Tag: General contractors

Few summer pleasures beat grilling up a storm outdoors with friends. But hauling all the food and equipment to and from the house can quickly turn a cookout into a stressful affair.

Outdoor Kitchen Contractor Near Me puts everything you need to whip up dinner at your fingertips so you can focus on the fun. Here are some key considerations when designing your own.

When designing a new outdoor kitchen, the layout is one of the most important aspects. It determines the way you use your space and how easy it is to move around and cook. It also determines the aesthetic of the space, and if you want to match it to the architecture or style of your home.

Professional kitchen designer Dawn Whyte breaks down a typical outdoor space into four activity zones that help homeowners choose the best configuration for their needs. She recommends locating your prep zone adjacent to your cooking zone to create a work triangle that increases efficiency. For entertaining, she suggests a dining zone nearby where guests can easily serve themselves from the food you’ve prepared. Finally, a cleaning and disposal zone is an essential addition, as it saves you from running back and forth inside to clean dishes or fill containers with water.

The straight run or single wall kitchen is a popular option that works well for many spaces. It can include all the storage and workspaces of other configurations but is less visually prominent. It is often built beneath a pergola to add extra shade and visual appeal to the area.

Another layout option is the L shaped kitchen. This option provides workspaces on two walls and can include all the major appliances like a grill, refrigerator, sink and more. It also allows for a bar area on the return, which can be a great spot to socialize while you prepare meals for friends and family.

Choosing the right materials is another consideration when selecting an outdoor kitchen layout. Depending on your location, you may need to consider weather extremes that can damage certain materials, such as natural stone or wood. For example, if your home is in a region that experiences hot summers and cold winters, it’s important to use weather-resistant materials. A solid surface such as granite or poured concrete is best, and you should consider adding an awning, pergola, or even a roof to protect against the elements.

When it comes to creating your dream outdoor kitchen, the options are endless. Layout & aesthetics, prebuilt options, and accessory needs and preferences are all important factors in designing an outdoor cooking area that will serve your family well. But it’s also important to outfit your space with the right appliances for your unique cooking and entertaining needs.

From a simple grill to a fully-featured pizza oven, there’s plenty of ways you can take your backyard cooking to the next level. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or just enjoying a quiet dinner with your loved ones, there’s a perfect appliance to help make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.

Some of the most popular appliances for outdoor kitchens include:

Access doors – Adding an access door to your grill island helps prevent debris, insects, and critters from getting into your equipment and damaging it. Not to mention, this feature gives you an easy way to clean your grill and other equipment.

Drawers – A stainless-steel outdoor kitchen drawer is the ideal place to store your tools, utensils, and cleaning supplies. It’s also a great spot to stash extra fuel or marinades for your grill. Plus, it looks fantastic in any outdoor kitchen design!

Countertops – Stainless steel countertops are an essential component to any outdoor kitchen. They’re designed to withstand the elements and keep their appearance indefinitely. Plus, they’re available in a variety of colors and styles to complement any backyard style.

Lighting – An ambient lighting fixture is a must for any backyard dining area. It creates a warm, inviting atmosphere and enhances your dining experience. Plus, it’s a great way to set the mood for your dinner parties and other social gatherings.

To really make your outdoor kitchen feel like a true extension of your home, add a lounge area where guests can relax and enjoy the scenery. You can even opt for a fire pit or fireplace to bring additional warmth to the space. Whatever you choose, make sure your seating is comfortable and stylish to encourage social interaction between family members, friends, and neighbors.

A well-lit outdoor kitchen is the key to a versatile, functional, and enjoyable space. The right lighting can help transition the area from day to night and set the mood for social gatherings. While there are many lighting options available, a few important considerations must be made. For example, the type of fixture must be rated for outdoor use and should complement the style of your home. Additionally, it is critical to ensure that your lighting design includes enough circuits to accommodate the various appliances, sound speakers, and other accessories.

Pendant lights are a popular option because they provide both functionality and aesthetic appeal. They come in a wide variety of sizes and styles, and can be used alone or paired with other fixtures to create a cohesive look. They are also a great way to illuminate countertops, making them safe and easy to work with after dark.

Wall sconces are another way to add light to your outdoor kitchen. They are easy to install and can be used to create a more intimate atmosphere for entertaining. Additionally, they are a great way to highlight an architectural element or to draw attention to an impressive feature of your yard. For example, a wrought iron fence or an elegant fountain would be showcased nicely by a well-placed wall sconce.

