Renovation & Design
Renovation & Design
Outdoor kitchens add extra spice to our backyard retreats
Our backyards promise to be popular spots again this year with the prospect of continued social distancing. And with the arrival of spring, our outdoor spaces are now getting extra attention.
“The boundaries between the inside space and outside space are vanishing more and more,” said Lydia Thammavong, a marketing specialist in seasonal and outdoor living for Lowe’s Canada.
According to Thammavong, outdoor kitchens are a particularly growing trend. She noted that online searches and sales for charcoal barbecues and smokers at Lowe’s have increased since the pandemic. And for those eager to upgrade their barbecue setup to something more functional or refined, creating an outdoor kitchen is the natural next step.
For Mike and Janneth Nolet, installing an outdoor kitchen in their Weston backyard was a no-brainer. Mike is an avid barbecuer and grills four nights a week in the summer. Janneth, who is from the Phillipines, grew up with the traditions of outside cooking. Their outdoor kitchen was part of a large three-year backyard remodelling project, which included the installation of a pool, bar, outdoor bathroom and shower, sound system and outdoor television.
The Nolets enlisted the help of Glen Griffiths, owner of My Outdoor Kitchen, to design, source and install their L-shaped backyard feature. It includes high-grade stainless steel appliances from the California-based manufacturer Hestan: a commercial fridge, two power burners and a $10,000 gas barbecue. There’s additional cupboard space under the barbecue for storing tools. Pull-out garbage and recycling bins are built into the unit. The countertop is made of leathered granite and the sides are finished in granite.
The structure of the Nolets’ outdoor kitchen cost about $28,000 to install, while appliances totalled around $22,000. Their outdoor kitchen was completed by the end of the summer in 2020. “We got our yard done at the right time, with COVID and everything,” Mike Nolet said. “Sometimes three or four friends will come over in the evening and we’ll barbecue and watch sports on the outdoor TV.”
Griffiths said that interest in his outdoor kitchen company has been higher than usual this year. “People are more prepared and planning ahead. They know to get a jump on it, because last year there was a problem getting things like grills from manufacturers.”
The starting price for a simple 10-foot-long outdoor kitchen would cost about $15,000 — or $1,500 a linear foot — not including the cost of appliances. Condo terrace kitchens can cost more with added considerations including the floor it’s on, the size of the elevator and elevator access, parking, utilities and condo permissions.
Premium materials, such as stone and wood, can be selected to match your home’s exterior. “Something popular now is the large-format slabs made of Dekton (a manufactured marble-like material) on the countertop and the face of the island,” Griffiths explained.
Griffiths says that sinks are often a challenge for outdoor kitchen builds, due to the cost of installing plumbing and a drain line. But direct gas connections and power are more common, and more easily fulfilled requests.
Pergolas and covers offer protection from the elements, while built-in heaters can help extend the grilling season into early spring and late fall. According to Griffiths, high-end outdoor kitchens can cost upwards of $70,000. “People start looking at things like pizza ovens, fridges, ice makers and sinks.”
On the other end of the price scale, Thammavong said a simple, DIY outdoor kitchen with six feet of counter space can be built for around $2,000. This setup could be as easy as building a roll-out storage cart to go beside a barbecue, creating a small grilling station. As well, a waist-height wooden bench can be built to serve this purpose. If you DIY the project, you can incorporate custom features — like a drop-in beverage bucket to keep items cool, or a ceramic grill or smoker.
If you’re not so handy, Lowe’s offers a kitchen prep station and an outdoor storage cart, made to withstand the elements, for $400 to $700. Or, for a step above, a seven-foot ready-to-go outdoor kitchen with a grill cabinet, drawers, a bar cabinet costs around $3,700. Made of stainless steel, these kitchens are built for all four seasons if covered and protected from winter weather.
As a first step toward an outdoor kitchen, Thammavong recommends surveying your space. “How big can you go? How many square feet do you want to sacrifice in your backyard, terrace or balcony for the kitchen area?” she said.
Next, consider whether you’d like to install a permanent fixture, which will require weather-proof materials. Or, if you’d like the flexibility to move the kitchen around, carts and benches can also be stored indoors in the winter.
Lastly, determine your budget before you start shopping. “You can do a little or a lot, depending on how much you want to spend and how you want the space to look,” Thammavong added.
Renovation & Design
Window well installation an easy and important task
Question: My parents’ Westwood home has a significant problem with the grading. The soil at the side and backyard slopes significantly towards the walls. That inward slope begins about five to seven feet out from the walls, and gets steeper in the last few feet nearest the walls. The problem is, to add enough soil to make the ground slope even slightly away from the home will require nearly a foot of added clay-based soil. It will have to be placed against the walls, gradually lessening in depth to a point about six feet out from the foundation.
