Let’s take this outside.
With today’s fast paced and often hectic lifestyle, more and more people are realizing the benefits of creating a private oasis right in their own backyard.
Entertaining family and friends in these newfound spaces is being taken to an entirely new level with the introduction of the outdoor kitchen. Gone are the days of simply having a grill on the back patio or deck. Today’s homeowners are raising the bar by creating their own backyard vacation retreat area.
Creating an Outdoor Sanctuary
Creating your own backyard haven can be broken down into stages and completed as time and budget allow. The average do-it-yourselfer can complete many of the steps necessary by hiring professionals on an ‘as-needed’ basis.
The Master Plan
As with everything, there is no substitution for a good design that lays out a Master Plan. A detailed organized plan will allow for proper costing, order of work, and execution of the project, allowing the project to be completed in stages as time and budget allow – both of which are at a premium for the average do-it-yourselfer. Engaging the services of a Professional Designer to help develop the Master Plan would be the best option. The Professional Designer will look at your backyard as a whole and how it relates to your existing house and existing conditions and will be able to offer up ideas that would otherwise not be thought of. If this is not a viable option the do-it-yourselfer can design the backyard space from the numerous resources available on the subject.
The Focal Point
The outdoor kitchen will become the focal point of the backyard. It will entice people outside and keep them outside by having many of the same amenities as the indoor kitchen. The existing backyard and its patio or deck will serve as the foundation for creating your outdoor kitchen. The kitchen can be as simple as a grill with an accompany storage cabinet along with a space for a cooler or as ambitious as a full kitchen with a grill, cook top, refrigerator, sink, serving area and eating area.
The Amenities
With the introduction of your new outdoor haven, you’ll need to consider what you’re going to include. Having ideas about the amenities early on will save time as your dreams become reality.
- Landscaping – Creative landscaping and a variety of plantings will dress up any backyard.
- Water – Swimming pools and hot tubs have historically been thought of as the draw to the backyard. If these are not an option one may want to consider a water feature or some type of mist system to help keep cool during the heat of the summer.
- Patio or Deck – A patio or deck large enough to accommodate the desired items along with space for proper eating, seating and mingling are important to the overall success of the project.
- Shelter – Shade and a place to escape the occasional rain shower is always welcome when enjoying the great outdoors. A pool house, gazebo, sunroom, pergola or something as simple as an awning or umbrella may be in order.
- Heat – Heat sources can extend the use of your outdoor space. Outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, chimneys and outdoor gas heaters all can knock the chill out of the night air.
- Furniture – Furniture can be purchased in many types of styles and will allow comfortable areas in which to relax.
- Grill – The outdoor kitchen is fast becoming the must have in the backyard. The grill has historically been and still is the focal point of the outdoor kitchen. Options today include freestanding units or built in units in various finishes, sizes and shapes that can be outfitted with a multitude of options.
- Outdoor Kitchen – Other items to consider including in your outdoor kitchen are cook top burners, warming drawer, rotisserie, smoker, pizza oven, refrigerator, ice maker, sink, dishwasher, wine cooler, serving area, bar area, eating area and storage area.
- Special Interests – Rounding out the list of amenities one may wish to include is lighting, audio/video, putting green and playground equipment.
The Budget
Design Professionals, Builders, Remodelers and Real Estate Professionals agree that 10 – 15 percent of the home’s value is a good range for the budget. If you have a $200,000 home you could budget $20,000 – $30,000 for your backyard oasis and feel comfortable in knowing most of that cost can be recouped on resale.
The Future
Most Professionals in the industry agree that today’s outdoor kitchen is only the beginning. As the phenomena of nesting and cocooning continue in this world that we live in now more and more people are realizing the benefits of creating their own oasis right in their own backyard to be enjoyed by family and friends much more frequently than a vacation or trip out somewhere. People enjoy the casual entertaining value added by creating this outdoor space!
What We Can Do
If you have questions about remodeling projects, or just want some further tips, feel free to give us a call. Did you know that we also offer handyman services? Because of BACK Construction’s reputation of being the highest quality remodeler in Lexington, Kentucky, many people think we only do large projects. We offer the same quality for small projects as with a large project, because we have the same skilled craftsmen on each and every one. In fact, BACK’s handyman service is an Angie’s List Super Service Award winner.
Contact us today, no matter what size project you have, and we will provide our quality workmanship to handle your project with care. Our team of skilled, professional craftsmen will make sure your project is done BACK better!
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