We all love outdoor grilling, but will the climate impact how often you can use an outdoor kitchen in New Jersey? Find out whether adding an outdoor kitchen to your New Jersey home will increase its value.
It’s 5 o’clock somewhere in New Jersey and that means it’s time to relax, have a cocktail and get ready for a home-cooked meal. Is everyone gathering around the kitchen again? Of course, but the difference today is we’re outside. You can cook outdoors and spend quality time with your guests or family at the same time. It certainly would be a nice luxury, but to get the most out of your investment, you’ll want some key questions answered to support your new destination hangout.
How Big Should an Outdoor Kitchen be?Where does one begin? You can start analyzing the overall size of your house and backyard making sure it’s all proportionate. A small outdoor kitchen would generally include a grill, possibly a cooktop stove, a sink, and storage. Always build enough counter space to make cooking easier. Keep at least 36 inches of usable countertop and no less than 24 inches deep. Consider that many families have a strong value for backyards so leave enough space for kids and pets. How Long Does it Take to Build an Outdoor Kitchen?The time it takes to build an outdoor kitchen can be determined by many factors. You should always keep in mind a kitchen that complements the design and architecture of your home. Smart preparation with the right contractor can save you time and money helping with ideas and deciding what you really need and what you can omit. The summer months can be hectic for contractors so looking at the slower periods such as fall or winter can speed things up as well. What is the Standard Height of an Outdoor bar?A bar-height table generally measures in the 40 to 42-inch height range. A counter height table runs about 34 to 36 inches tall.
How far Should a Built-in Grill be from the House?While the consensus is at least 3 feet away, the Product Safety Commission states at least 10 feet away from the house. Do I need a Permit to Build an Outdoor Kitchen?Although you might not need a building permit for an outdoor kitchen in New Jersey, you will probably need permits for any electrical or plumbing work. Also, in most cases, a drop-in gas grill must be framed by non-flammable material. You should check with your local township for their permit specifics. For more on building codes: https://ift.tt/2qx2MDW What Outdoor Feature Adds the Most Value to a New Jersey Home?Similar to the features that bring a return on investment to your indoor kitchen, the same can apply to your outdoor kitchen. Since outdoor cooking relies heavily on grilling, it’s a given to have it be top of the line. On the functional side, water supply, a direct gas line, and refrigeration go a long way for resale value. This can be a huge advantage over other homes in the neighborhood for resale. If your home is up for sale competing with similar homes for potential buyers, the beauty and luxury of an outdoor kitchen could sway them towards your home. Absolute Outdoor Kitchens buyers guide show saw that homes in the Southwest and Southeast can see the highest return on investment from outdoor grills. It can still be in the 50 – 70% range in the Northeast. There are many grillers out there, I being one of them, that will not let the cold stop them from throwing some burgers on the grill any given day. Consider resale value during the planning stages. For instance, you might want a wood-burning pizza oven, but it may go undervalued if the next buyer does not get used out of it. For more lavish options, granite countertops, sinks, built-in grills, and seating will help you stand out. Consult with the professionals during the planning stages. How can Borst Landscape Help with your Outdoor Landscaping and Hardscape Needs?Borst Landscape & Design is the ultimate company to get you started. Their commitment and dedication to unique work make them stand out from the competition. For more information, contact their skilled team today. They’ll be happy to answer any questions or provide you with a quote today. The post Does an Outdoor Kitchen Increase New Jersey Home Values? appeared first on Borst Landscape & Design. via RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230377 https://ift.tt/2MARnM2
0 Comments
As a Bergen County, NJ homeowner, your lawn and landscape are an extension of your home. It’s a welcoming place to entertain, relax, and have fun. Regular lawn care and lawn maintenance keeps your lawn and landscape beautiful and inviting. A lot of time and effort is required to maintain your lawn year-round. As a homeowner, what type of lawn care and lawn maintenance do you need for a healthy lawn? And, what, if any landscape services are required? What Is Considered Lawn Maintenance?Lawn maintenance entails keeping your lawn and outdoor property clean and manicured year round, whether it’s preparing your lawn for spring by clearing winter debris, mowing lawns throughout the summer, or yard clean up before winter. A regular lawn maintenance service in Bergen County, NJ includes:
