After nearly a decade of making memories in our beloved home, we decided it was time for a bold upgrade—an expansive outdoor kitchen paired with a cozy patio and a stunning first-floor balcony to elevate our living experience. This blog chronicles the adventures, challenges, and triumphs of turning this dream into reality.
The plan? Transform the breakfast nook’s humble window into a grand entryway to the patio and give the game room’s side window a dramatic makeover as the gateway to the balcony. Naturally, we began by seeking quotes from renovation pros. But sticker shock quickly set in—the estimates were far beyond our budget. That’s when I took a deep breath and dove headfirst into my most ambitious DIY home improvement journey. Overcoming these budget challenges was a significant achievement, and it’s a testament to what can be accomplished with determination and creativity.
Phase One: Dream It, Draw It, Build It
First, I needed a vision—and SketchUp’s 3D modeling tool became my trusty sidekick. After hours of tinkering and fine-tuning, I held 3D printouts of my dream patio and balcony, complete with plans inspired by the “Residential Wood Deck Construction Guide.”
Armed with these designs, I marched to city hall for approval and headed to Home Depot. There, I got a detailed rundown of materials and costs—everything from joists and screws to cement and wood. When I mentioned my idea of pouring concrete for the balcony floor, a seasoned balcony builder, one of the employees shared a golden nugget of advice: lay a sturdy metal sheet over the wooden base before the concrete to prevent any water seepage from the balcony below. It was a tip worth its weight in gold.
Phase Two: Assemble the Dream Team
Next came the search for skilled hands to bring this vision to life. A friend recommended me to a contractor with a Rolodex of specialists—roofers, electricians, plumbers, and masons. With a team in place, each member contributing their unique skills and expertise, I focused on the fun part: shopping for sleek stainless steel grills, sinks, drawers, and cabinets to outfit our outdoor kitchen.
The real work began with the blueprints approved, materials stocked, and experts lined up. What followed was a rollercoaster of sweat, sawdust, and satisfaction as we turned sketches into a space where we would make memories under the sun and stars.
Framing
The next exciting step was laying the groundwork for our first-floor balcony. The framer strategically placed six robust 4x4x10 posts to bear the weight of the structure above. SketchUp’s precision planning ensured every post was perfectly positioned within the boundary lines, down to the inch.
The crew anchored each post three feet deep into the earth, secured with solid concrete that would hold steady come rain or shine. Once the concrete had cured, heavy-duty, galvanized, corrosion-resistant metal hangers held 2×4 joists tightly embraced while load-bearing birch plywood formed a sturdy underlayer. The meticulous planning and execution of the balcony’s foundation was a point of pride, and it reassured us that we were on the right track.
To ensure this balcony wouldn’t just look good but also stand the test of time, I tethered the load beams near the house to the house frame using hefty carriage bolts. This detail was crucial—it ensured the balcony floor would stay rock-solid underfoot, no matter how many guests might gather to enjoy the view.
The grand finale for this phase was laying the CDX plywood to create a durable and stable foundation for the balcony floor. With every piece secured, I could feel the dream structure forming—a sturdy platform ready to support countless moments of joy, laughter, and relaxation.
Electrical and Plumbing Magic
Our electrician set the stage by wiring points for two ceiling fans with lights, a spotlight to illuminate the grill, and a GFCI socket for added convenience. We kept things simple regarding plumbing—no hot water line for the outdoor sink. Instead, we cleverly tapped into the cold water line from the washer hookup. Alongside this, we extended the existing gas line for the dryer to supply the grill, following the precision layout from SketchUp. We added a water line extension with a garden hose spout for extra functionality.
Securing the Balcony
The iron gate contractor brought his expertise to craft custom balcony railings. With powder-coated iron sections ready in just days, the railings were welded and screwed into place, then securely tethered to the house walls for added stability. However, this step brought unexpected challenges—when it was time to pour concrete, the boom pipe needed access, forcing the crew to cut through sections of the railing. While the iron contractor wasn’t thrilled about re-welding it later, the fix was seamless.
Pouring Concrete: A Grand Production
Pouring concrete for a second-floor balcony is no small feat! A stationary line pump with an extendable hose became our lifeline for this phase. The crew directed the concrete pour efficiently while teams leveled the balcony surfaces above and the patio below. From the street, the setup looked like a full-scale construction operation. Despite the logistical hurdles, the floors were expertly leveled with a two-inch slant, ensuring a solid and lasting foundation and proper water drainage. It was a grand production, a testament to the scale of our project.
Stone Masonry, Granite, and Hardiplanks
Next came the artistry of stone and tile work. The masonry crew built the outdoor kitchen platform and tiled the kitchen and balcony floors. If I could rewind time, I’d have opted for a wooden frame for the platform, allowing for greater precision when laying stones and stainless steel fixtures for the drawers, sink, and grill. Despite this oversight, the team seamlessly covered three of the six balcony pillars with beautiful stonework, adding a touch of elegance.
Once the platform was ready, the granite expert stepped in to measure and craft a custom surface for the kitchen counters. This allowed the plumber to install the outdoor sink and grill. But there was a hiccup—the natural gas line from the dryer lacked sufficient pressure for the grill. Plan B kicked in: converting the grill to LPG. Thankfully, we’d already reserved space beneath the grill for an LPG cylinder, so the transition was smooth.
The Final Flourishes
With the main structures complete, it was time for the finishing touches. The wooden balcony and kitchen ceilings were clad in durable Hardiplank boards, creating a polished look. The electrician returned to install ceiling fans, lights, and the grill spotlight, while gutters were added around the balcony to handle rainwater runoff. Finally, we painted every Hardiplank surface and the gutters perfectly, tying everything together in a clean, cohesive finish.
And just like that, four months of hard work, careful planning, and a few creative pivots culminated in a stunning outdoor haven. With a sturdy balcony, a functional and stylish outdoor kitchen, and thoughtful details throughout, our home now has an outdoor space ready for years of laughter, celebrations, and relaxation.
