Gibson HomeBuilders

Today’s topic is Outdoor Living Areas.

My guests today are Lindsey Faulkenberry with G & D Pools, Mac Davis with MHD Construction and Jean Gibson with Gibson Home Builders, Inc.
Out Door Cooking Areas

In the beginning there was charcoal, and it was good. As gas grills gained popularity, though, convenience and flexibility became key points in outdoor grilling. Today's most advanced grills have side burners; storage space and work areas built right in. It's only a short leap from there to bringing the entire kitchen outdoors.

Consider installing an outdoor kitchen if:
1) You grill often (or in large amounts) and are looking for ways to streamline the process.
2) You frequently have guests to a cookout, and everyone ends up huddled around you on the patio, socializing while they watch you cook.
3) You have a little-used deck or patio that you would like to incorporate into daily life.
4) You would like to move past burgers and steaks and cook more elaborate dishes using the grill.
5) Cooking in the summertime heats up your house so much that the air conditioning cannot keep up.

When you are ready to take the plunge, ask yourself these questions to help you determine what you are looking for in an outdoor kitchen:
6) What kind of cooking will I do outdoors? How often?
7) What kind of entertaining do I do? Large groups or small? Will we eat outdoors or bring the food back inside?
8) What furniture do I/will I have for the space?
9) What times of the year will I be able to use the space?
10) Will I need to be able to move the kitchen components, or can they be permanently installed?
Use these as thinking points when you are deciding what will go in your outdoor kitchen.

If you want an outdoor kitchen that can be rearranged, moved around and taken with you to a future new home, choose a grill with wheels. These are most common and come in a wide variety of sizes, features and prices.
If you plan to make the kitchen a permanent part of your patio or deck, select a built-in grill that will drop into a space on a cabinet with countertops or another base unit that is built on site. The base unit also can provide storage and work space, just like your indoor kitchen cabinets. If there is a chance that you might move to a different house, think carefully about spending money on features you cannot take with you.

Grill accessories include a griddle, baskets for grilling fish and vegetables, different levels of cooking space for varying heat requirements, a reliable meat thermometer, and tongs that will not pierce the meat when you turn it over.
Side burners are included in better grills sold today. A camping stove could serve in a pinch.
Workspace should be adjacent to the grill and burners. Make sure you can sanitize it for food preparation.
Lighting comes in all varieties. Direct light is best for the work area, and clip-on lights are available that shine directly onto the grill so you can check the progress of the meat. Softer light sets a nicer mood for the eating area, and candles are almost always appropriate for an evening meal.
Patio heaters are a must if you plan to use the space during the chilly months.
Insect control is another requirement in most places if you are going to serve meals outdoors.
After you have the basics, add some (or all) of the extras:
An exhaust hood to keep smoke out of the eyes of diners.
Electrical outlets for using small appliances, stereos and more. (Outdoor outlets should be of the GFCI type. Make sure your electrical wiring meets local code.)
A refrigerator for keeping food cold until it is time to cook.
A sink, either fed with a hose or connected to the house's water supply. (Unless you plan to wash dishes outside, you need only a cold-water connection.)
Warming drawers so nothing arrives at the table cold.
An ice machine so no one has to drag around a heavy cooler.
Wine storage so you will not have to go back inside unless you forget the corkscrew.
A wood-burning oven for roasting meats and vegetables and making authentic pizzas.

Covers are available to keep most grills safe from the elements, and any other parts of your outdoor kitchen should be made of materials that are weatherproof. Some good examples are teak, stainless steel, slate, stone, tile and stucco.
Provide a cover for the cook and the cooking area so a little rainfall will not ruin the meal. But be sure to leave enough ventilation so smoke from the grill can blow away. If your grill is in an enclosed area, consider adding an exhaust hood.
Be sure that the area directly underneath the grill can withstand high heat and any sparks or embers that might fall, and that it can support the weight of the equipment that rests on it. Most patios should work fine, but decks might need additional structural support.

As with an indoor kitchen, proper design of the space will make cooking more comfortable and convenient. You do not have to adopt the traditional "work triangle" design, but think carefully about the way you and your guests use the outdoor space. Be sure to consider the location of other outdoor features, such as pools, playgrounds, gardens and trees.
There should be plenty of space for people to watch you as you cook, and there should be room for foot traffic to flow around the food preparation area. Leave an area for people to sit and socialize without being involved with the cooking, and make sure children will not be playing near the grill.
Follow these guidelines for an efficient design:
11) Put 36" of workspace on either side of the grill and burners.
12) Keep 18"-24" of open space on either side of the sink.
13) Allow 36"-42" between the edge of the dining table and whatever is around it so people can walk behind the chairs. Place the table well away from any stairs.
14) If you are including an eating counter, allow 24" of width per stool and 15" of legroom.

