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For more information visit: '''[http://www.naridallas.org/ Lighting Showrooms Dallas]''' | For more information visit: '''[http://www.naridallas.org/ Lighting Showrooms Dallas]''' | ||
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| + | == Planning For An Outdoor Kitchen Renovation == | ||
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| + | An outdoor kitchen is one of the most popular remodeling projects that homeowners are incorporating into their homes. While cooking outdoors is not a new concept, an outdoor kitchen takes it to the next level. Equipped with cooking appliances, stunning weatherproof countertops, seating, refrigeration, and storage, this home improvement project elevates both your culinary and entertaining experience, while sophisticatedly enhancing your backyard. | ||
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| + | While planning an outdoor kitchen is exciting, it can also be overwhelming and a bit intimidating. There are so many different outdoor kitchen ideas and components to consider, all while making sure the entire project fits into your budget and available backyard space. Although you may not be able to get every item on your wish list, you don’t want to overlook something important only to wish that you thought of it while planning. Luckily, there is no wrong or right way to plan an outdoor kitchen. However, there are certain considerations that you want to make during the course of planning. Here is a checklist to help guide you as you create the blueprint for the perfect outdoor living space for your needs. | ||
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| + | '''1. Seating''' | ||
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| + | Of all the different parts of your kitchen, seating is one of the most important ones to consider. After all, once your remodeling contractor has completed your outdoor kitchen, you’ll be eager to send out your first evite for a backyard party; and your guests will need somewhere to sit. No matter how awesome your grill is, not everyone is going to want to stand around it while you cook. Instead, make space in your plan for outdoor living furniture or ask your remodeling company about including a built-in bar with bar seating. | ||
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| + | '''2. Weather''' | ||
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| + | Especially in Texas where the weather is not exactly predictable, you need to be prepared for every environmental situation – rain or shine, hot or cold. In order to enjoy your outdoor kitchen no matter what Mother Nature throws at you, include a shady area somewhere in the design. A patio cover or gazebo is a stylish way to keep your kitchen and guests sheltered from harsh sunlight and rain. | ||
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| + | Like all home remodeling projects, building an outdoor kitchen is an investment. After all of the time and money that you spend planning the design and layout, you want to be able to use it beyond just a few months in the year. A heat source, such as permanent or portable space heaters, allows you to extend the season for enjoying your outdoor kitchen into even the cooler months. Depending on the style of your backyard, a built in fire pit or outdoor fireplace are also great options that add character while keeping you and your guests warm and cozy. | ||
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| + | Tip: While shopping for outdoor living furniture, look for an ottoman or seating with built-in storage. Throw in a few blankets to have handy when you’re entertaining in the fall and winter months. | ||
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| + | '''3. Cooking''' | ||
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| + | What are you going to cook in your outdoor kitchen? Your answer to this question can help you prioritize the kitchen appliances that you’d like to include in your design. For example, if you don’t plan on preparing gourmet meals for large groups, you probably don’t need state-of-the-art equipment built in. That being said, don’t to limit yourself to just a grill either. Pizza ovens, refrigerators, and Kamado style cookers are all wonderful options that allow you to prepare a wide variety of foods. If you don’t plan on preparing food at all, leave out the big appliances and spend your budget on built-in refrigeration, an ice maker, counter space, and bar seating where you can prepare and serve cold drinks and finger foods. | ||
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| + | If you plan on using smaller countertop appliances, such as a blender, juicer, toaster, or convection oven, be sure to inform your home renovation contractor so they know to include enough electrical outlets that are easily accessible. | ||
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| + | For more information visit: '''[http://www.naridallas.org/ Kitchen Dallas]''' | ||
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| + | == Plan To Live In Your Home A Lifetime == | ||
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| + | Most homeowners plan to live independently in their homes for as long as possible. As a homeowner, have you considered preparing your home to maintain future independence in your senior years? | ||
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| + | Homeowners usually build or remodel their homes for convenience and comfort. As life moves forward and needs change, can your home be easily modified for changing lifestyle needs? As we age, our home may become a safety risk if we don't take preventative action to set up our homes to live in them for a lifetime. | ||
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| + | A home assessment is the first place to start. Here are a few features that allow for easy transition for comfortable living through all stages of life: | ||
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| + | *Entrances and exits should be covered and step-less. Existing steps are modified with handrails or ramp. | ||
| + | *Doorways are at least 32" - 36" wide including closets and bathrooms. | ||
| + | *Walk in shower with low or zero threshold. Built-in seat allowing accessible reach to faucet. Reinforced walls around toilet and shower for future addition of decorative safety bars. | ||
| + | *Install ADA commodes which are higher than standard commodes for easier transitions from sit to stand. (This feature would not be appropriate for young children) | ||
| + | *Keep home free of clutter. Pathways around home are wide with no obstacles. | ||
| + | *Good lighting in all rooms, including natural light and night lights in hallways, bedroom, bathroom and kitchen. | ||
| + | *Lever doorknobs and faucets on all plumbing fixtures. | ||
| + | *Bathroom vanity and kitchen sinks that are open underneath. | ||
| + | *Raised dishwasher, pull-out shelves in kitchen and bathroom, visible kitchen cabinet storage. | ||
| + | *Drawer pulls instead of knobs on cabinets. | ||
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| + | These features of Universal Design offer an approach that allows people of all sizes, ages or abilities to live in a home that promotes their health, safety and independence today, and in the future. | ||
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| + | Universal Design has been around for a number of years. With the fifty- plus age population escalating, it is one of the latest trends in building and remodeling. It can enhance the overall quality of life not just for you, but for those living around you. Most importantly, these Universal Design features in your home can be designed to flow and compliment your home's style. | ||
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| + | Preparing and designing your home for the future does not mean your home needs to look institutional. Universal Design principles can be aesthetically pleasing and customized to meet your individual, current and future needs. It is never too early to start thinking about an accessible, universal, or easy living home. Many homeowners leave it too late to consider universal design, safety and accessibility. | ||
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| + | Often, by the time they realize they need to make major changes to their living arrangements, the thought of [http://www.naridallas.org/ remodeling] and redesigning their home is too overwhelming. They then struggle to get around safely in their own home and wish they had started the process earlier in life. Be wise in the decisions you make about your home and build it, renovate it, or modify it to last a lifetime. | ||
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