Tips for building an outdoor kitchen for clients

By Steve Constable 

Photo by Richelieu

Outdoor kitchens have been growing in popularity over the years. The benefit of learning how to build an outdoor kitchen is that the profit margins are traditionally higher than standard indoor kitchen remodels given that the select group of contractors with the skill of installing them is small and their services are in demand.

The outdoor kitchen is comprised of four distinct zones: the hot zone, which is where your grill, cook top and pizza oven goes; a wet zone, which is where your sink goes; a cold zone where you keep your cooler or refrigerator; and a dry zone, which is where you want to keep cooking and storage items dry.

Of all the zones within the outdoor kitchen the dry zone requires the most specialized equipment. Special water-tight  and water-resistant cabinets will need to be put in to keep storage items dry. Among the offerings are NatureKast high-density resin and Werever marine-grade HDPE cabinetry that are so impervious you can clean them with a water hose. Kalamazoo also makes beautiful stainless steel cabinets and appliances for the outdoors.

 

Werever marine-grade cabinetry

In regards to appliances for an outdoor kitchen, Kalamazoo makes the nicest, most durable appliances you can buy. They make warming drawers and side burners. They even make outdoor dishwashers, which is a real luxury item if you think about it.

Another aspect of building an outdoor kitchen is to select the right grade of tile. Tiles that work best outside are high-grade porcelain tiles, which are nearly impervious to moisture, and quarry tiles that are highly durable in structure. Another building material you can consider working with is stained concrete with a durable layer of polymer coating.  If you choose to stamp the concrete you want a very low stamp level, which will make cracking less of likelihood. Also if you want to put wood deck flooring in your outdoor kitchen, pick the most water-impervious grade of wood you can. Epay wood is a highly recommended outdoor wood flooring option. Remember sourcing the most durable materials you can and paying more initially is better in the long run as the life of the kitchen can be extended into many decades of time.

Although many keep the outdoor kitchen as closely adjacent to the indoor one as possible, it should not be relegated to just the backyard. You can put outdoor kitchens on the roof as well.
Building an outdoor kitchen is not a necessity but it is a luxury symbol. Many homeowners appreciate what an outdoor kitchen can provide in terms of entertaining guests, and may be eager to have one custom built.

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Rehab projects not for everyone

Are you ready to tackle a fixer-upper?

Buying a house that needs some TLC can be rewarding, said Matthew Provenzano, a Sewickley real estate investor who’s bought, rehabbed and sold many older western Pennsylvania homes in the past 10 years.

“You have the ability to buy a house at less than market value and make it your own,” he said. “Rehabbing a house can be fun, and it’s something you’ll take pride in for many years.”
However, it’s not for everyone. Here are a few basic questions to ask before you buy an older house that needs work.

• Can I see beyond cosmetics? A DIY home might be right for you, Provenzano said, if you have a basic understanding of mechanicals (heating, plumbing, electrical systems) and a bit of vision. “For instance, a home might not be selling because it has a cramped galley kitchen. If you can envision what it would look like with a wall knocked out, you might get a great value.”

• Did I get a home inspection? An inspection is a good starting point, said Gina Mercurio, a real estate agent with Berkshire Hathaway in Sewickley. But be aware that even the most thorough inspection may not show all problems; issues with the roof, gutters and chimney may develop with time, or it may be too cold to inspect the air conditioning system. “Exterior conditions are often overlooked, too,” Mercurio said. “Trees, for instance, can cause mold and clog gutters, adding to basement moisture.”

• What will renovations cost? Most mortgages don’t allow for renovation expenses, so a DIY-er needs a certain amount of cash in hand, Provenzano said. “I use a spreadsheet and itemize every item. Before I hire any contractor, I always get four or five quotes.”

