Creating a backyard paradise can exponentially extend any home’s living and entertaining space.
And transforming your backyard from drab to fab doesn’t have to be expensive. You can make adjustments as simple or sophisticated to fit your budget.
For starters, cover an area with a ceiling, pergola or sailcloth. This defines the space and provides comfortable shade on sunny days.
Next, add ceiling fans and heaters to make the area usable all year round.
Remember a Range Hood
If you really want to enhance the area, add an outdoor kitchen!
But remember: Outdoor kitchens built under a cover or ceiling need a vent hood to remove all the heat, smoke and odors that backyard cooking can generate.
The Broan Elite Range Hood has three blower speeds to choose from.
Its unique Heat Sentry feature automatically activates the fan if smoke and moisture need to be removed. This feature sure comes in handy when you’re heating up your grill and forget about it!
Whichever speed you choose, this range hood is quiet, so you won’t disturb guests while cooking.
The underhood features lights so you can see what you’re doing, and the device is easy to clean — simply pull down the baffles to clean the filters.
The Broan Elite Range Hood comes in three sizes: 36, 48, and 60 inches long. Here’s a rule of thumb: Your hood should be a little larger than your outdoor cooking surface, so keep this in mind when selecting the size for your kitchen.
And don’t forget the great grilling recipes:
Get a Generator
Expect plenty of fun in your backyard paradise, but remember, summertime also brings severe weather and it’s important to prepare for these events. Whether you need electricity during power outages or want it while camping or tailgating, a portable generator can do the job.
But not all generators have the same features.
The Champion Dual Fuel Portable Generator provides quick, easy backup power to keep critical items running during a power outage, which can keep your family safe and comfortable.
This generator can keep some of your lights on and allows you to make coffee and listen to the radio during an outage. It can also power appliances like microwaves and refrigerators.
It’s not hard to use thanks to a push-button start, and this portable model is easy to maneuver wherever you need it. The “Dual Fuel” in the name means this generator can run on propane or gas. During a major storm, that propane option is important, because gas stations likely won’t be open.
If you’re looking for a generator, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Smaller generators work better for camping or tailgating, while larger whole-house generators can power air conditioners and several appliances at once.
- Always run your generator away from your house and open windows — and never run it under a covered area or in a garage.
- Use a heavy-duty extension cord to power your appliances
There’s a generator for every budget. Head to http://championpowerequipment.com for a tool that gauges what size generator you need for the appliances you want to run.
Did you know it’s also possible to make your own generator using solar panels? If you want to avoid buying a potentially noisy gas generator, check out our DIY guide to making a solar generator.
Danny Lipford is among the country’s most sought-after home improvement experts.
The seasoned remodeling contractor and media personality served as the home improvement expert for CBS’s “The Early Show” and The Weather Channel for over a decade and has made more than 180 national television appearances on “Fox & Friends,” “Inside Edition,” “Morning Express with Robin Meade,” Fox Business Channel, Rachael Ray and more.
He travels the country making appearances as a brand ambassador and spokesperson, and each year contributes expertise to hundreds of popular magazines and online media outlets.
Chelsea Lipford Wolf is a born-and-raised home enthusiast, adding her crafty skills and passion for DIY as co-host of the top-rated, nationally syndicated “Today’s Homeowner” TV show.
In addition, Chelsea maintains her own home lifestyle and décor blog and award-winning web series, “Checking in with Chelsea.”