Whether upscale or basic, outdoor kitchens will add enjoyment to cooking and grilling outdoors when summertime rolls in. For many, summer is all year, and outdoor entertaining is a part of life. For others, shorter seasons spent outdoors, means, maximizing outdoor pleasures when temperatures rise. Adding an outdoor kitchen to the backyard, patio, or poolside is growing in popularity. These kitchens are an investment in fun, and in many cases, will add value to your home.
Imagine gathering intimate friends over, for a full meal cooked and served in your backyard kitchen. And you don't have to scrimp. Why? Because included in your cooking area is, an island with built-in grill and additional side burners; a food preparation area, containing countertop and cutting board surface, along with a stainless steel outdoor refrigerator, icemaker and trash disposal. And, if your out-of-door kitchen is beneath a covered structure, such as a gazebo or patio, an exterior ceiling fan will keep guests cool if it's hot and humid.

Explore your options based on budget:
To begin with, if you desire installing or setting up an outdoor kitchen, you should go for it! Here are some ways from fancy to economical.
Three Types of Backyard Cooking Units: (most expensive to least expensive options)
15) 1) Permanent Masonry Islands
16) 2) Prefabricated Island
17) 3) Freestanding Grill
1) Permanent Islands 
A permanent backyard kitchen island can add real value to your home. These outdoor cooking structures are typically built on-site, using materials such as brick, masonry and stucco. The cost to building a unit will depend on size and materials, and also, the components chosen and what is desired. Prices add up with each appliance and accessory: drawers, doors, refrigeration, warming drawer, icemaker, side burners, cutting board and more. Some homeowners with large budgets will spend from $40,000 and up to $100,000 or more, for an outdoor area kitchen. (Note: A builders' permit may be necessary before building a permanent kitchen outdoors. Check with your local Building Department.)

2) Prefabricated Islands Prefab outdoor islands have become very popular with homeowners. For $1000 and up to $30,000 you can start your search. However, keep in mind that components like a charcoal, electric or gas built-in grill, are additional costs. Typically when choosing your island, you will need to customize it with outdoor cooking equipment and accessories. Island size and shape is another factor. Small kitchen units can be several feet long while a large unit may be 10 ft. Shape choices include; rectangular, half moon, L shaped and elevated with a backsplash. Some brands to consider: Fire Magic, Cal Flame, Lynx, PES, Bull Weber Summit, DCS and Texas Barbeque.

3) Freestanding Grills A freestanding grill with cart or grill with pedestals has some of the perks of a backyard kitchen without the price tag. For a few hundred dollars, few bells and whistles are available. However, like the countertop height of the outdoor cooking island, a freestanding grill with cart or pedestal is also at counter height, making it easier to cook. To get more features like side burners, a warming tray, and a side table, in stainless steel it will cost you over $1000 depending on brand.
If you want to create more of a food preparation area on a budget, consider building a counter, and placing a freestanding grill behind it. One suggestion is to buy the Weber Silver Series A, for $300 to $400. This gas grill is a good choice for this design because it has controls on the side so it can be up against the wall of the island/counter, (you stand in front of the counter, the grill is behind it). The island can be made inexpensively out of cinderblocks or brick, (good for the do-it-yourself person). If you like you can add drawers and a sink (cheap).
Where to get ideas for building a kitchen outside?
Resources:
Great Book: "Sunset Barbecues & Outdoor Kitchens," by Steve Cory. This book Includes step-by-step instructions and detailed illustrations for 16 projects, ranging from simple to sublime. Visit our Bookstore.
There are a lot of ways you can get design ideas for building an exterior cooking area and kitchen. A visit to a local home improvement and design center is one of the best ways to get started. Other ways include:
0. Buying a set of outdoor kitchen plans
0. Buying book called: Building Barbeques and Outdoor Kitchens published by Sunset
0. Browsing online
0. Looking through magazines and newspapers
0. Referrals from others

One way to keep the party rolling outdoors is to consider your options in an outdoor refrigerator. Did you know that besides the now familiar compact size refrigerator that sits beneath an outdoor kitchen island, as a built in, there are other cooling options out there? Take for example, a portable caddy refrigerator that houses wine, beer, and other beverages and snacks, and can be pushed around poolside at your next pool party. Won't guests be impressed! Though not inexpensive by any means, your choice in an exterior refrigerator has some reasonable price points.

