Tips To Create An Outdoor Retreat
Backyards are no longer just about decks and swimming pools, often resembling a family’s favorite vacation spot blended with their home’s style. The line between indoor and outdoor spaces is blurring, and the overall trend is to create a seamless flow between the areas. In fact, many homeowners regard outdoor living spaces as an addition to their homes, adding useful extra square footage throughout their entire property.
Members of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) consider the trend to be on the upswing, stating that across the nation homeowners are more often requesting multi-level decks, spas, fireplaces and the latest “in vogue” remodeling project, outdoor kitchens in their backyards.

From wood fire pizza ovens to cabinets and countertops, outdoor kitchens are no longer just for the wealthy. Increasingly, products that remodelers would normally use for indoor kitchen remodels are now being designed for outdoor use, including range hoods and fans to keep cooking heat and smoke away from a homeowner’s guests.

“Homeowners today entertain in their homes a great deal,” said NARI President Everett Collier, CR. “An outdoor kitchen is a novelty and provides another area to entertain guests. Outdoor kitchens can be added to patios, decks, under a gazebo and in courtyards,” Collier adds.

Before undertaking an outdoor remodel, NARI suggests that homeowners make a basic lifestyle checklist:
  • How do you currently use your indoor kitchen? How would you like to use your outdoor kitchen?
  • On average, how many cooks use the kitchen at one time? If you have multiple cooks in the family, you may want to consider dual work zones for more efficient use of the space.
  • Do you enjoy cooking or will the area be more a gathering place than a gourmet retreat?
  • If it is a gathering spot, is there room for family or friends who are not involved in the meal preparation? Is that space convenient and comfortable for everyone?
  • Is the lighting in the area sufficient for evening entertaining?
  • Will your family use the area for regular dining or will this be primarily an entertainment spot?
  • How many on average would you need to seat? Do you have enough room for all of them?

Remodel according to local code. Before finalizing the design of your outdoor space, your remodeling contractor should check zoning laws to make sure your outdoor space will be the proper distance from your property line, and obtain the necessary permits for the job.

Customizable grill islands, much like indoor kitchen islands, can be found in more elaborate outdoor kitchens, along with dishwashers and refrigerators that are designed to be used outdoors. Gas patio heaters make it possible to entertain outside when the weather is chilly.

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