The Connection Warren-Watchung Edition April/May 2018

PAGE 12 THE WARREN-WATCHUNG CONNECTION APRIL/MAY 2018 Dressing for the Special Moment in Your Life Voted Best Mother of the Bride by New Jersey Bride Magazine 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 & 2017 Gisele’s www.giselesuniqueshop.us Gift Certificates Gateway East 53 Mountain Boulevard • Warren, NJ 07059 908-647-5250 Tuesday-Saturday 10:30-5:00pm If you’ve been thinking about adding an outdoor kitchen to your New Jersey property, it’s easy to get inspired by all the Pinterest and Instagram photos. What may be less clear is the best path to turn your ideas into a fully realized construction project that transforms your landscape. With the right profes- sional, take these steps to build the best outdoor kitchen in New Jersey. The Process of Building an Outdoor Kitchen An outdoor kitchen is a major remodel- ing and landscaping project. After all, it combines some of the most important features of interior design with outdoor know-how. In addition to needing a knowledgeable professional to help you optimize a kitchen layout and plan the electrical and plumbing work, some actual heavy lifting will be necessary to take care of earth moving and stonework as you build the bones of your outdoor room. When you work with a professional landscape designer, you can expect to have help every step of the way, from the initial planning and permitting processes through the final finishing touches before you cook your first meal alfresco. Step 1: Choose the Right Contractor It’s important to choose a landscape designer, architect and contractor in your area who is completely qualified. Their business should be setup with full insurance, the correct licenses and excellent references. You’ll also want to check out their portfolio of work to ensure that you share a similar aesthet- ic and chat in person to make sure your personalities click. Step 2: Survey the Land Next, your landscape designer will sur- vey your property to understand its exact boundaries, along with its best features and challenges. A professional knows what to expect and will be able to make pointed suggestions that take care of any issues as you move forward. Step 3: Design the Layout This should be a collaborative process in which you and your landscape designer work together to incorporate all of the points on your outdoor kitchen wish list. You’ll create a layout that provides the most convenience and comfort, taking into consideration the existing views, the angle of the sun and other landscaping features. Step 4: Choose Materials Once the basic footprint is in place, it’s time to decide how you want the kitchen to look. Are you adding a cov- ered roof? Will you incorporate local stone? What type of decking and stain colors do you prefer? Grills, appliances and patio furniture can also be selected at this stage so everything works together harmoniously. Step 5: Execute the Build Once the decisions are made, the pro- fessional will take it from here. They’ll work with your municipality to pull per- mits and consult with inspectors, and they’ll begin digging, leveling and build- ing your brand new outdoor kitchen. Once the hardscaping is complete, adding new trees, shrubs and decorative plants is typically the final step. The right landscape designer will be able to assess your needs and work with you to create the ideal outdoor kitchen for your New Jersey home. Scott Parker is the owner of Parker Homescape, one of the top landscape design/build firms in the United States, which has also been recognized locally by Design NJ and New York Spaces Magazines for their award-winning work. The firm’s work was chosen in 2012 to be pub- lished in a book that is currently being distributed world- wide. Parker Homescape is a four-time recipient of the prestigious “Best of Houzz” award.. For more information on Parker Homescape, visit their website and design portfolio at: www.parkerhomescape.com or call (908) 626-1100 HOW TO BUILD THE BEST OUTDOOR KITCHEN IN NEW JERSEY By: Scott Parker, Parker Homescape, LLC www.theconnectionsnj.com