There is a basement window that is only around six-inches above the existing grade. Do I need to attach a metal window well around this window so that I can raise the grade enough? That will require packing clay soil around six inches up against the new window well, to slope slightly away from this window area. What sort of window well and sealant would work best?
Thanks you for any help you can offer, Greg Jowett.
Answer: Installation of a window well to protect a basement window is required, when adding a large quantity of soil to improve the grading away from a foundation wall. Ensuring the well is high enough to protect the window is the key, while preventing blockage for light entry or egress.
It is not too often that an inquiry not only asks a pertinent question, but also answers it in the same few sentences. Yours is one of those rare occasions, where you seem to have an excellent grasp of the situation in question. Many people do not know the true function of a window well, which is simply to protect a basement window from damage or leakage from moisture. This moisture may be overland water that is caused by heavy rains and melting snow, or from that contained within the soil in this area.
If the soil adjacent to the foundation walls is near or above the bottom of a basement window, moisture intrusion and damage is almost a certainty. Because most basement windows are installed directly onto a lowered area in the concrete foundation wall, or on top of a thin wooden buck, there may be very small gaps at the bottom and sides of the window frame. These may have been filled with sealant or blown-in foam insulation during installation, which can deteriorate or shrink over time. Rarely will homeowners look to reseal this area, unless obvious leakage has occurred. Even with this area sealed, there could still be leakage through the window if the soil is too high or snow sits up against the window.
Regrading to provide a reasonable slope away from a foundation, where soil has eroded or settled, is a regular part of general maintenance in any home. You are to be commended for proactively planning this upgrade, even if it has been left untended for a long time. You have also identified one of the few complications of this simple but strenuous task, raising the grade higher than openings in the foundation wall. The equally simple answer to this dilemma is to install a window well, high enough to protect the window from future damage and leakage. Most homeowners elect to install corrugated metal wells, due to their durability, low cost, and ease of installation. These galvanized metal components are typically an elongated U-shape, with short right-angled bends at the terminal ends. These bent areas allow for attachment to the foundation wall, which can be done with a few different types of fasteners.
The most effective way to install a manufactured window well is to ensure purchasing one that is the appropriate height, width, and depth for your situation. The width is the easiest dimension to address, as the well should be slightly wider than the opening in the foundation wall where the window is installed. The height of the metal enclosure should be sufficient to allow about 10 cm. of clearance to grade below the window, after installation, and the top no higher than halfway up the window. The depth may be trickier, as it may depend on the size and type of the window it is meant to protect. If the basement window is only for ventilation and some light, then the well may only require a minimal depth of approximately 30 cm. If the window is larger, and also designed for proper egress from the basement in case of fire, then a well that protrudes further out from the foundation will be needed. In that situation, the fill in the bottom of the well may have to be raised to within a few cm. of the window frame, to allow easier exit in an emergency.
Installation will likely require slight excavation of the existing soil, which can be filled in later with granular material, to aid drainage. The well should be sealed at the foundation wall with either exterior grade sealant, or a moisture resistant foam rod. The foam rod may last longer and should not require regular replacement like the caulking method. The well should also be attached to the foundation wall, to avoid pulling away due to typical soil pressure and erosion. This is normally done by installing a drive-in or lag shield and bolt, and will require a masonry bit and hammer drill. Alternatively, a Hilti-gun with a hardened steel nail may be used, which will permanently bind the metal well to the concrete wall.
Due to the location of your existing basement windows, and the depth of soil required for proper regrading, installation of a window well is an essential part of your proposed maintenance. Choosing the properly sized well, and properly fastening and sealing it to the foundation wall, should be straightforward but must ensure that it allows proper emergency egress, if needed.
Ari Marantz is the owner of Trained Eye Home Inspection Ltd. and the past president of the Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors — Manitoba (cahpi.mb.ca). Questions can be emailed to the address below. Ari can be reached at 204-291-5358 or check out his website at trainedeye.ca.
trainedeye@iname.com
Renovation & Design
Easter bread a timeless and delicious tradition
Question: What is Easter bread and is it difficult to make? Tami
Answer: Easter bread is an Italian and Greek tradition. It's a soft, sweetened, yeasted dough with coloured eggs baked right into the dough (that you don't eat), formed into wreaths or braided. Festive and bright for the Easter holiday, it’s not especially difficult to make, but it does take time.
Question: What is the best way to store raisins? Elmer
Answer: Store raisins in a cool, dry, and dark place. Keep them away from moisture to prevent mould growth, and heat and light so they won’t dry out. A pantry is a great place to store raisins.