• Do I have the resources to handle unexpected issues? It’s the rare rehab project that comes in under -- or even close to -- budget. “After the demolition and renovations begin, dreams tend to increase, and buyers want bigger, better, and more,” Mercurio said. Unforeseen problems and delays -- the warehouse sent the wrong size windows, for instance -- tend to crop up once work is underway. A good rule of thumb? Budget 25 percent more than the quote for each job, said Provenzano, and have patience with what can seem like an endless process.

• Do I have enough experience? You need to know what you can handle, and what’s better left to the pros. Mercurio said that buyers often make the mistake of thinking they can complete a DIY project without addressing the underlying problems. “Oftentimes, buyers talk about how they’ll knock down a wall to open up a room without considering if the wall is load-bearing,” she said. “Or, maybe they want to add a master suite on a third floor, with no knowledge of how the plumbing will be run.”

• What do similar homes in the area sell for? You want to be able to get your money out of the house, even if you’re not planning to sell right away. “People go in and buy a house and throw an exorbitant amount of money at it because their friends tell them it will sell for $500,000,” said Provenzano. “You need to be smart about it and research the area; every dollar you spend over market value, you won’t get back.”

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3 DIY decor projects anyone can do on a budget

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Image: Supplied

Being strapped for cash shouldn't put a stop to your dreams of giving your home a more stylish look. We've rounded up 3 easy DIY projects that are super chic, but won't cost a fortune to do. Why not try one (or more of them) this weekend?

PROJECT 1: CREATE A POLKA-DOT FEATURE WALL






For an easy and fun take on an accent wall, why not use cost-savvy vinyl stickers? Beyond polka-dots you can source all sorts of wonderful patterns from online shops including clouds, anchors and even reindeers. Try this easy DIY project.

PROJECT 2: PAINT AN OLD BOOKSHELF NEW


Don't settle for a drab-looking bookshelf. A geometric pattern and lick of paint are all you need to give that tired piece of furniture a trendy update. Try this easy DIY project.

PROJECT 3: ADD A DREAMY CANOPY TO YOUR BED

There's no need to invest in a four-poster; create a similarly romantic and dreamy feel by adding a canopy to your existing bed. All you'll need is some hooks, dowel sticks and a few metres of a breezy fabric. Try this easy DIY project.

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Websites, apps make home improvements easier

Glenn Haege

You have heard me say that it is important to visit showrooms to see products and get ideas for your home remodeling projects. But today, the showroom may actually be online or on an app. Here are some websites and apps that can help you plan and visualize your home improvement projects:

Websites

DIY Network (diynetwork.com): HGTV’s sister network has a website loaded with home remodeling and decorating ideas, along with tips on how to actual do the projects yourself.

HGTV (hgtv.com): The cable network that provides plenty of home remodeling inspiration also has a good website that supplies lots of decorating tips and allows you to browse decorating and remodeling ideas and photos room by room based on styles and color schemes to help you with your home remodeling projects. You also can check out designs by your favorite HGTV hosts and other top designers. HGTV also has a Folio app for iPad designed to provide additional home decor ideas.

Houzz (houzz.com): Houzz was started as a side project by a couple when they were remodeling their home but has become a community of more than 25 million homeowners, home design enthusiasts and home improvement professionals. The site provides a place to find photos of various home projects for every room in the house and even enables users to buy products for a project. Houzz also has an app to make it easy to use on a smartphone or tablet.

Kitchens.com (kitchens.com): One of the most popular home remodeling projects is re-doing the kitchen. So this website dedicated to that room provides lots of design ideas, articles, blogs, photos and a product guide section to help you plan a kitchen remodeling project.

Pinterest (pinterest.com): Sometimes the best inspiration for a home project are other people’s finished renovations. Pinterest, a content sharing service that allows members to "pin" images to their pinboard, features a Home Decor section that is filled with photos of decorating ideas and projects from experts or plain old do-it-yourselfers. You can also download the Pinterest Apple or Android app.

Zillow (zillow.com): Many people go to Zillow to check on the price of homes in their area, but the website also offers a Home Design section with home decorating photos and ideas from professionals and home stores. You can look at ideas for various rooms in the home based on style, color and cost, and you can also click on various products in the photos of rooms to learn more about the products. Zillow also has a Zillow Digs app available for iPhone and iPad to let you access home design ideas on the go.