Your lawn will also require additional attention to remain lush and healthy. How does lawn maintenance differ from lawn care and landscaping services? What Is the Difference Between Lawn Care and Landscaping?Lawn care generally refers to maintaining the health, color and vitality of existing lawns through the years. Some services that fall under lawn care are pest control, weed control, fertilization, soil testing, aeration, seeding, deep root feeding for trees and shrubs and irrigation. Landscaping services are much more complex, transforming outdoor spaces through design, construction, and planting. Man-made features, along with plants, create peaceful, outdoor environments. After properties are prepared for landscaping, hardscape elements are installed. These include decks, walkways, lighting, patios, stone walls, fire pits, waterfalls, pool areas, and more. Plants provide the finishing touches to landscape construction projects and garden designs. They may include privacy hedges, foundational plantings, perennial gardens, trees, shrubs, and more. As a homeowner, you will need regular lawn care and lawn maintenance in addition to landscaping services. Does Landscaping Include Mowing?Because landscaping often deals with creating or transforming new outdoor spaces, a Bergen County, NJ homeowner may wonder if lawn mowing is part of landscaping. The short answer is yes. As part of a larger landscaping project, mowing may be included in the overall lawn care and maintenance of a property. This is particularly important with uniquely designed areas or with commercial properties that must be kept in pristine condition. What Does Lawn Care Include?Maintaining a healthy lawn in Bergen County, NJ requires ongoing care and a huge commitment. Many landscape companies offer lawn care services in addition to regular professional lawn maintenance and landscaping services. Borst Landscape’s professional lawn care services include:
What Do You Need for Lawn Care?Whether you take care of your lawn, or hire a professional, there are several tools that you should have on hand for regular lawn care. Because a professional lawn care company generally works on a set schedule, you never know when you may need to do some emergency lawn care work. Keep the following items handy:
Additionally, if you plan to maintain shrubs and trees, you should also consider:
Borst Landscape Provides Lawn Care and Lawn Maintenance Services in Bergen County, NjBorst Landscape, in Bergen County, NJ, can provide consistent quality lawn care, lawn maintenance, and landscaping services throughout the year. By hiring a professional, you can expect regular, reliable lawn care and lawn maintenance services without exerting time and effort on your own. A knowledgeable, skilled crew will be assigned to your home on a weekly basis allowing you and your family the freedom to simply enjoy the benefits of your outdoor living space. Contact Borst Landscape today about the benefits of lawn care and maintenance services for your home. The post What Is the Difference Between Lawn Care and Lawn Maintenance? appeared first on Borst Landscape & Design. via RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230377 https://ift.tt/2LVTJn1 While every Australian is aware of our hot summers, how we keep our homes warm during the cooler months is often an afterthought until winter hits. While larger homes usually have all the heating and cooling requirements sorted, for smaller houses getting an effective and affordable heating solution may be a little tough. On the plus side having a small house puts you at an advantage when it comes to heating options. That’s because there are several options available these days. While larger residences must stick to the conventional systems of air conditioning, smaller houses can explore the latest technology at lower prices. Here are some options that you can consider for heating up your cosy little home during the winters. DesignThe design of your house itself plays a very important role in its heating or cooling capacity. The building materials used, the orientation of the house, the ventilation, everything contributes in some way to the heating and cooling effects. Materials that absorb and store heat for longer periods, that is, materials with high thermal mass, are better for homes that require heating. Such materials include concrete bricks or tiles, which are of high density and can store passive heat effectively. These materials have lower conductivity and do not allow passive heating to escape soon. Not affected by extreme weather conditions, steel frames are a popular choice but require additional insulation. Reverse cycle systemsReverse cycle air conditioning systems are equally effective in cooling and heating small spaces. A reverse cycle system absorbs heat from the outside air and releases the heat into your home. This heat is absorbed and stored by a refrigerant that passes through an external coil exposed to the outside air. A compressor sends the heated refrigerant inside, and a fan allows the heat to be distributed inside. These systems are good for moderately cold places, but in extremely cold climates, such systems may not be able to derive enough heat to keep you warm. Ceiling fansCeiling fans are certainly not the first thing that would come to your mind as a heating solution. But these can also be used quite effectively to heat up your little house. Reversing the effect of the ceiling fan can be a great way to heat a space. The idea is to push back down the heated air that has risen up. This can be very effecting in maintaining a constant flow of warm air in the room for the comfort of everyone. In fact, using ceiling fans with any of the other heating systems can bring down electricity consumption by nearly 10%. Electric HeatersElectric heaters are one of the most popular and widely used heating options for small houses across Australia. What