Question: I spilled grease from fast food on my leather (smooth leather, not suede) jacket. What do you recommend using to get the stain out? Dilpreet
Answer: Always start with the easiest solution and then move to the trickier solution if needed. Sprinkle the area with one of the following: baby powder, cornstarch or baking soda. If the stain is fresh the powders will absorb the grease and once you brush the powder away, the grease will disappear. If the grease stain is a little older apply one of the powders with a little water to make a paste. Leave it for 15 or 20 minutes and wipe. You can also wipe the area with dish soap and a bit of water since dish soap is created as a natural grease cutter. Another option is to hold a hot hair dryer onto the area and massage the leather to lighten the spot.
Question: I did a cold-water laundry load of my coloured tops these are all items that I have washed before. After the wash, I put all items in the dryer, not realizing that a purple top bled into my favourite turquoise blue sweater. I soaked it overnight in Oxi Stain Remover, then hand washed with soap. It lightened some, but still stained. Is there any recovery for this? Bertha
Answer: One of my favourite stain removers is Sunlight Bar Laundry Soap. Scrub the area and rewash it, this may take a few attempts before you see results. Washing soda and borax are also excellent stain removers. Patience, trial, and error are the keys. Worst case scenario is to redye the blouse with fabric dye.
Question: Do you have any ideas for dyeing and decorating colourful Easter eggs without purchasing a dye kit? Winney
Answer: Make your own egg dye with water, vinegar, food colouring or water and onion skins. Remember, the more colour you add and the longer they soak, the more brilliant the hue. For an interesting design, wrap elastic bands around eggs and soak them in dye solution. Another option is to glue colourful leaves to eggs using white glue or glue the leaves to the eggs and dye the eggs. Remove the eggs from the dye and peel off the leaves to create a leaf imprint. Extra tip: If you don't plan to eat dyed eggs, make glow in the dark eggs by microwaving them for 10 seconds. One in three eggs will glow!
Note: Every user assumes all risks of injury or damage resulting from the implementation of any suggestions in this column. Test all products on an inconspicuous area first.
Have a great suggestion or tip? Please send an email at: info@reena.ca. Reena Nerbas is a popular motivational presenter for large and small groups; check out her website: reena.ca.
Renovation & Design
Buttermilk marinate the secret to delicious fried chicken
Question: Do you have any secrets for making really, good fried chicken? Seth
Answer: I used to recommend, soaking the chicken overnight in canned chicken stock (one or two cans for six to eight pieces of chicken) because it brings out the flavour. I have since discovered that marinating the chicken in buttermilk is even better. Before cooking consider the taste of the oil to ensure you like the flavour. Preheat your skillet with oil to about 375F, the temperature will drop as you add chicken. Coat the chicken with flour, return it to the buttermilk and then the flour, as this will add a better coating. Fry the chicken and then drain on towels for about five minutes before serving. Do not overcrowd the pan, allow your chicken enough room, between pieces. If making the chicken ahead of time, keep it hot in the oven at 250F.
Question: How do you fertilize a cactus? Serena
Answer: Cacti are hardy plants that require low nutrient care. Homemade cacti fertilizer is as easy as combining one tablespoon of Epsom salt and four litres of water. Misting plants with a spray bottle rather than pouring water into the pot is preferred. Succulents (plants with leafy tissues that conserve moisture) only need fertilizer in late spring or summer. One of the very best trade secrets for happy cacti is to add compost rich in nutrients to soil mix.
Question: Do you have a recipe for making vinegar from herbs? Emilie
Answer: In a large re-sealable glass container combine one large bunch of clean herbs such as, basil or tarragon with three cups white wine vinegar. Store in a cool, dry place, can be used for up to one year. This is great for vinaigrettes. Additionally, some herbs, such as parsley, chives and basil can be pureed with a small amount of water in a blender, and then frozen in ice cube trays. They can later be stored in plastic bags for use in flavoring soup and sauces. Herb butter can be made with the addition of about fopur tablespoons chopped, dried herb leaves and a dash of lemon juice to 1/4-pound of butter softened at room temperature. The butter should then be stored in the refrigerator in a covered container.
Question: What is an easy way to remove cat hair from clothing? Sofia
Answer: A lint brush is the most popular option for removing cat hair from fabric. Or you could rap a large roll of masking tape around your hand and as you run your hand over your clothes, it picks up the hair and sticks to the tape. Each layer of tape can be pulled off to give you a fresh surface underneath. Another option is Pet Pick-up brushes which are brushes with a specialized head that captures hair in the nap of the fabric and releases it when brushed in the opposite direction. Fabric sprays applied to clothing for static cling also repels pet hair. Another option is to rub a fabric softener dryer sheet over the surface of clothing as a pet hair pick up. Store clothing in plastic dry cleaner bags in the closet to prevent hair from accumulating.
