Summer Fun in the Yard

Summer is almost here, and with the warmer days and longer nights comes backyard BBQs and pool parties! Whether you have family coming to town or simply plan on hosting a Summer party, now is a great time to evaluate you front yard and backyard. Here are a few areas to look at:

Your deck: How is it holding up? Has it been painted or stained in the last 2-3 years? Check for warping of the wood or peeling paint. If you’re considering remodeling, rebuilding, or expanding on your deck, or simply building a new deck, then check out this article about deck remodeling.

Your pool: It goes without saying that a pool requires maintenance. This generally mean checking the water on a weekly basis and adding chlorine & other chemicals, when necessary. However, if you have an older pool, it is also wise to evaluate the tile or other material around the edge of the pool for cracking or chipping. The same goes for the base of the pool. Keep an eye out for any cracks. Now, if you’re looking to install a new pool then I recommend you check out this article.

 Your yard & landscaping: Start by evaluating your lawn. You may need to re-sod the entire area depending on the state of the grass. Next look at your flower beds. Could they use some mulch and some new flowers? Just these two steps alone can dramatically improve the appearance of your yard. You can always take it a step further and consider some additional landscaping ideas, such as stone walkways or water fountains.

Other ideas: Bring your home outside! Nowadays outdoor “living rooms” and outdoor kitchens are all the rage. The furniture makes for an inviting and comfortable outdoor experience. Just make sure it is meant for outdoors and that you cover it when not in use, store it in a shed, or at the very least, keep it protected from any rain or dew.

As for outdoor kitchens, when a simple charcoal BBQ isn’t enough, a full-blown outdoor kitchen may be best for you. You can incorporate the grill, refrigerator, sink, counter-tops, shelves/drawers, and even a hot tub, into one solid structure. Like indoor appliances, stainless steel and granite hold up very well against the elements (just make sure you cover your grill when not in use). If adding the hot tub stretches your budget then consider concrete counter-tops, which are cheaper, but also very durable. Check out this article about outdoor kitchen remodeling.

If you would like to learn more about how to improve your yard, or you’re considering an outdoor remodeling project, talk to Escondido-based general contractor and home remodeler Greyhound General. We serve all of San Diego, from Chula Vista to Oceanside, so don’t hesitate to leave us a note here or call us directly at 800-568-7108.

Outdoor Kitchen Remodeling and Design- the newest trend

The newest trend in home remodeling that has become very popular as of late is creating or remodeling your outdoor space. Families looking to spruce up their backyards are opting to design and install outdoor kitchens with nearly all the amenities of their indoor kitchens. Grills, refrigerators, stoves, and sinks are becoming more and more common. While installing pools and hot tubs can be very costly, outdoor kitchen spaces can be done for well under $10,000, depending on the scope of the work.

There are a few key things to consider before remodeling your backyard living space and installing an outdoor kitchen. First, the materials that your appliances are made of must be taken into account. Stainless steel appliances are usually a good idea as they hold up well against the elements. Just like granite is popular material to use for counter tops indoors, it is also great for outdoors because it is easy to clean and it holds up well over time without ever wearing down. Concrete counter tops is a cheaper alternative to granite that is also very durable. Keep in mind that since concrete counter tops use colored dyes they are susceptible to lightening when exposed to the elements, so make sure to cure and seal these counter tops. It is also a good idea to incorporate some shade into your outdoor kitchen area to protect against the sun and the elements.

Finally, have some fun with your space. Personalize it to fit your interests and lifestyle. Stereo systems, bars and fire pits are other great ideas to spruce up your outdoor space.