About outdoor refrigeration options
Price: Budget minded homeowners can be prepared to drop at least $1250 and up for a typical stainless steel UL rated outdoor compact refrigerator. Brands such as Marvel, U-Line and Summit are the main manufacturers. Also take a look at Franklin, this company makes a 4.8 cu foot unit that costs approximately $700.

For an even better refrigerator bargain, (in the right situation) some people buy a compact stainless steel refrigerator: Danby is one that gets chosen. However, this model is not UL listed and is designed for indoor use. (This means the warranty won't protect you if you're using it outdoors). So, if you decide to go for it, it costs around $400; to protect the refrigerator you'll want to store it indoors to protect from the elements and harsh winters. If using as a build-in in an outdoor kitchen island, make sure to include more space for the cut out. This way you can easily unplug the machine and remove it with ease.
Types: There are many styles of outdoor refrigerators and coolers. Portable ones, which roll around on wheels, make for convenience and flexibility. Some units are designed as both refrigeration units and refreshment centers. Not only can you keep your meats cool for the evening grilling, you can also store and chill sodas, wine, beer and sparkling waters. Portable bars and caddy are another choice (mentioned above). Marvel makes several fancy models; they remind me of being on the Bullet train in Japan and being served beverages and snacks with a similar portable caddy. Other choices include: The Kegorators or outdoor beer cooler, and less expensive stainless steel beverage carts.

Who would have thought that the gazebo, once a fanciful open on all sided structure, would morph into a sheltering ornament with so many desired uses. Today's version of the gazebo plays host to outdoor weddings and tea ceremonies. Popular too, is the gazebo spa. Soaking while surrounded by a beautiful amish county gazebo is one relaxing way to spend time. And, quick installation from one of the many paneled gazebo kits, makes installation lightening fast. Gardens, patios, and beach views all can make exceptional locations for an outdoor gazebo.
Build your own gazebo or buy a kit?
Looking into buying, or building your own gazebo from scratch? Good, because there are a lot of options. For the do-it-yourself handy craft type person, building your own gazebo with a little help from a practically free plan, (very cheap) can get you going. Most gazebo plans include drawings, material list, elevation, building instructions and advice. (see below)
Resources
Looking for a great book about Gazebo construction? "Building the Perfect Gazebo", by David Schiff is it! From floor to ceiling, this is the guide that will take backyard builders step by step through the entire process of constructing an individualized, impressive gazebo. Visit our Bookstore
Another choice is to bite the bullet and buy a gazebo kit. Sure they're expensive around $2,000 and up. But a good garden structure will cost you! Kits typically come with either pre-cut or panelized pieces. If you are a couch potato at heart, go for the panelized kits. They cost a little more, but you'll get your gazebo up faster.
Kit designs - Amish country and spa gazebos
Keep in mind that there are many gazebos styles and kits to choose from. Three popular choices include: Amish country gazebos, Traditional and Victorian. Octagonal and Hexagon shaped gazebos come in sizes 8', 10,' 12,' and 14.'
Spa gazebos are also very popular. If you are looking to enclose your spa, look for a square shaped gazebo. And finally: materials. Do yourself a visual favor and buy wood. Cedar is a desirable choice and will hold up well against the weather. Other choices include: metal like aluminum and steel, bent willow and vinyl.

It's strange to think that once upon a time there was no "indoor living"? Yet, whether it's hiking, camping, or just sitting outside, there has always been a draw toward the great outdoors. This fascination with outdoor living has grown to the point that many homeowners spend just as much time and money remodeling the exterior of their house as the interior. However, things have changed in the last decade. Gone are the days of charcoal grills and plastic lawn furniture. Now, if you really want to add some value to your home, you'll want to start investing in an actual outdoor living area.
What's an Outdoor Living Area? It’s not just a patio and table anymore. Not just some plants on a deck. Today, the exterior of a home is literally turned inside out in order to create the feel of an indoor area. But how can you make the outside feel more cozy and inviting? Well, it all begins with the initial design. It may be a good idea to hire an exterior designer who can coordinate the space to fit your needs. They'll first want to know how you intend to use the space: entertaining, cooking outside, or gardening. Then comes a design concept: do you want a pleasant patio, a quaint courtyard, a stylish gazebo, or a country-style porch? Next, they'll try to harmonize the backyard. Most of the time, you'll want every area of the exterior to be a room unto itself, each with its own function and purpose while still creating a cohesive style.
The Floor Plan You want to think of your backyard as a part of the house, which means it should come with its own logical layout. First off, if you don't have them already, patios and decks are the most common exterior installations for homeowners because you have to have some kind of focal point to work around. But even when you have a central location, you need to organize and compartmentalize the space. Here are some basic "rooms" you should consider installing outside in order to fully realize your exterior blueprint. 
Kitchen: Cooking outside is a summer tradition, buy why limit it to grilling. Outdoor kitchens have become a popular renovation for any chef who wants to go beyond hot dogs and hamburgers. Add some counter space and cabinets. Install an oven, a range, a wet-bar, or a sink. Of course, make sure these items are made out of the appropriate weather-resistant materials, such as sealed concrete and stainless steel. 
Dining Room: After cooking outside, you'll probably want to eat out there as well. So, patio furniture is crucial. Tables, chairs, and umbrellas are important, but you may also want to think about other decorative touches such as gliders, porch swings, or a screened-in porch that keeps out the bugs. 
Family Room: Once you've eaten, it may be time to adjourn to a common room. Therefore it's a good idea to have a relaxing retreat, a place to entertain. Add a cozy outdoor fireplace for those chilly nights. Or, if you have the budget, a hot tub and a pool is a great addition: they're fun, they're attractive, and they add value to the home.