makes these heaters so popular is their ease of use and the safety they offer. Electric heaters also produce no fumes and do not add to the pollution outside. You plug the heater into one of your home’s electrical outlets, and it heats up the room within minutes. There are a wide variety of electric heaters available in the market, from heaters that radiate heat through a resistance coil to blowers that blow air over a heating element. There are even heaters that look exactly like a fireplace but instead use heating elements. If you can afford to pay the electricity bills and the charges are not too high in your area, this is the best and cheapest option available. There is very little risk of fire involved as there is no open flame, and it is completely eco-friendly. You have to be careful with using an electric heater though as any contact with water can be extremely dangerous. Also, you must ensure that it is placed away from the reach of children, particularly the ones where the heating elements are exposed. The post Heating Options For A Small Home appeared first on Kitome. via RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230377 https://ift.tt/34H51E3 Building a new home can be exciting, but when it comes to making big decisions (like choosing doors, for example) you’ll notice that there are a wide range of options available on the market. With doors, you have to consider the size, colour, frame, glazing, and style for both the internal and external doors of your home, which can be a little overwhelming. So to make it easier for you to choose the right doors for your home, here are Kitome’s top nine door recommendations (all offered by Hume Doors & Timber). Entrance DoorsThe Hume Doors entrance range has a visual design that is not only clean and strong, but also beautiful to look at. The solid entrance doors are the best in the range as they provide strength and stability with their medium density and moisture resistant fibreboard core. 1. VaucluseThe Vaucluse entrance door is made of high-quality materials and comes in a variety of styles to match any architectural frontage. It has detailed carved patterns on the external side of the door, whereas the internal side is smooth. If you want a simple and sleek design, the Vaucluse is definitely for you. We use the XV14 Vaucluse as a standard inclusion in our Gable Series kit homes. 2. Vaucluse PremierThe Vaucluse Premier entrance door has deep carved patterns on both sides, along with attractive moulding on the external side, which is great for if you want to make a big statement. There’s also a wide range of glass options available to match any décor. We use the XVP12 and XVP13 Vaucluse Premier as standard inclusions in our Freedom Series and Prestige Series kit homes. 3. NewingtonThe Newington entrance door is popular due to its everlasting appeal and unmatched adaptability. There are a number of dazzling designs, glass options, and matching sidelights to choose from to create the exact look you want. If you want a versatile door designed to impress, look no further than the Newington. We use the XN5 and XN6 Newington as standard inclusions in our Freedom Series kit homes. Hollow core internal doorsThe Hume Doors internal range is visually impactful and designed to inspire. The hollow core internal doors are the best in the range with high-density honeycomb core and pre-primed faces perfect for paint finish. 4. Honeycomb Core Flush and Moulded Panel SmoothThe Honeycomb Core Flush and Moulded Panel Smooth are traditional flush panel doors that you can use to support the theme you want without affecting your home’s visual appeal. There are bi-fold and multifold options available for the Honeycomb Core Flush, as well as made-to-order options in various sizes. As for the Moulded Panel Smooth, pre-cast production ensures every door is consistent and you can choose between non-solid and solid construction. We use smooth flush panel doors as standard inclusions in our Gable Series and Freedom Series kit homes for an everlasting and refreshing look. 5. SorrentoThe Sorrento internal door will bring a fresh contemporary feel to your home. On both sides are beautifully carved rout designs that are produced on a premium primed door face. It has a non-solid construction with strong six millimetre skins for impact resistance. We don’t offer Sorrento doors as standard inclusions in our kit homes, however they can be made to order. 6. StrataThe Strata internal door is unique and modern with eye-catching vertical and horizontal textured patterns. You can also add a metallic strip to the door to complement your own personality. It has a non-solid construction and is primed ready for painting. We don’t offer Strata doors as standard inclusions in our kit homes but they can be made to order. Door systemsThe Hume door system range has technologically advanced solutions for both internal and external doors. While we don’t offer door systems as standard inclusions in our kit homes, we can create them from scratch if you wish to install one. 7. Frontier Barn Door Sliding SystemThe Frontier Barn Door Sliding System has wide sliding doors and has become a popular interior decor piece. It’s the perfect room divider for the bedroom, wardrobe, or home office. You can choose between a modern and traditional design that adds real value to your home. What’s more, there are shaker style and inexpensive options across two barn door ranges, as well as plenty of great designs to help you achieve that sought-after authentic barn door look. 8. Pivot Door SystemThe Pivot Door System is ideal for large entrance doors and if you want to make a bold statement to boost your home’s street appeal. The factory assembled frame incorporates a heavy-duty pivot with quality fittings that allow you to adjust the door during installation. It also comes with perimeter seals and a self-closing mechanism. 