home monthly to help you turn your house into the home your family deserves.

How to Create a Backyard Haven, Part Two

Last time, we discussed the first three steps to transforming your backyard into the perfect haven. This month, we'll explore the final three steps to creating the transformation you deserve.

Explore others' gardens

Visiting public gardens and friends' backyards can be a great way to tangibly experience the features you put on your list last month. If it's too cold to venture out, there are lots of virtual gardens you can visit as well.

Another great way to visit gardens and backyards--without braving the cold--is to borrow landscaping books from the local library. Libraries are a great resource because they tend to have a locally oriented selection.

While you're taking a look at the gardens and backyards others have created, keep an eye out for what works really well and what doesn't work as well. What sorts of elements strengthen the sense you want your backyard to have? (Perhaps a water feature imbues the space with a serenity you're after, or maybe an extra-large deck offers plenty of space for family gatherings.)

Review your list

Now that you've explored other people's gardens, whether virtually or in person, pull out the list that you made last month. Is there anything the list is missing? Or perhaps there's something on the list that you've decided you're not as interested in as you thought.

Go through your list and prioritize the items--what's worth your largest investments of space and money? What would be nice to have, but only if it fits in with the rest of your plans? Perhaps you'll decide that this year, the new sunroom is an absolute must, and that you'd rather wait to add a water feature until after the sunroom is built and you have a better sense of where in the yard you'll most enjoy that waterfall.

Because you set your list aside for a month, you're likely to have a fresh perspective on it. Put that fresh perspective to work by revising the list as necessary and prioritizing the projects.

Create a budget

Now that you've had time to edit and prioritize your list, it's time to start thinking budget. Remember, improvements made to your backyard have a lasting positive impact on your home's value, so it's important not to skimp. It's well worth investing in the features that you need to make your backyard a true haven for your family.

So, when it comes to creating a budget, what's a reasonable amount to spend? Consider this: according to the National Gardening Association, great landscaping can increase your home's value by as much as 20%. Of course, that kind of increase requires more than just planting a few bushes or installing a new walkway. It's about creating the kind of outdoor space that adds genuine enjoyment and attractiveness to your home.

Another thing to keep in mind as you consider your budget is that Medallion Security offers payment plans to make your backyard improvements suit your budget, so that makes it really easy to invest in the kind of backyard haven your family deserves.

Sure, it still seems like spring is really far off, but now's a great time to find out how to make your backyard haven a reality. We'd love to help you make this happen--just give Medallion Security a call at 800-234-3007.

Ready to Make Your Dream Backyard a Reality?

Do you already know just what your backyard needs to make it perfect for your family? If you do, give us a call today to set up an appointment with one of our consultants. At this appointment, you'll discuss your plans, whether they include new fencing, screened porches, sunroom additions, new paver patios, awnings, or a new deck. Make sure to mention you're a newsletter subscriber at this appointment so you can receive your special, subscriber-only $400 discount if your project total is over $5,000.

Your consultant will be able to answer all of your questions about how long the project will take and what it'll look like when it's done. And, what's more, when you reserve your place on our schedule now, you'll get Early Bird scheduling priority.

To set up your appointment, just give us a call at 800-234-3007.

Visit Our Showroom in Forestville, Md

Medallion is a family owned and operated company that has been in business more than 25 years. Our professional staff is committed to making the experience of purchasing home improvements enjoyable and convenient for you and your family. Our courteous sales staff, project supervisors and service department are committed to your total satisfaction.

We look forward to working with you and doing a fantastic job, whether we are installing a single door, windows or a sunroom. You can rest assured that your job will be given the care and concern you deserve. We thank you for giving Medallion the opportunity to serve you.

You will be satisfied--we guarantee it!

We'd love to give you a tour of our showroom at:
2849 Kaverton Road
Forestville, MD 20747

Contact Us

www.medallionsecurity.com
Phone: 800-234-3007
Email Terri Norman at terrin@medallionsecurity.com
For service requests: Email Crystal Rojas at crojas@medallionsecurity.com