You Can’t Get Grillin’ if Your Backyard is Illin’

BBQ

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Winter is officially gone, and Spring has sprung. Depending on where you live, there may still be a few brisk days ahead, but you are also that much closer to the perfect weather for just chilling outside on your deck. There’s just nothing quite like relaxing and grilling out with some neighbors and friends in the backyard, complete of course with a cheesy apron for the master of the grill. With that in mind, have you asked yourself if your outdoor lounging area is even ready for entertaining? Chances are, your porch, patio, deck, or pool area has been neglected the past few months. That means it’s home improvement time! (Cue theme song for hit 90’s sitcom starring Tim Allen).

Fresh to Death

Depending on how much work your outdoor area actually needs, you may opt to tackle the project yourselves. After all, there are more than enough DIY blogs and tutorials available online, which can guide you through small maintenance projects. If, however, your backyard needs a lot of work done, you may want to enlist the help of a professional handyman. You don’t want to get in over your head with a home improvement project, and if a structural feature is being fixed up, there is also the issue of safety. No one wants their kiddos running around on a rickety deck, and by golly those splinters are no fun for anyone!

You are probably not qualified to test whether or not a deck is safe and ready for entertaining, but that’s what handyman services are for. In addition to general repairs and upkeep, you may want to consider some various upgrades to improve the overall look of your outdoor to give it a fresh look. Consider some of the following ideas to add some backyard “swag” to your home:

–          Additional lighting or lanterns

–          Flower beds or rock gardens

–          Painting or resurfacing

–          Outdoor ceiling fans

–          Outdoor deck extension

–          Patio enclosure or awning installation

King of the Grill200285618-001

When a backyard looks well kept and inviting, you can take pride in it and show it off. I mean hey, if you got it, flaunt it! Once you’ve primed your outdoor area and made all the desired improvements, then you can address your grill situation. These days, there are so many top of the line grills to choose from, so if you don’t have one, you may want to consider investing in one.

Some of the grills on the market today are so big they look like something off the set of Transformers, and some basically do everything but flip the steaks for you. If you are content with the one currently owned then make sure it is clean and always remember to check the propane. You don’t want to have a bunch of hungry people at your house, only to find out that the propane tank is empty and you can’t grill those burgers after all. (Smacks self on forehead!) 

Take a Load Off

Depending on how many people you typically invite over for your grill out sessions, it might be a good idea to purchase some new patio furniture. Not only will this update the overall look, but it will ensure that everyone has a comfortable place to sit, relax, and chow down on some messy, but delicious BBQ. In addition to ample seating (with cushions!), make sure that you buy citronella candles, or have some other method of repelling those pesky mosquitos! Telling your date she is “just too sweet” will only get you so far if she is getting eaten alive by insects.

Kaity

Getting your backyard and outdoor entertaining area ready for BBQ season is not a quick-fix, but it is totally worth it. There are plenty of months ahead during which you can enjoy the upgrades in the presence of good company. Get out the corn hole set and call up your friends because it’s time to fire up that grill! Who’s hungry?!

 This guest post article was written by Kaity Nakagoshi, on behalf of a Tampa handyman company. Kaity is a Florida native and a graduate of the University of South Florida. Her guilty pleasures include: Twitter, Starbucks, yoga shorts, and Friends reruns. She is a big fan of golf, college football, and the Tampa Bay Rays. Follow her on Twitter @KaityAtZelen.

Comments

  1. Great post! Yesterday we spent ALL day preparing our patio for a BBQ that we are having on Saturday. We replaced stuff, repainted furniture, etc. Spent around $300 or $400!

  2. I love grilling! Last weekend I made over 30 chicken wings with my homemade marinate. I also enjoy hosting and throwing steaks on the grill. Grilled pineapple is also one of my favorites!

  3. Great post that makes me happy it is finally summer. Will keep this insight in mind.

  4. My yard is a favorite pastime of mine, it isn’t great, there’s still a lot of work to do but I hope to have all the landscaping done this year. Grilling and smoking meat is right next to the list of things I love to do! Thanks for the article!

  5. I bet everyone did some good grilling this past weekend for Memorial Day. It’s the perfect kickoff to BBQ season. And I agree with John. Grilled pineapple is delicious! Hmm. It’s too early to be this hungry…..

  6. Great suggestions! Many of these simple DIY touch up projects not only clean up the look of your home but can add value to your home if you decide to sell.

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