If you have stairs leading up to your outdoor kitchen, consider adding stair lights. These handy fixtures fit right into the steps and brighten up the space, reducing trip hazards and making it safer to navigate your patio or deck after dark.

A good rule of thumb is to include a minimum of three sources of lighting in your outdoor kitchen. This will give you the flexibility to light the cooking area, illuminate seating areas, and set the mood for social gatherings. Adding extra task lighting in the form of recessed lighting, under-cabinet lights, or built-in sconces is also a great idea.

The last piece of advice is to work with a professional to get the best results when designing your outdoor kitchen. A pro will be able to incorporate your vision into a practical, aesthetically pleasing design that will make your outdoor kitchen a truly functional addition to your home.

An outdoor kitchen can give you a reason to dine at home more often. Eating out can be expensive, and even a small dinner for the family can add up fast. By taking your meals outside you’ll save money and enjoy a atmosphere that’s hard to match at many restaurants.

Whether you’re hosting friends or cooking for the family, an outdoor kitchen will keep everyone in one place instead of scurrying in and out to indoors when food is sizzling and drinks are flowing. It also means fewer dirty dishes to wash and less time dealing with lingering cooking smells in the house.

Cooking outdoors can keep the home cool as well, which may help reduce energy bills. Indoor kitchens can quickly heat up, which requires the air conditioner to work harder to offset the extra heat. By cooking outside and giving the house’s cooling system a break, you can save money on your energy bills.

An added benefit is that by moving all of the cooking to the outside, it keeps smoky and greasy odors out of your home. This is especially helpful if you have young children or pets who might otherwise inhale those odors. Cooking outdoors can also eliminate some of the not so pleasant odors that come with certain foods, such as seafood or fish.

A pergola can make a great backdrop for an outdoor kitchen and provide a spot to sit in the shade when the weather is hot. The structure is a beautiful setting for flowering vines and can be designed to include a retractable shade fabric for additional shady comfort.

The right landscaping can make an outdoor kitchen look more appealing year-round and can increase the value of your home if you ever decide to sell. A well-designed landscape that flows with the cooking area, dining areas, and living space will impress guests and potential buyers. Annual lawn care services, such as over-seeding in fall or spring and regular weed control treatments, can create an attractive lawn that discourages weeds and pests and encourages a healthier lawn for the whole family to enjoy.

Kitchen Remodeling Lexington KY may be in order if your kitchen needs to be updated or updated. There are many different types of kitchen remodeling, from a simple cosmetic makeover to a complete gut and replacement.

Most major remodels will require permitting and inspections. These typically include plumbing, electrical, and building work. Kitchen appliances also need to be upgraded to newer, energy-efficient models.

A kitchen remodel ranges from cosmetic changes to a full-scale transformation that brings everything down to the studs and starts over. Depending on the scope, it may require hiring a general contractor to manage the work and ensure the project is completed within the budget. This is particularly important, as a full remodel can cost $42,000 or more and includes replacing all major surfaces with new flooring, countertops, sinks and custom cabinets. Larger jobs also often include upgrading appliances to energy-efficient models.

The initial design phase is a chance to explore designs and put your stamp on one of the most used spaces in the home. A GC will be able to offer suggestions and plans to help you flesh out your ideas before the project gets underway.

Before the work starts, the contractor will need to remove any existing fixtures and materials. This is typically a noisy, messy job that can involve taking down (potentially load-bearing) walls. It is also a good opportunity to replace old light bulbs with LEDs that use about 70% less energy and install a tankless water heater for lower monthly utility bills.

Kitchen remodeling is also the best time to replace aging and unwieldy appliances with models that operate better and save you money in the long run. Adding a microwave, dishwasher, or oven that is more efficient will help you cut down on energy consumption and make tasks easier.

When homeowners are remodeling their kitchens, they often want more than a cosmetic facelift. They want to make the kitchen functional, comfortable and enjoyable to use. To do that, they must consider design and layout.

Designers help owners visualize their kitchen remodel project and determine the best layout for the new space. They also help with selection of materials, from cabinets to counter tops, and appliances to faucets, that align with the design vision and budget.

The first step in the design process is determining what Ariana Lovato, owner of calls “scope.” This is when a homeowner decides whether they need to do a complete gut job—which requires demolition and major structural changes—or something smaller, such as replacing cabinets, counters and flooring.

It’s important to weigh scope carefully, as knocking down walls is a costly undertaking that can add up to 15% to the cost of a renovation. And remember, if you want to add more square footage, you’ll likely need to alter your home’s framing, move gas or electrical piping and possibly re-route heating and air-conditioning ductwork.