"Exterior" Design If the kid's have flown the coup that old playground equipment may not be doing the trick anymore. So when it comes to decorating your backyard, you'll want to tackle the same elements as interior design. You simply have to rearrange your think a little when it comes to color schemes, lighting, and decoration. 
Color Scheme: When it comes to outdoor living, nature becomes your main source of dýcor. Your lawn, plants, and gardens become your color palette: they're your wallpaper and paint. Ponds, waterfalls, and pergolas become your decorations: they're your wall hangings and ornamental knick-knacks. So make sure to hire a landscape architect to design a stylish backyard oasis. 
Lighting: Landscape architects can also take care of lighting issues: spotlight your vegetation, illuminate your walkways, or add tiki torches to your deck to add some ambience (and to control the summer insect infestation). 
Decoration: You may want to think about more permanent additions to your exterior décor as well, such as cement benches, stamped concrete, or other decorative flooring.

A growing number of American homeowners today furnish outdoor living spaces as extensions of their homes, transcending walls to reflect their casual lifestyles from inside out.

Homeowners' outdoor rooms complement indoor ones while maintaining the level of comfort to which they're accustomed. Because of improved fabrics and finishes, home furnishings and accessories once considered strictly indoor now are weather-resistant. Look for more options in outdoor lamps, pillows, throws, rugs, floor tiles and art along with furniture sporting new finishes.

Weather considerations and intended uses of outdoor living areas often determine whether roofs and walls are really required for entertainment areas, dining rooms or outdoor home offices.
In some areas of the country, transparent layers of glass or screen are selected as a protection against the elements; in others, open sky suffices although shade products may be needed at times as protection against the sun. Those shade products have become increasingly more sophisticated.
A number of factors fit into this changing lifestyle. Consider the migration of older baby boomers to warmer climates. More Americans are creating home resorts, rather than vacationing away from home. Add attractive interest rates that entice people to invest in their homes. Also, be aware buying patterns have changed as far as designing and furnishing outdoor spaces, which once were an afterthought and now are a priority as home entertainment focuses more often on outdoor activities.

The U.S. Census Bureau reports consumers spend more than $40 billion annually on upgrading outdoor living areas and garden amenities.
Rooms that bring the inside out may take the form of fully enclosed pool houses or partially open cabanas, canopies, gazebos, lanais or pavilions. Whatever the structure or lack of it, home furnishings complete the picture that invites people to relax outside.
"A revolution has occurred in modern furniture with the emphasis on more casual living," Julie D. Taylor wrote in her book Outdoor Rooms: Designs for Porches, Terraces, Decks, Gazebos. "These days, outdoor spaces are furnished with as much attention as those indoors."
Nine out of 10 designers, landscape architects and real estate agents agreed the design or redesign of outdoor living space is a growing trend, according to a survey of more than 200 industry professionals. "Designing Out: The Home Lifestyle Report" showed industry professionals as a group agreeing that finished outdoor spaces and quality furnishings can add significant value to a home, said Gary McCray, vice president of marketing for home furnishings manufacturer Laneventure, which commissioned the survey.
Ninety percent of those surveyed agreed a well-designed outdoor living space differentiates one home from another for resale. Nearly two-thirds said an outdoor living space can represent as much as 30% of the total property value of a home. Three out of four interior designers, landscape architects and garden designers said outdoor living space is extremely important to their clients.
Extending the home's living space, enjoying time spent at home and spending more time entertaining family and friends were the top three reasons industry professionals gave for their clients' desires to develop their outdoor living spaces. Other reasons given by more than half of respondents were to spend more time outside, create a tranquil retreat or a safe and comfortable area for children to play.

