Finding a reputable Outdoor Kitchen Contractor Near Me can be a full-time job in itself. When you finally do, your project timeline will probably be jam-packed.
It’s important to comb through a contractor’s customer reviews. It may be a sign that they lack specialized experience if they don’t specifically pertain to outdoor kitchens.
A contractor’s experience matters because outdoor kitchens involve a lot of moving parts. There are designs that must be drawn up, materials chosen to match the homeowners’ taste and budget, complicated tasks like hooking up gas, water, and electrical lines to be completed, and more. An experienced builder can help ensure that all of these elements are properly handled to avoid delays and costly mistakes.
Ask potential outdoor kitchen contractors how many projects they have worked on and if they can offer you references from past clients who have outdoor kitchens similar to the one you are looking for. This is a great way to get a firsthand account of the workmanship and attention to detail that a company offers.
Another thing to look for is if the builder has a showroom that showcases their work. A showroom is a good indicator that a hardscape contractor has a stable business model and isn’t just a fly-by-night operation.
If a prospective outdoor kitchen builder doesn’t have a showroom or can’t provide you with references from previous clients, that could be a sign that they aren’t very reliable or don’t put enough value in their work. You want a reputable Sayville, NY outdoor kitchen contractor who has the experience to complete your project in a timely fashion with minimal disruptions to your home life.
When choosing an outdoor kitchen contractor, also make sure they are licensed and insured. You should be able to find this information on their website or by calling them directly. They should be able to provide proof of worker’s compensation, general liability, and vehicle insurance. If a contractor cannot provide you with this information, it’s best not to hire them for your project.
License
Like any renovation or construction project, outdoor kitchens typically require building codes and zoning requirements to be adhered to and permits to be obtained. Depending on the scope of the project, some types of work might not even be allowed without a permit including any plumbing and electrical work.
If your project is going to include the addition of any water lines, gas lines or electrical outlets, licensed professionals must be hired for those specific tasks. While this may not be as complex as adding a sink or stove, it is essential from a safety standpoint that those utilities are installed correctly and meet city codes.
You should also be sure to check with your homeowners association to see what kind of restrictions are in place for constructing an outdoor kitchen on your property. Some HOAs have strict regulations for constructing backyard entertainment areas and it’s always best to be ahead of the curve when it comes to planning and installing your new outdoor kitchen so you avoid any potential legal issues.
Finally, be sure to ask any prospective outdoor kitchen contractor for copies of their State Certified Contractor’s License as well as proof of Workers’ Compensation and Liability Insurance. Just as you wouldn’t trust a non-licensed Doctor to perform medical procedures on you, you should never contract with any company that can’t show you all of the above documentation.
Insurance
A high-end outdoor kitchen is a significant investment. It’s important to find a contractor that is properly insured to protect your investment in case something goes wrong during the build process. A good contractor will carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation to make sure they are covered in the event of an injury or accident on your property.
A reputable contractor should be able to provide you with copies of their State Certified Construction license, Qualifying License, Occupational License and Worker’s Compensation documentation. If they cannot, this is a red flag and you should avoid working with them.
Another thing to look for is the types of materials the contractor uses to build your kitchen. If they are only using prefabricated modular units, or a cheaper material such as concrete block, this is a sign of a lower quality product. A luxury contractor should be able to use a variety of different materials, including poured in place concrete which is more durable and can stand up to the environment.
A high-end contractor should also be able to offer you a LIFETIME structural warranty on their concrete cabinets. They should be able to explain the details of this warranty and give you a timeline on when you can expect your project to be completed. It’s important to be patient and understand that a quality, custom-built outdoor kitchen takes time, so don’t be alarmed if they tell you your project is first up on their schedule. The best contractors will have anywhere from 10-15 projects going on at once, so they can complete their jobs in a timely manner. The lines of communication between you and the contractor should be open at all times during your project so that there are no surprises later on.
Warranty
Ensure that your Contractor is State Certified and that they have a comprehensive Warranty for their work. They should be able to provide you with copies of both at your free in-home consultation. This will give you peace of mind that the work is done correctly and that your Contractor will stand behind it in the future. Additionally, ask about the materials your Contractor uses for outdoor kitchen construction. The quality of the materials will have a direct impact on the longevity and quality of your new Kitchen.
In addition to a solid warranty on their work, your contractor should also offer a manufacturer warranty for all of the appliances and fixtures that they install. Ask your contractor to explain their warranties in detail so that you are well-informed about what is covered and what is not. A reputable outdoor kitchen builder will always put their client’s best interests first and will never take shortcuts in areas that can affect the final product.
For example, your concrete cabinets should be guaranteed for 10 years against deterioration in climatic conditions. During that time, it’s your responsibility to keep them in good condition and to follow the maintenance procedures that are specified in the Cubic worktop manual.
Another area where attention to detail matters is in the design phase of your project. Make sure that your Contractor is designing a custom outdoor Kitchen that fits your lifestyle and cooking needs. They should be able to help you choose from an array of grills and appliances to find a style and features that are ideal for your space. Additionally, they should help you create a layout that addresses all of the essentials for your Kitchen like storage spaces for all of your cooking gear and an area for trash or compost/recycling that’s out of sight for bugs and critters to access.
Design
When it comes to outdoor kitchen design, there are a lot of different factors that go into creating an attractive, functional space. Having a company who specializes in this type of backyard renovation project will allow you to get the best results. They will ensure that all aspects of the build work in harmony and that your final project looks great. A good contractor will also be able to do the job in a fraction of the time, which means that you’ll be able to enjoy your new space sooner.
A great way to tell if a backyard renovation company is reputable is by looking at their portfolio of past projects. Look for professional photos that show off each build in its absolute best light. This will help you visualize the build and understand what it will look like once it’s finished.
Another thing to note is whether or not the company has a showroom. This is a sign that they’re more established and likely to be around for a while. Also, a showroom will give you an idea of their product standards and offerings.
For example, if a builder shows off a kitchen in their portfolio that uses combustible materials and doesn’t include proper ventilation, this is a red flag. A reputable kitchen builder will know how to prioritize safety in all of their builds and take the necessary precautions to ensure that everyone is kept safe when using the kitchen.
Lastly, look at how a company approaches its pricing structure. Ensure that they provide you with a clear breakdown of costs for each product and service so that there are no surprises down the road.