Apps

Color Snap (Sherwin Williams), Color Capture (Benjamin Moore) and Color Smart (Behr) apps from these major paint manufacturers can help you match up color combinations to your project without having to bring home paint samples. The apps are available for both Apple and Android-based devices.

Home Design 3D: This Apple and Android app allows users to import any architectural or hand-drawn design plan and then change every element of the house (walls, objects, furniture)

Homestyler Interior Design: With this app you can use your iPhone or iPad to snap a photo of the room you want to transform and then use its 3D features to see how furniture and decor products will look in the space before you buy them.

Home Depot, Lowe’s and Menards: All of these stores has its own app that allows you to do everything from search the store's inventory, scan UPC symbols and watch how-to videos. The apps are available for both Apple and Android-based devices.

Of course, when you are looking for valuable online information for your home projects, don’t forget my website at MasterHandyman.com. With all the prior planning you can do from the comfort of your kitchen table or favorite coffee shop using your laptop, tablet or smartphone, it is easier than ever to move to the front of the home improvement class.

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12 Inspiring DIY Home Decor Projects

Hi Everyone!  Thank you for reading my blog!  Did you know that I'm the author of not just one, but thirteen books?  For more information, please visit www.charlesirion.com, www.irionbooks.com and/or www.summitmurdermystery.com 

Here are 12 inspiring home decor projects that you can do to brighten up your home, and are pretty darn frugal! I love all things home decor, especially when someone makes a piece them self! There is just something about doing it yourself, redoing a piece you already have, or up-cycing something that is more rewarding than just buying it at the store.

One of my favorites has to be this super adorable Playhouse Makeover from Amber @ Dimples and Pigtals!

This fabulous Chair Makeover from Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof! I mean seriously Jenna can you come to my house and just bring like half of your adorable furniture and accessories?

You have to see this amazing bedroom transformation from Life on Virginia Street! Serious drool of here.

O and then go see her other bedroom transformation! She has obviously been a busy lady!

Since we are on the bedroom topic check out my Shim Headboard

Rachel @ Like a Saturday made this super thrifty Paint Dipped Basket!

Love these DIY Stenciled Pillows from Jordan @ LilyWhite. Designs! The possibilities are endless!

And while you are making some pillows you can make this adorable DIY Duvet Cover Darcy from @ The Ruffled Stitch shared.

Lora @ Craftivity Designs shared this super cute Window Seat

Need to transform your kitchen on a tiny budget? Carrie from Carrie This Home shares how to Paint Kitchen Cabinets!

For the kids… Therena @ A Little Bit of Paint share this fun and frugal Star Wars Art.

Last, but not least, this really cute DIY Rustic Chalkboard!

Do you want to be featured? Link up on Sunday evenings at 8:00pm CST to the Frugal Crafty Home Blog Hop!

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Repost from: ablossominglife.com 

12 Ways to Save Money at Home Depot

Hi Everyone!  Thank you for reading my blog!  Did you know that I'm the author of not just one, but thirteen books?  For more information, please visit www.charlesirion.com, www.irionbooks.com and/or www.summitmurdermystery.com 

 

12 Ways to Save Money at Home Depot

Home Depot is a popular place for people who enjoy DIY projects, or are in the middle of renovating or building a house. It’s easy to get lost in their stores, wandering up and down the aisles, and filling your cart with a bunch of different items. Sometimes this means you end up spending more money than you originally intended. A trip for a $20 purchase could easily turn into a $200 trip. If you’re someone who does tend to spend a lot of money at when shopping at Home Depot, here are a number ways to save money at their stores:

Savings Center

Before you head on over to your local shop, make sure to check out the savings center section of their website. This page shows all the best deals and sales happening each week and month at their stores. The savings center shows deals and sales for every applicable department, and many of the sales range from 5% off to 50% off. If there’s something specific you’re thinking of buying, it’s a great idea to check out the sales before making a purchase.

