Subject: BOWA Home Advisor - News you can use.
From: "Kathy Kelly" <[email-masked]>
To: <[email-masked]>
Date: Fri, 8 Apr 2011 14:13:32 -0400 (EDT)

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Dear Hunter,
Each month, the BOWA Home Advisor provides you with important tips on how to improve
and protect your home's value and family's safety. We hope the following is helpful.
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Wouldn't you love a great outdoor kitchen?

Thank goodness, spring finally seems to be here for good! The recent sunshine and
warmer temperatures throughout the Washington DC area, remind us that we'll soon
 be able to enjoy pool parties, picnics, and of course, backyard BBQ's with family
and friends. If you're thinking about incorporating the convenience of an outdoor
kitchen [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=rfegbsn6&et=1105081074250&s=5682&e=001kUxTLycaATV2AY8DDKSWhf4UxHc0hBbitMFGo-qHKw2SjxQKQJKsBO6ZWt7otZblfQvdEasAyT_5o6wZhq_8w2AJWOy-UbMab7oP9Et-hWPoumJR03W1AB1NwqvaPLnV75CDGj1zfj-Y_kIJp5xjfVlkVlYIeiHS]into
your backyard, listed below are some helpful tips to consider.

To Cover or Not to Cover

When creating an outdoor kitchen, one of the first things to consider is whether
 or not to have the space covered. Unless covered, you should expect to experience
significantly more wear and tear on your surfaces and appliances than if under some
form of protection. If you still want an airy feeling, one great option is to have
a wooden pergola built with a clear cover, such as Lexan or fiberglass, over top
 of the structure. This barely visible ceiling offers protection, but still gives
the area an open-air feeling at the same time.

Choosing a Countertop

Granite and other types of natural stone are common choices when designing an outdoor
kitchen area, not only for their durability, but also for their beauty. It is strongly
recommended, however, that most natural stone tops be sealed to prevent staining.
If staining is a concern, one should probably avoid marble and limestone surfaces,
as these are more porous stones and, therefore, more likely to stain. Other choices
for hard natural stone counter surfaces are flagstone and slate, which hide stains
and dirt well, and look nice with a flamed finish. For a more maintenance-free option
consider using a natural quartz surface, such as Silestone or CaesarStone. Also,
 don't forget to choose a decking or patio material that is grease resistant as 
well.

Appliances and Accessories

When planning an outdoor kitchen think carefully about what you'll use most in your
space versus what would just be convenient. Having an icemaker at your fingertips
sounds practical, especially when whipping up those frozen margaritas and daiquiris
on hot summer days, but they can often be temperamental given their year-round exposure
to the elements. In the long run, you may find that installing and maintaining an
outdoor icemaker is more of a hassle than it's worth. In that case, a drop-in insulated
ice chest, a decorative vessel or your ol' reliable cooler might serve you better.
When adding an outdoor refrigerator, it is important that you choose the location
carefully. Often times, if placed in direct sunlight, homeowners find the unit is
unable to hold the proper temperature. Outdoor sinks are another "nice to have,"
 but consider how much you will be using it before installing one. Maintenance can
be an issue as sinks need to be winterized annually, and they often weather and 
lose their luster easily. For most outdoor kitchens, the grill is the main focal
 point and one size does not fit all. Whether you're an occasional burger flipper,
serious gourmet or BBQ battle champion, there is a size, type and accessory configuration
that is perfect for your needs. Rotisserie attachments are popular in gas units,
 and side burners are handy for cooking corn on the cob or steaming crabs. Remember
to use an appropriate cover to protect your grill when not in use and over the winter
months. And, for all outdoor appliances, stainless steel is the best material as
 it is the most durable and rust-resistant option.

Create a Comfortable Entertaining Space

Help to extend the seasonal life of your outdoor kitchen by placing natural gas 
or propane patio heaters in the area for chilly summer evenings and as the weather
begins to cool. Also, don't forget to include adequate lighting for after-dark cooking
and entertaining. Have plentiful seating close enough to the grill to work in tandem
with it, but be sure that the smoke does not waft over the dining area. Consider
 adding an outdoor television and audio system so you can take in the big game or
listen to whatever your heart desires as you and your guests enjoy your backyard
 oasis. A residential design build contractor can help you create a design that 
compliments the existing surroundings or help you to create a gourmet kitchen as
 part of a complete outdoor renovation [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=rfegbsn6&et=1105081074250&s=5682&e=001kUxTLycaATUX4fQWXyw0Pvmj3WaLt-rPBlGzcVC2_Mq-NYX2YL2xTAx3DLCcyiZA7w8_e-qigVTgTw0HVb-a84ujK4dNdg_9QKcte5nxNNJMaD1n3UTwmXO-D5vd9u9QYp863uEG_OA=].
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For your convenience, past issues of the BOWA Home Advisor are available in the 
"News" section of our web site [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=rfegbsn6&et=1105081074250&s=5682&e=001kUxTLycaATWOfRLCBzkS8-xP5au5O8JAtUpSEgtjTxRmSCmR6jHa7vaW7DezQFgp7yDDz7C0HU_Tp6FCDsipgK8RmhdkuVk4sfRmwldIETz5xpZKh_Ek2qqfTHUa9XnM].

If you would like more information on any of these topics of if there are other 
ways we can be of service, please contact BOWA [mailto:[email-masked]].

Regards,
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Kathy Kelly Hines
BOWA

[email-masked] [mailto:[email-masked]]
phone:  703-734-9050
www.bowa.com [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=rfegbsn6&et=1105081074250&s=5682&e=001kUxTLycaATWrbnhaOvhpTfWH64s9LxXiXBdo0h_Hsl3o6sICxFPc_17tL2CfrR3IPOhmKwHQHvOoCiYvXuP3l0vTS70uwcUutsy-bNaf-Pg=]
P.S.  Have a specific issue you would like addressed in a future BOWA Home Advisor?
 Please let me know [mailto:[email-masked]].

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