When Outdoor Kitchen Creations started building outdoor kitchens in Central Florida,
we were one of a very few companies in the industry. As outdoor kitchens have become more popular, more and more companies are adding outdoor kitchens to their repertoire of services.
With so many companies to choose from, how do you decide? A few of the most critical questions to ask are:
1. What are your cabinets going to be made out of?
Answer:
The cabinets of an outdoor kitchen can be made with many different materials:
Metal Stud with backerboard - This is probably the most common way companies are constructing outdoor kitchens today. These have a cementatious backerboard. The pros to Metal Stud outdoor kitchens is they can at times be less expensive than poured in place concrete. The con is that the galvanized metal studs WILL rust, especially at the cut edges and where screws are connecting various components. Metal Stud cabinets are not as structural as a concrete cabinet. Over time the elements can erode the integrity of the cabinets and they will eventually need to be replaced.
Wood - Due to the advancements in outdoor kitchen construction, this is an outdated and less used method of construction. Outdoor Kitchens constructed with wood do not hold up in the Florida environment and generally do not last more than a few years. Wood disinigrates, warps, and attracts pests such as termites. No matter how inexpensive you can build an outdoor kitchen out of wood (even lumber that has been pressure treated or treated for pests), they are a very temporary structure.
Prefabricated Modular Units (constructed of various materials depending on the company) - Again, the advantage of an outdoor kitchen constructed from pre-fabricated modular units is that the cost may be slightly lower than poured in place concrete. However, the difference in the final product is tremendous. A good analogy would be to compare a built in spa/hot tub (which would add value to your home and would last as long as your home) to an above ground portable hot tub that does not add anything to the actual value of your home.
Poured in place concrete - poured in place concrete cabinets are a permanent seamless extension to your home. An outdoor kitchen constructed with poured in place concrete cabinets (patented design by OKC) is guaranteed to last as long as your home and carries a LIFETIME structural warranty. Additionally, an OKC outdoor kitchen will literally increase the value of your home; helping with re-sell value and the equity you have in your home.
Additionally, OKC uses liquid tight conduit for all wires and we only use stainless steel screw attachments.
2. What kind of warranty will I get on the cabinets?
Answer:
With Outdoor Kitchen Creations you get a LIFETIME structural warranty on our concrete cabinets; the best warranty in the industry! The warranty is shown below in it's entirety.
3. Is the company fully licensed and insured by the State of Florida Construction board?
(not just an occupational license)
Answer:
The owner of Outdoor Kitchen Creations is a Licensed General Contractor by the Department of Professional and Business Regulation: State of Florida Construction Board.
The owner of Outdoor Kitchen Creations is also fully licensed by the necessary local municipalities (counties).
All of this paperwork is available upon request.
Outdoor Kitchen Creations is a member of (and has an A rating with) the Better Business Bureau.
Outdoor Kitchen Creations Better Business Bureau Report It is VERY important that you do the necessary research to investigate any company prior to contracting with them. Ask to see copies of their Contractor's License, Qualifying License, Occupational License, Worker's Compensation documentation, and Liability Insurance. While some contractors may be able to show you one or two of these documents, you should NEVER contract with anybody who cannot provide you with ALL of these forms. Also, be wary of any company who shows you documents which list another name or company other than the name of the company on your contract!!
Here are some important links you can also use to research any company you're considering hiring. Remember, if the company is headquartered in another city (such as Tampa, Miami, etc.), you need to look up information from that area. The Better Business Bureau has locations in almost every major area in Florida. Construction Industry Licensing Board
Verify a License
Central Florida Better Business Bureau
4. What happens if someone gets hurt on the job at my residence and the General Contractor doesn't carry Worker's Compensation Insurance?
Answer:
If a worker is injured and the contractor does not have worker's compensation insurance, the worker can pursue the entity or person with the most assets, which is generally the property owner.
Workers' Compensation Coverage Requirements For Employers in the Construction Industry
Chapter 440, F.S.
Construction Industry: An employer in the construction industry who employs one or more part or full-time employees must obtain workers' compensation coverage. Sole proprietors, partners, and corporate officers are considered employees. In the construction industry only , members of a limited liability company are considered corporate officers. Corporate officers may elect to exempt themselves from the coverage requirements of Chapter 440, F.S.
A construction industry contractor, who sub-contracts all or part of their work, must obtain proof of workers' compensation coverage or a Certificate of Election to be Exempt from all sub-contractors, prior to work being done. If the sub-contractor is not covered or exempt, for purposes of workers' compensation coverage, the sub-contractor's employees shall become the employees of the contractor. The contractor will be responsible to pay any workers' compensation benefits to the sub-contractor and its employees. Outdoor Kitchen Creations carries Worker's Compensation insurance which protects their clients. A copy of this insurance is available upon request.
5. How can I verify that a Contractor has General Liability Insurance?
Answer: If there is a product failure or latent defect in the construction and the contractor does not carry general liability insurance, there may be no recourse in the event that your contractor decides not to fix the problem or is no longer in business. To verify coverage, a Certificate of Insurance should be delivered from the insurance carrier verifying insurance coverage of the builder or contractor, including coverage limits. Outdoor Kitchen Creations carries General Liability Insurance and provides a certificate of General Liability Insurance before the job begins.
7. If I Hire A Contractor Without Liability Insurance, Who Covers or Insures the Finished Work?
Answer: If the contractor or builders does not carry general liability insurance, the client or homeowner at the time of construction can be held ultimately responsible for the workmanship or defects in the event of failure or latent defects in the construction.
8. What happens if I hire a contractor that doesn't have Liability Insurance?
Answer: The old saying is “Caveat Emptor”, or buyer beware. We never recommend work to be performed by unlicensed or uninsured persons. Should an accident occur or should there be subsequent damage to your property (even after the uninsured Contractor leaves), you are taking the risk of losing your personal property (including your home). Additionally, should your residence or any material goods at your residence be damaged or stolen during construction, you have no recourse to recover for damages. |
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