Rebates

Another great way to save money is by taking advantage of the rebate finder on their website. The website lists all the available rebates for products that the stores sell, some of which go as high as $1,000. Since they don’t normally offer coupons, utilizing rebates is a great way to save some money on your purchases.

Special Buy of the Day

Another feature that is offered on their website is a “special buy of the day.” They pick one item in their store and set a special sale price for 24 hours. Keeping an eye on this section in case something you’ve been meaning to buy pops up as a special sale is well worth your while.

Free DIY Classes

One of the great offers that you can take advantage of is the free do-it-yourself classes that Home Depot offers. While this won’t save you money on the purchase price of the materials you buy, it can save you hundreds, and even thousands, of dollars on hiring someone else to do the project. You may be surprised that with a bit of instruction, how much you really can do on your own to save money, and this confidence will help you tackle other home repairs around the house (although some aren’t cut out for DIY projects). They even offer free workshops aimed specifically toward women.

Sales Catalog

Checking out the sales catalog is another way to save money during your next trip. The sales catalog contains the weekly sales happening at your local store, and often includes items that aren’t shown on the Savings Center webpage. These catalogs are available both online and in-store and can be a great way to help you plan your trip and spending.

Newsletter

Home Depot offers a Garden Club newsletter and signing up will grant you with special member only perks and deals, such as discounts and coupons. Such coupons could be $5 off a $50 purchase or 10% off. The newsletter also provides great tips and tricks of gardening and outside home care and repair, so if this falls under your interests, you should consider signing up to take advantage of their expertise.

Price Match

If you find a product for a lower price at a competitor store, Home Depot will honor the lower price as long as you can prove it (such as bringing in the flyer or pulling up the competitor’s price on your smartphone). Not only do they promise to match the price, but they’ll to beat it by 10%. Checking the competitors advertised deals before you go on the things you plan to buy can end up being a great savings. Don’t only look at other home improvement stores when searching for the best price. Also look at discount stores like Walmart and Target that might also stock the items you’re looking for to claim the price match deal

Coupons

Home Depot doesn’t often offer coupons, but a quick search online for “Home Depot coupons” brings up a decent amount of results. Before you go on your next Home Depot trip, it’s a good idea to search for coupons online to see if there are any available. Even if you can’t find any, not all is lost because the stores also honors competitor coupons. That means if you have a Lowe’s coupon tucked away somewhere, you can claim that savings on your trip.

Military Discount

If you’re in the military or a veteran, you can show the cashier your military ID in order to obtain a 10% discount on your total purchase. Many places offer discounts to members of the military, so just remember that Home Depot is one of those places!

Gift Cards

There are a lot of places online that sell discounted gift cards or that will allow you to swap an unused gift card for a different gift card. If you have, for instance, a bunch of department store gift cards laying around that you’ll never use, head on over to a site like CardSwap and swap it in for a Home Depot gift card. You can also buy discounted gift cards on these sites, with discounts being as high as 40% off the original gift card amount. If you know that you’re going to be doing a big project and will be spending a lot at the store, loading up on gift cards that you can buy for less than retail value can save you hundreds of dollars.

“Special” Items

Home Depot often has a separate section of the store for items that have been returned or gently damaged (such as dents in cans or scratched items). These items are still up for sale, but at a greatly reduced price. If you’re looking to save money and don’t mind some dented paint cans or tools that have been scratched and don’t look shiny and new, shopping in the clearance/returned/special item section may be where you want to look. If you can’t find this section on your own, just ask an employee where it’s located, and they will happily show you where it is.

Free Entertainment for Kids

In addition to adult do-it-yourself workshops, the stores also offer DIY workshops for kids. Not only do the kids learn important hands-on creating skills, they get a half day of free entertainment while they do it. Even better, the skills that they learn can be utilized to help you on DIY home projects as they get older, saving you even more money.

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