Adding more storage space is another common request for a kitchen remodel, but it’s important to be strategic and consider how you plan to use the space. For example, it makes sense to group like items together, such as placing the sink near the dishwasher and refrigerator because they both need plumbing.

The design stage of a kitchen remodel involves envisioning and planning the ideal layout and aesthetic. At this point, homeowners and designers can also start selecting materials from suppliers to align with their overall kitchen remodel vision. Cabinets and countertops usually come next in the remodeling process, followed by flooring, backsplash tile and other finishing touches.

It’s also at this stage that a homeowner decides whether to keep existing cabinets, which would limit the scope of the project, or upgrade to new custom cabinets to enhance the overall livability and value of the home. The scope of a kitchen remodel can range from what owner Ariana Lovato calls a “cosmetic refresh” to a full-scale renovation that includes tearing down walls and reconfiguring the space.

Another consideration at this stage is how much countertop space is needed. If the goal of a remodel is to increase livability and functionality, adding an island can be a great option. These versatile spaces are multifunctional and work well with any open-concept kitchen layout. They can be used as extra food prep surfaces, a dining area for two people or more, or even a workspace or arts and crafts center for kids. Other counter options include a galley kitchen layout, where the sink, stove and refrigerator are located along one wall. A peninsula is another option that combines the advantages of both an island and a galley.

When you’re remodeling a kitchen, choosing the best materials is crucial. The materials you choose determine the look, function, and durability of your finished product. You’ll need to consider use, cost, and color when selecting materials.

Flooring and counter-top materials are key for a kitchen’s functionality and appearance. Laminates, wood, and vinyl are common choices for kitchen flooring. Laminates provide a cost-effective option with an authentic look and feel. However, it’s important to select high-pressure laminates to minimize damage from heat and moisture. Vinyl and glazed porcelain tile are the most durable options for kitchen floors and countertops, and they’re available in solid sheets and planks that minimize seams.

Hardwood flooring and natural stone are premium options that add to your home’s resale value. These materials are expensive, but they’re long-lasting and require low maintenance.

Windows are another important component to consider. Window frames can be made from a variety of materials, but wood is the most durable and stylish choice for traditional, transitional or modern homes. Wood is also energy efficient, helping to keep your home comfortable and warm.

Wall surfaces can be covered with many different materials, but paint is the most affordable and versatile. It’s possible to purchase a wide selection of colors, styles and sheen levels to suit any decor. It’s important to select a low luster eggshell finish for walls and trim, and higher gloss paint for accents like crown molding.

The appliances you select for your kitchen have a major impact on the overall design of the space. In addition to considering your personal aesthetic, you’ll also need to consider how they will fit within the layout of the room and how they will function in terms of size, energy usage, and more.

While stainless steel continues to dominate, homeowners are experimenting with unique finishes like matte black or white. They’re also choosing more modular designs that allow for customization of storage space to suit their needs. This trend is great for those who want to create a stylish and functional space while keeping their cabinets uncluttered.

Another popular kitchen remodeling trend is to open up the space and add in more natural light. This can be done in a variety of ways, including by adding in more windows, double doors, or even a pass-through window.

Before making any final decisions on the appliances you’ll be using in your kitchen, consult with a professional who can offer expert advice and a showroom full of working models to help you make the best decision for your home. Also, remember to check out the manufacturer’s warranty coverage and any additional warranties that may be included with your purchase. After all, the last thing you want is to end up with a refrigerator or cooktop that can’t be repaired in your area!

Once your new kitchen is complete and all of the big-ticket items have been installed, it’s time to add the finishing touches. This might include a backsplash, paint, or other finishing touches to make the kitchen look beautiful and cohesive. It’s also a good time to add some decor, rugs and other accessories.

During this process, you should also prepare your home for the remodel and seal off entrances to keep dust, dirt and other contaminants from seeping into other areas of the house. It’s also a good idea to set up a temporary kitchen in the basement or somewhere else in the house, especially if you plan on cooking while the project is going on.

This kitchen remodeling process involves a lot of noise, mess and strangers traipsing through your house, so it’s important to stay patient and keep a clear line of communication with your contractor. Otherwise, you might return to a kitchen with handles mounted in the wrong spots, outlets wired in the wrong places or tiles that aren’t quite right. A reputable general contractor will take the time to listen to you, explain their work, and answer any questions that you might have. That way, you can rest assured that the end result is exactly what you want.