Note: Every user assumes all risks of injury or damage resulting from the implementation of any suggestions in this column. Test all products on an inconspicuous area first.
Have a great suggestion or tip? Please send an email at: info@reena.ca. Reena Nerbas is a popular motivational presenter for large and small groups; check out her website: reena.ca.
Renovation & Design
Tankless water heaters likely not worth it here
Question: What is your opinion on tankless water heaters, particularly for use in the Winnipeg climate? Are they worth the cost and can they provide water hot enough in the winter when the temperature of the water entering the house from the water main is typically only a little above freezing? Do you have any recommendations as to brands which perform better than others? We have friends in Regina who have a Navien brand, not sure which model, but it is natural gas, and they are quite satisfied with it.
Thanks for any information that you can provide, Roy H.
Answer: Tankless water heaters are not common in the Winnipeg area, and evaluating them with my limited experience can be very difficult, due to the small sample size. Using environmentally friendly mechanical systems is commendable, but may not be practical in our area due to our low electricity and natural gas rates and reliable water source.
Tankless water heaters are a system for providing whole house hot water only on demand and not stored in a large tank, like standard gas-fired and electric water heaters. These units vary in cost and style, primarily between the natural gas and electric models. The operation is similar to the water heating method in a common coffee maker, but on a larger scale. There are two main benefits to this type of system over the traditional tank method of water heating.
The first benefit is the small size, eliminating the need for a large area for the tank to store up to 285 litres of pre-heated water. In conjunction with this, there is a water saving component. The on-demand unit provides instant hot water from the small unit, negating the use of somewhat cooler water in various gradients within a large tank. This will save some water being wasted down the drain system, while waiting for higher temperature water to arrive at the faucet from the tank.
The second benefit is the saving in power to heat the water. Because the water in a tank needs periodic heating to maintain a working temperature, due to heat loss through the tank walls, they are not as energy efficient as possible. Extra natural gas or electricity is required for this purpose, even when heated water is not being drawn from a plumbing fixture. Because of this, energy is being wasted when compared with a tankless, on-demand unit, which only uses energy when operating.
Both of these features make a tankless water heater much better for the environment, due to the lack of wasted energy and water resources. Also, there is a much larger amount of physical material, primarily metals, used in the tank of a traditional water heater. Much of this may be recyclable, but the limited life expectancy of either style of heater can be a large factor for waste production. A typical tank-style heater has an average life expectancy of 10-15 years, with municipally treated water, so thousands are replaced every year. I am not sure of the average lifespan of a tankless unit, but I would assume it may be similar. Disposing or recycling as much as 30 kilograms of waste, for a standard water heater, as opposed to about 10 kilos for a tankless unit also reduces the environmental impact of using a tankless system.
Now that we have discussed the pros and cons, we can address the main purpose of your inquiry. Unfortunately, I cannot give you much help with your main question. I don’t know if the added cost of an on-demand unit relative to a tank style is worth the added initial expense. The reason for this is the limited experience I have with seeing tankless units installed in our area. I can count on one hand the number of units I have seen in the thousands of pre-purchase inspections I have completed, over more than two decades. One reason for this is the very low cost of natural gas, mainly used for water heating, until recently. Most new home and retro-fitted water heaters are electric, which have higher ongoing energy costs than gas, but still are economical. Because we continue to have some of the lowest hydro rates in the world, heating water in this old-fashioned way is still the standard in Manitoba.
On-demand units are much more common in European homes, and other areas, where water and energy sources are more scarce and much more costly. In many parts of the U.S. standard water tanks are prevalent, even with much higher heating costs than here. There are areas, primarily in California and some states with large populations in deserts, where tankless heaters are more popular. I would suggest reviewing online research from homeowner reviews and other resources in those locations, for better answers to your questions.
Determining whether an on-demand, tankless water heater is worth the up-front costs, relative to a standard water heater, may be difficult due to the lack of data in our area. If you want to install that type of unit strictly from an environmental viewpoint, please do, but otherwise our low energy and water costs will likely lead to ordering installation of a typical water heater.
Ari Marantz is the owner of Trained Eye Home Inspection Ltd. and the past president of the Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors — Manitoba (cahpi.mb.ca). Questions can be emailed to the address below. Ari can be reached at 204-291-5358 or check out his website at trainedeye.ca.
trainedeye@iname.com