Summer is the right time for a remodeling project – Shreveport Times

Jeb Breithaupt, Special to USA Today Network 11:00 a.m. CT June 16, 2017

Jeb Breithaupt of JEB Design/Build explains why summer is a great time to remodel your kitchen, or add an outdoor kitchen. Wochit

If your indoor kitchen doesn't need a remodel, consider adding an outdoor kitchen this summer, ready in time to enjoy football games this fall.(Photo: Courtesy of JEB Design/Build)

If youre planning to remodel your kitchen this year, summer could be the best time to do it.

A major kitchen renovation can take some time to do right, which means there could be days or even weeks when your family wont have easy access to the stove and oven. During the warm weather months, thats an easy problem to solve: Cook outdoors. Work with your design/build remodeler to put together a solid schedule that will let you know when your kitchen will be out of commission so you can plan your familys meals in advanceso you wont have to figure them out on the fly or eat out every night. Plan to grill and eat outdoors as often as possible.

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Schedule some menus featuring meals that dont need cooking: summer salads, cold soups, lots of fresh fruit and veggies. Start a weekly movie night tradition: Grab some take-out food and gather everyone in front of the TV in the family room to eat while watching a fun flick.

A few side benefits: Meal prep is easier,you can serve on disposable dishes so clean-up is a breeze,and your cooking wont heat up the house, meaningyour air conditioner wont have to work so hard, which could save you a few bucks on your energy bill. No room to eat outside? Enlarge your patio or porch before you start on the indoor kitchen so theres room for a dining or picnic table, a grill and some outdoor storage for dishes and utensils. If your indoor kitchen is in good shape, then consider spending part of the summer having an outdoor kitchen installed.

Adding a built-in grill, some weather-resistant stainless steel cabinets, a small refrigerator and counter spacealong with room for eating and entertainingwill turn your yard into an outdoor room that your family will use all spring, summer and fall. If you start on it this summer, it will be ready by the time LSU football season begins. Add an outdoor-rated flat screen, and your patio will be full of friends all fall.

Consider remodeling your kitchen during summer so you can prepare your meals outside during the warm weather months.(Photo: Courtesy of JEB Design/Build)

While summer might seem too early to think about the winter holidays, its the perfect time to update the guest bathroomespecially if last Christmas had you wishing you had done it before your extended family arrived. And its a good time to consider adding a guest suitewith a roomy bedroom and another bathroomonto the house. Ive worked with lots of couples who have expanded their family homes once grandchildren were in the picture so the whole brood can stay overnightinstead of at a nearby hotelwhen they visit during summer vacations and winter holidays.

Summer is also a great time to consider adding a guest suite for those holiday visitors.(Photo: Courtesy of JEB Design/Build)

Summer is a great time for remodeling projects that will make your home more comfortable all year round.

Jeb Breithaupt, B. Arch., MBA, has been president of JEB Design/Build in Shreveport since 1983. You can contact him at 318-865-4914 or by visiting http://www.jebdesignbuild.com.

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Summer is the right time for a remodeling project - Shreveport Times