Some homeowners invest in outdoor kitchens complete with sinks, refrigerators and entertainment systems. Relaxing with friends or family on a patio or at poolside while dinner sizzles nearby on a grill is a reality in much of the nation for more than half the year.

In the past, landscape architects dealt with homeowners who hesitated to spend heavily on a grill area because they were unsure of its resale value. "That's not the case anymore," Dorst said. "It's becoming more universally valued and less of a special interest market. I hope it's a reflection of our lifestyles, too, in terms of enjoying life. Not running around and jumping into a car and going out to eat but just relaxing once you get home."
In areas with less than ideal weather, time spent outdoors can be extended with the addition of outdoor fireplaces, portable fire-pits, chimineas and patio heaters. HPBA expected another record-breaking year for sales of such outdoor hearth appliances.
Cushy outdoor furniture arranged with sofas, armchairs and cocktail tables forms intimate conversation groups similar to those same arrangements inside the home. Modular furniture groups, echoing those inside the home, are appearing more often in outdoor settings.
Martha Baker, a landscape designer and author of The Outdoor Living Room: Stylish Ideas for Porches, Patios and Pools, described lighting as important for setting the mood and reinforcing the style of each outdoor setting. "Today, anything goes: elaborate chandeliers overhang covered terraces, while traditional indoor lighting, such as antique table and standing lamps with wicker or silk shades (perfect for romantic and classic settings), blur the separation between inside and outside living," Baker wrote.

Deck designs also have moved beyond the single, flat area to create multi-level "rooms" that allow for different activities. Landscape architects can build multiple levels connected by walkways or stairs, sometimes with cozy heated areas underneath.

Given the variety of materials, techniques and products available to finish outdoor living areas, homeowners can add character to their property and create their own personal paradise with relative ease.
Rather than taking a vacation, more Americans are creating home resorts with elegant surroundings, including conversation groups and gazebos as well as more traditional outdoor furnishings.

The line between indoor and outdoor spaces is blurring, and the overall trend is to create a seamless flow between the areas," says Ann Sundet, an Allied ASID interior designer who has appeared on national home decorating television programs. Sundet is the product manager at Homecrest, a leading manufacturer of affordable luxury furniture for outdoor living. She says outdoor spaces should reflect the home's interior design aesthetic so the areas blend together.
In fact, many homeowners regard outdoor living spaces as an addition to their homes, adding useful extra square footage throughout their entire property. Homecrest suggests seven design tips and trends to consider while planning and furnishing outdoor living areas:
• Be consistent with quality: Ensure that your outdoor furnishings are compatible with the overall quality of your home and landscape. "If you're investing in a major landscape project, include furniture in the planning and budget process to help showcase the finished space and enhance your enjoyment of it," Sundet advises.
• Design by spaces: Design your outdoor spaces to meet your family's versatile needs, including entertaining, lounging, dining, working and relaxation. Dining sets are a staple item, but just one of many available options. For example, bar-height tables and chairs work well in poolside areas to facilitate a bird's eye view over young swimmers; chat chairs and tables are perfect for intimate conversation areas; and reclining lounge chairs are ideal for R&R spaces.
• Break out of beige mode: Color is in -- be creative with it. Incorporate a dash of vibrancy with colorful pillows or throws. Mix solid upholsteries with stripes, florals or patterns. Consider red or blue frame finishes for added flair. Buy a striped umbrella and cover each chair in different coordinating colors. "The options are endless with custom outdoor furniture," said Sundet. The Homecrest Index (HI) Design Center, available at stores that carry Homecrest products, simplifies the customization process so you can design spaces that reflect your unique style.
• Sit soft and pretty: Many new outdoor furniture collections feature deep, soft cushions with decorative detailing. They closely resemble interior living room furniture but are technically designed to withstand the elements and dry quickly.
• Top it off with stone: Granite, marble, tile and faux stone are among the many stylish tabletop options now available to address the growing demand for beautiful, natural-looking surfaces that coordinate with the home's interior stone surfaces.
• Leave no stone unturned: Outdoor living spaces of all sizes and forms can be created just about anywhere to maximize the enjoyment of your home, inside and out. For instance, a bistro set on a small bedroom balcony is a great spot to savor a morning cup of coffee or an evening glass of wine. A flower-filled or vine-covered alcove in the middle of the garden can be a private meditation retreat with comfortable bench seating or one or two lounge chairs.
• Design for the senses: Dress up your outdoor spaces to make them a feast for the senses. Incorporate fragrant flowers and herbs, comfortable cushions and pillows, romantic candles or twinkling lights, soothing chimes or a fountain. And enjoy the enhanced flavors that al fresco dining and entertaining provides.