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Outdoors

Featured Project

Start a Community Garden: Get the Community Involved

Start a Community Garden: Get the Community Involved

Sow a community garden to save money on produce, eat better, and build relationships with neighbors. Read More

Progress $ C E K
Save Money Med $200-$600/yr (in produce)
Effort High 120-240 hrs (over 6-8 mos)
Investment Med $3,750-$7,500 (start-up costs)
Added to Binder
Utility sink in home workshop

Adding Plumbing Service to Your Workshop or Studio

Adding even a simple utility sink to an outbuilding means running underground supply and drain lines at a cost of thousands of dollars. Read More

Progress K
Effort Med 2-3 days (pro install)
Investment Med $3,000 (install supply and drain lines)
Added to Binder
Pizza oven in outdoor kitchen

Outdoor Appliance Buying Guide: Specialty Items

Specialty appliances for outdoor kitchens are hot items, but you’ll spend thousands of dollars for the added convenience. Read More

Progress K
Effort Low 5 hrs. (research, purchase)
Investment Med $700-$6,000 (pizza oven)
Added to Binder
Sink in outdoor kitchen

Outdoor Appliance Guide: Sinks

Outdoor sinks are similar to their indoor counterparts; the real difference is the cost of running outdoor plumbing. Read More

Progress K
Effort Low 5 hrs (research, purchase)
Investment Low $100-$500 and up
Added to Binder
Homeowner adding

Adding Electrical Service to Your Workshop or Studio

When adding electrical service for a workshop or studio, budget to meet your immediate needs while building in flexibility for the future. Read More

Progress K
Effort Med 2-3 days (licensed electrician)
Investment Med $2,500-$3,500
Added to Binder
Family 4th of July cookout

Outdoor Appliance Guide: Gas Grills

With models priced from $29 to $5,000 and up, outdoor gas grills offer convenience and ease-of-use to fit any budget. Read More

Progress K
Effort Med 5 hrs-1 day (research, shop)
Investment Med $29-$5,000
Added to Binder
A separate building at a residence that is used for work

Property Zoning Laws for a Workshop or Studio

Check local zoning laws, ordinances, building codes, and covenants before adding a workshop or studio to your property. Read More

Progress K
Effort Low 2 hrs
Investment Med $275 (building permit)
Added to Binder
This unit is both a smoker and a charcoal grill

Outdoor Appliance Guide: Charcoal Grills and Smokers

With models priced from $35 to $1,000, there are charcoal grills to fit the budget of anyone who’s a fan of traditional barbecue. Read More

Progress K
Effort Med 5 hours (research and shop)
Investment Med $35-$1,000
Added to Binder
Swimming pool treated without chlorine

Swimming Pools: Alternatives to Chlorine

Chlorine keeps swimming pools safe and clean, but there are alternatives to chlorine if you’re willing to pay the price. Read More

Progress K
Effort Low 1 hr/wk (manage chemicals)
Investment Low $300 (pool ionizer)
Added to Binder
Solar pool heater on a home's roof

Solar Pool Heaters Can Lower Energy Costs

The upfront investment is high, but solar pool heaters can lower energy costs by harnessing the renewable energy of the sun. Read More

Progress E K
Effort Low 1 day (installation)
Investment Med $4,500-$7,000 (solar heater)
Added to Binder
No Mow Lawn Mix on a lawn

Low-Maintenance Lawn Alternatives: Turf Grasses

If you want a yard that demands less time, money, and water, consider low-maintenance grasses in lieu of the traditional lawn. Read More

Progress E K
Effort High 1-3 mos (prep and plant)
Investment Low $4-$500 (seed or plant 1,000 s.f.)
Added to Binder
All Decked Out

Thinking about adding a deck this spring?

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