Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Synthetic Grass information

Synthetic Grass Face Weight & Quality
The face weight is how much the yarn weighs per square yard not including the backing or infill (yarn only). This measurement tells you how much product you are getting for your money as long as the comparison is completely parallel. Nylon thatch based products are the most expensive to produce although most artificial turf is produced using 28% nylon thatch. Products can also be made with up to 45% thatch, which increases the quality, durability and thickness. Garrett Outdoor Living  carries both construction methods.
Yarn technology is also important. For example: How many microns per blade, yarn shape for optimal performance, and stitch rates to balance performance and aesthetics are crucial to achieving a top quality product. For more information about Yarn technology, or any other questions, please contact us at

http://www.garrettoutdoorliving.com/



Use the Appropriate Artificial Turf Style
Many synthetic turf applications are installed with generic styles of turf due to an assumption that all turf is the same or a limited variety is offered. Very low activity areas need to address quality, density, and aesthetics where as areas with mid-level activity or more should have a thatch product with a high density installed. A high-density thatch based product significantly recovers better during activity and grooming, as well as a high quality yarn.

Artificial Turf Installation
Not all installs are the same! Installation quality is very important for aesthetics and longevity. How the sub-surface is sculpted, how the edges are addressed, how the product is secured, etc.



Infill
Used for ballast (weight) while adding a natural look and feel. Infill aids in securing the artificial grass to the ground and helps grass blades rebound after compaction. Several types of infill are used in the industry, silica sand, crumbed rubber, acrylic or rubber coated silica granules and beads of polymers are also available. Artificial grass manufactures will specify which type of infill will work best for each type of grass.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Permits for Outdoor Kitchens, patio covers, fireplaces

The Garrett Outdoor Living LLC often hear complaints from homeowners,  because of their displeasure with the performance of their contractors.  Over the years we have heard a multitude of problems and sad stories and based on these we offer the following suggestions when you are selecting an outdoor living company or contractor to design and build your project.
  • ALWAYS get at least two  bids on any project.  The only exception to this should be for extremely minor, low-cost projects or emergency repairs made by trusted contractors.
  • NEVER pay for a project in advance.  If a contractor asks for total payment up front, you should immediately look for another contractor.  Small retainer fees or payments for materials may be appropriate.
  • NEVER use a contractor who suggests that you not obtain required permits or inspections.  More than likely, this contractor intends to do work contrary to established safety or structural standards.  Additions or alternations to your home that are contrary to city ordinances can drastically affect any title transfers should you decide to sell your home.  Be especially wary of contractors who suggest that you obtain permits for work that he is contracted to perform.  If you obtain the permit for a contractor, and problems arise because of the work, the official permit record will show that you are the one that performed the work. 
  • ALWAYS use only licensed contractors.  Insist on seeing evidence of a current license. The following trades require a license:
      A. Electricians B. Plumbers
  • Within all city limits contractors doing any work requiring a permit must be registered with the city.
  • ALWAYS ask for a list of previous jobs similar to your proposed project.  Ask for references AND check them.
  • It is a good idea to check with the Better Business Bureau or any business organizations that relate to the contractor’s trade and check on any compliant records against the contractor.
  • Before your outdoor kitchen  project begins, insist on seeing evidence that the contractor has obtained a permit.  During the course of your project monitor your contractor’s inspection records. Not obtaining a final inspection can interfere with future sale of your home. This procedure will protect you from being responsible for code violations that your contractor might commit on your property.
  • When the project is complete, ensure that the City’s Building Inspections Department has given final approval for the project.
  • We at http://garrettoutdoorliving.com/ ALWAYS adheres to these rules! We want to make sure that your outdoor kitchen building process is a smooth one.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Stone Lake Estates Frisco

For all of you living or working in Stone Lakes Estates, be advised that there is a 10' side yard setback for building ANYTHING WITH A FUNDATION, such as outdoor kitchens, fire pits, or patio covers. When the Deed was created for this subdivision, they failed to note the setback on individual surveys for homeowners. On a second note, often homeowners do not found out existing easements
on their property till the home is sold. Plat surveys are only shown after, or  at closing. Easements restricts homeowners to build, improve or add  outdoor structures to their backyard. Would homeowners have the information ahead of time, they might choose an other  property, where they have no restrictions to build an
outdoor living space. We here at http://www.garrettoutdoorliving.com/ just learned this, and wanted to share
this with you for future references.
Outdoor living spaces became very popular, if you are planning to build and outdoor kitchen, please ask your realtor about easmenets before you commit to buy a new home.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Functional outdoor kitchen space

We get calls all the time at http://www.garrettoutdoorliving.com/  from clients that build  outdoor kitchens or outdoor living spaces and it is not functional. It is the contractor/designer responsibility to ensure the flow and function of the space. Often homeowners in DFW area found out after the project is finished that they have no room for furniture, no space to sit, walk  and enjoy. When creating a great design, one must think of future function of the flow of the space. One of  our recent client in Frisco  had to redo his outdoor space due to steps been build in the wrong location  and his guests kept tripping.  Although elevation add a great visual to the space, putting them in the wrong space can be a costly mistake. Our clients in Plano and Murphy had a simular problem, which we were asked to correct.

Get cooking in your outdoor kitchen

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our past clients and friends of www.garrettoutdoorliving.com . We have created this Blog site to share trends tips recipes etc. relating to outdoor kitchens and patio spaces. We are excited to be bringing in the Holiday season by kicking of a new project in Frisco, TX consisting of stamped concrete, a water feature, fire pit and outdoor kitchen. I am posting a pork tenderloin recipe that has become a favorite in the Garrett Home and is sure to be a winner in your home as well. Enjoy and remember Garrett outdoor living for all your back yard needs.

Coffee Rub
2 tablespoon Sugar In The Raw (Turbinado Sugar)
4 teaspoons ground coffee (espresso ground, Fine)
4 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

2 pork tenderloins, about 1 pound each

1 – 2 tablespoons olive oil

In a small bowl combine the Sugar In The Raw, coffee, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside. Prepare the grill to cook direct over medium heat. Trim any fat or silverskin from the tenderloins. Brush lightly with olive oil. Season the tenderloins all over with the Coffee Rub. Let rest for 10 minutes before cooking. I like to let mine bath in this mixture overnight. Place the tenderloins directly on the cooking grate. Cook for 5-6 minutes until well browned then turn. Cook another 5-6 minutes and turn again trying to brown the meat well on all sides. Cook to an internal temp of 160 degrees, let rest tented with foil for 10 minutes prior to serving, enjoy.