This year more than ever, you have spent several hours in your yard. Indeed, this space that perhaps seemed adequate when you went there from time to time suddenly seems less pleasant to spend time in. That's when you start to think, think and above all, dream! While going back and forth between your kitchen and your barbecue on a Friday night with friends, everything became clear to you! Why not build an outdoor kitchen? You say to yourself: it seems to me that my family, my friends and I would be so much more comfortable! You are absolutely right!
Having an outdoor kitchen will allow you to cook comfortably on the barbecue all year round. It will become the center of attention in the summer, the gathering point in the fall, your shelter in the winter and finally it will allow you to open the barbecue season before everyone else in the spring.
For what?
When starting a project of this magnitude, it is crucial to ask yourself what your needs are. What is your goal in creating this new space and what features would you like to have. Here are some questions that will help you define your needs:
- Do you want to be able to cook outdoors all year round?
- Do you want a space to avoid having to come into the house all the time?
- Do you want to have a covered area for the rain?
- Want to add some style to your yard?
- Do you want to host large groups?
- Do you want to have the same functionality as a full kitchen?
- How many BBQs do you want to integrate into your kitchen?
- What kind of BBQ do you want to have?
The answers to these questions will greatly guide the rest of the process.
Or?
Now that you know why you want an outdoor kitchen, you need to know where you are going to put it. Sometimes, due to a lack of space, this question is easy to answer! For others, there are several possible options and it is important to keep an open mind so as not to regret your choice later. We suggest you discuss it with as many people as possible! Who knows, they might have a brilliant idea! For example, if you have a swimming pool, make sure you can take a look while grilling an aged steak to watch the kids or wink at your guests. Note that you must inevitably take into consideration the elements that were raised above so, for example, if you want an outdoor kitchen because you want to be able to cook outside all year round, you should choose a location close to the house so as not to have to shovel snow over too far. Along the same lines, if you want the same features as a full kitchen, you need to plan a large space to be able to integrate a refrigerator, a sink, etc., as well as plan for the electricity and plumbing. You must absolutely check the regulations in force in your city or neighborhood regarding the clearances of the house, walls, windows, structure, etc.). Once you have made your decision, make a very simple sketch on a sheet of paper that will help you in the next steps.
How?
This is the creative part. To answer this very big question, we suggest you spend time on specialized groups such as Aménagement BBQ au Québec or inspiration sites such as Houzz or Pinterest . Browse, click, read, you will have a clearer picture of all the possible options regarding the structure, the coating, the cabinets, the functionalities.
Here are the elements of an outdoor kitchen that you will need to decide on:
- Structure on which the outdoor kitchen will rest
- Covering of the structure on which the outdoor kitchen will be placed (wood, ceramic, concrete, rubber mats)
- Outdoor kitchen structure (wood, steel)
- Storage cabinet (quantity, quality, durability, positioning, functionality, size)
- Barbecues that will be part of the structure (natural gas, charcoal, propane, Argentine grill)
- Positioning of the selected barbecues
- Selected accessories (refrigerator, sink, cooking ring)
- Positioning of the selected accessories
- Countertop (concrete, granite, quartz, ceramic, Dekton, stainless steel)
- Structure to cover the outdoor kitchen
- Outdoor kitchen roof covering
Who?
Once you have reviewed all the elements that make up the outdoor kitchen, it is normal that you have several questions and that you are not yet at a clear picture. The previous step of "how" is used to inspire and start thinking to avoid forgetting things when you meet with a professional.
At this stage, you have three options: either manage all the stages of construction , including the plan, optimization, acquisition of barbecues, material quotes, purchase and construction of the kitchen, or you call on a company that will manage the project in its entirety to offer you a turnkey project , or, third option, you do the project in a hybrid formula where you work with professionals from the planning and construction stages, but where you remain the project manager.
Here are some recommendations depending on your choice of option:
Project managed and built 100% by you:
- Make sure you comply with the regulations of your city and/or neighborhood
- Ensure that the positioning of the barbecues will not impact their effectiveness
- Make sure the structure is strong enough to support the load
- Ensure the durability of the materials chosen
- Ensure that the materials and supplies you choose are created to withstand the elements
- Make sure you choose experts (electrician and plumber) who hold the necessary certifications for this type of project
Turnkey project managed by experts:
- Make several submissions in order to find the best company that meets your criteria, both financial and in terms of objectives
- Watch and read reviews of the chosen companies
- Guide the project team by inspiring them with your interests, needs and tastes
- Be present during the work to ensure that the result meets your expectations
Project with the hybrid formula:
- Choose companies that offer flexibility in project management
- Do your own research for all expertise (design, plumbing, electricity, contractor, supplies)
- Plan in advance which sections of the project you will handle
When?
This element may seem simple, but know that it can be complex to coordinate all the professionals at the right time. We know that when you are at this stage of the project, you are very excited to start the project. In general, it takes 3 to 8 weeks to complete the project.
In order to have the best chance of completing your project as quickly as possible for you, here are some elements that could work in your favor:
- Don't wait until spring to start your project. For greater efficiency and to avoid construction delays, choose fall or even winter to plan your project.
- Know the possible options
- Be prepared to make decisions on all aspects of the project to avoid thinking days
And now?
Do you have any questions after reading this article? We will be happy to answer them as soon as possible. We have been contributing to the realization of our clients' projects for several years now and it is with our expertise that we will be able to discuss your project with you. If you want more information on the submission and installation process, we invite you to read this article on the subject.
By email: sebastien@bbqquebec.com