9. Multifold InteriorThe Multifold Interior Folding System is smooth and quiet. It also saves space as it can turn two rooms into one big room. Moreover, there’s a wide range of styles and sizes to pick from. 10. Alfresco Folding SystemThe Alfresco Folding System is fully assembled and weather sealed. Use it to double your living space by bringing the outside in and enjoy the relaxing style of true alfresco living. Choosing the right doors for your kit homeWith only the best doors to choose from, you should now be able to pick the right doors for your kit home. Whether you’re building a family home or a holiday home, it’s important that the doors you choose suit both your living needs and the style of your home. Visit your closest Hume Door distributor to view our range in person. The post The Doors Recommended By Australia’s Leading Kit Home Supplier (Kitome) appeared first on Kitome. via RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230377 https://ift.tt/2L4HcOY Cladding isn’t used solely for decoration purposes. It also provides thermal insulation and weather resistance for your home. When choosing the right cladding for your coastal home, you not only need to think about weather resistance to water, heat and wind. It is also important to consider erosion from the salt in seawater. The salt in seawater dissolves, causing the sodium and chloride ions to dissociate. These dissociated ions can move freely through the solution. This allows seawater to carry an electrical charge. Corrosive chemical reactions can take place when materials come into contact with seawater. This is why choosing the right cladding is important for your coastal home. What cladding is suitable for a coastal home?MetalWhen it comes to metal cladding, the two most common materials are aluminium and steel. Galvanised steel is usually coated with a zinc or copper-nickel alloy to prevent corrosion. Although highly-reactive, aluminium forms an inert, protective layer with oxygen for corrosion resistance. Steel is always preferable over aluminium due to its durability. Metal cladding is an easy way to add a pop of colour to the exterior of your home. It is considered a cost-effective option for cladding. It is also quick to install and requires little ongoing maintenance. BrickBrick gives a classic, traditional feel to your home. It’s another great low-maintenance option. Although the build is time-consuming and costly, it will be easy to maintain for years to come. Brick is durable, thermally-insulating, fire-resistant and is relatively resistant to moisture absorption. Although all properties are advantageous, the latter is an important feature for cladding in a coastal home. Humid air in coastal conditions can wear away moisture-laden claddings. Choosing a type of cladding with a low rate of moisture absorption should be on the top of your checklist. Consider adding an outdoor alcove into your outdoor space to further shade from the harsh weather conditions. If you’re low on space consider choosing outdoor furniture that you can pack away easily during the colder months. Brick veneer is a cheaper and less time-consuming option. However, it is quite susceptible to moisture retention. For this reason, always choose brick over brick veneer for your home by the sea. TimberTimber has been a popular choice for many years. This type of cladding has an extensive range of styles so you’ll be sure to find the look you’re after. Although labour can be lengthy due to wall framing, this makes it thermally-efficient. The biggest downside of timber is its high maintenance. Timber will need to be replaced sooner than other types of cladding. This is due to its moisture-absorbency and lack of extreme durability. For these reasons, timber may not be the best long-lasting choice of cladding for coastal homes. Vinyl/plastic weatherboardMan-made materials require very low maintenance. They’re also lightweight, durable and can be made in a wide range of colours. Like timber, wall framing is required so the construction process may be long in duration. Styrofoam backs the cladding to improve insulation due to thermal inefficiency. Ensure the cladding is joined using regular expansion joints as the material may expand and contract with the weather. Saltwater has little effect on these materials. However, it is not completely resistant to the sun’s rays. Over time, the colour may fade. ConcreteModern finishes aren’t complete without concrete cladding. The possibilities are endless. Create your desired texture, pattern and polish. Labour for concrete cladding will be a higher upfront cost compared to other materials. However, maintenance for concrete cladding is low. Concrete is also a thermally-efficient option. Over long periods, saltwater can corrode concrete. This can take many years, but over time, your cladding will eventually become weak and unstable. Ultimately, each choice for coastal home cladding has its advantages and disadvantages. Saltwater is a corrosive substance, so ensure materials are properly treated. Whichever material you choose, be sure to wash your cladding regularly to prevent salt build-up.
