With summer in full swing, many homeowners are spending lots of time
cooking outdoors, enjoying the warmth and socializing with friends and
family. And many are doing so in newly renovated outdoor living areas.
It's no wonder. Indeed, says the National Association of the Remodeling
Industry (NARI), backyards are no longer just about decks and swimming
pools--they often resemble a family's favorite vacation spot blended
with their home's style. According to the U.S. Census Bureau Housing
Survey, homeowners across the nation spent more than $40 billion in
2003 improving outdoor living areas.

NARI members consider the trend to be on the upswing, stating that
across the nation homeowners are more often requesting multi-level
decks, spas, fireplaces and the latest "in vogue" remodeling project,
outdoor kitchens in their backyards. From wood fire pizza ovens to
cabinets and countertops, outdoor kitchens are no longer just for the
well to do. Increasingly, products that remodelers would normally use
for indoor kitchen remodels are now being designed for outdoor use,
including range hoods and fans to keep cooking heat and smoke away from
a homeowner's guests.

"Homeowners today entertain in their homes a great deal," said NARI
President Everett Collier, CR. "An outdoor kitchen is a novelty and
provides another area to entertain guests. Outdoor kitchens can be
added to patios, decks, under a gazebo and in courtyards," Collier
adds.

NARI urges homeowners about to undertake an outdoor remodel to start by
making a basic lifestyle checklist:

* How do you currently use your indoor kitchen? How would you like to
use your outdoor kitchen?
* On average, how many cooks use the kitchen at one time? If you have
multiple cooks in the family, you may want to consider dual work zones
for more efficient use of the space.
* Do you enjoy cooking or will the area be more a gathering place than
a gourmet retreat?
* If it is a gathering spot, is there room for family or friends who
are not involved in the meal preparation? Is that space convenient and
comfortable for everyone?
* Is the lighting in the area sufficient for evening entertaining?
* Will your family use the area for regular dining or will this be
primarily an entertainment spot?
* How many on average would you need to seat? Do you have enough room
for all of them?
* Remodel according to local code. Before finalizing the design of your
outdoor space, your remodeling contractor should check zoning laws to
make sure your outdoor space will be the proper distance from your
property line, and obtain the necessary permits for the job.

Customizable grill islands, much like indoor kitchen islands, can be
found in more elaborate outdoor kitchens, along with dishwashers and
refrigerators that are designed to be used outdoors. Gas patio heaters
even make it possible to entertain outside when the weather is chilly.
Homeowners also have more options than ever when it comes to outdoor
lighting, including sophisticated outdoor lamps that resemble the
finest indoor models, and intricately designed hanging lights, a far
cry from garish plastic light covers strung across a clothesline.

Homeowners have a wide range of accessories available to decorate their
outdoor kitchens as well, from durable easy-to-care-for furniture,
sculptures and fountains to décor items like paintings specially
designed for use outdoors.

For more remodeling tips, homeowners considering a remodel can download
NARI's free brochure "How to Select a Remodeling Professional" and
obtain tips about avoiding home improvement scams and more information
about the remodeling process at NARI.org.

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by visiting www.RealEstate-IQ.com.

P.S. Thinking about doing a home improvement? Mention this article
and receive a American Express Gift Card valued at between
$250.00~$1,500.00 with your next refinance or home improvement loan.

Regards,

H. Scott Miller
National Commercial and Residential Lender/Broker
Carteret Mortgage
TOLL FREE PHONE#: 1.877.716.6495
TOLL FREE FAX#: 1.877.578.2041
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