Author’s bio: Maia Fletcher is a New Zealand based freelance writer who has written articles for various blogs and local sites such as Tairawhiti Gisborne. After long hours spent in front of her computer, she always looks forward to ending her day admiring the picturesque view of the sunset from her window. The post Why Your Coastal Home Needs The Right Cladding appeared first on Kitome. via RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230377 https://ift.tt/32f3WSa A beautiful, well-maintained landscape is every homeowner’s dream, but achieving it requires time, effort and commitment, as well as landscape knowledge and practical skills. If you want to learn more about landscaping and pick up helpful tips on plant care and maintenance, a landscape design blog provides a great way to get started. A landscape design blog can educate you on various landscaping topics from basic plant knowledge to building a lovely gazebo in your back yard. Many blogs also provide beautiful photographs of gardens and landscapes that will inspire you with new ideas. Whether you’re a beginning or experienced gardener, landscape blogs offer helpful landscaping advice and design tips for your home. Take a look at 25 great landscaping blogs that you’ll enjoy. 1. Ledge and GardensLedge and Gardens won the “Best Garden Blog Award” from Horticulture Magazine in 2012. Their garden design blogs discuss various landscape and garden topics, smart gardening techniques and plants that are to their Rhode Island location. This blog site is loaded with helpful landscape information and great links to horticulture guides, a wildflower directory, a Latin botanical names directory; the Garden Guys Radio Show; and the University of Maryland Plants Diagnostics Guide. You can’t ask for much more educational help than that! 2. Unique LandscapesUnique landscapes, located in Phoenix, Arizona provides beautiful photography and helpful tips on both landscape and swimming pool design. If you’re interested in unique swimming pools and spas, this landscape design blog will be very inspiring. Blog topics focus on beautiful pools and spas for all types of homes, as well as care and maintenance issues. Unique Landscapes offers great advice on pool amenities like floor cleaners, heaters, underwater lighting, underwater shelves, swim-up bars and outdoor misting systems. You’ll get a lot of inspiring design ideas through this blog. Unique Landscapes was ranked among the top landscape companies in Phoenix from 2010 through 2014, and received the Best of Houzz Design Award in 2015. 3. Avant Gardening & LandscapingLocated in McFarland, WI, Avant Gardening & Landscaping is a full-service landscape company for residential and commercial customers. They provide basic landscape maintenance services, design and build services and commercial snow removal services. Their landscaping blogs are educational, and they offer readers good design ideas and “how to” tips on a wide range of topics. They have a mobile nursery that offers beautiful perennials that are grown locally in the area. They also have an annual Garden Expo that’s held on premises and offers over 150 free seminars and demonstrations to learn the latest in gardening and landscaping trends. What a great educational tool for the community! 4. A Way To GardenA Way To Garden is one of the best educational blogs you’ll find. With a focus on gardening, you’ll find great articles on all types of plants, flowers, shrubs and trees, annuals, perennials and bulbs, vegetable and edible gardens and landscape design ideas. This landscape design blog contains a large list of “how-to” posts on a wide range of subjects from composting to outdoor pests and diseases. Organic gardening is a popular topic, as well as interesting posts on nature-related subjects and garden FAQs. The blogger, Margaret Roach, is a long-time gardener and former garden editor for Martha Stewart Living. 5. Borst Landscape & DesignBorst Landscape & Design is an award-winning landscape company located in Allendale, NJ. With over 25 years of experience, Borst is one of New Jersey’s most respected landscape companies. As a consecutive winner of the NJLCA Residential and Commercial Landscape Maintenance Award, the Borst landscape design blog offers readers valuable, educational landscape information on a wide range of topics. As a full-service landscape company, Borst has a well-educated and trained staff who can provide a variety of services including lawn care and maintenance, organic lawn care, garden design, outdoor pest control, landscape lighting and design/build services for outdoor landscape features that will add value to your home. Borst Landscape & Design provides residential and commercial landscape services, as well as landscape packages to New Jersey homeowners in Bergen County. 6. Backyard Landscape Ideas
|