Absolute Aluminum Blog

This guest post is by: Calvin Gray- Director of Sales & Marketing at Absolute Aluminum and Outdoor Living

Many homeowners are discovering the benefits of owning an outdoor kitchen. Lifestyle trends and entertaining habits in Florida have changed due to the current economic condition and rising gas prices. The fact is, more people are enjoying entertaining at home with friends and family, rather than dining out. And hey, there's alot less traffic and no waiting to be seated!

Outdoor kitchen popularity began in California and has continued to expand throughout the U.S. like a wildfire. For the past 5 years, outdoor kitchen sales have nearly doubled each year, maintaining their position as one of the hottest trends for home improvement projects.

 Floridians have now embraced the outdoor kitchen concept; and sales over the past year have been stellar! 

Here are the top 7 reasons to consider making the investment in your home and in your social life.

1. Entertainment Value

An outdoor kitchen becomes the focal point of FUN! We’ve polled owners of outdoor kitchens and the feedback is emphatic… the #1 benefit from owning an outdoor kitchen is- they’re having more fun entertaining! Rather than spending money going out to eat, hosting small and medium groups of people over to enjoy the great weather and great food prepared on a professional grilling surface.

2. Return on Investment

Outdoor kitchens yield a higher return on investment than any other product in the “outdoor renovation” product category. CNN Money, About.com and Remodeling Magazine support that outdoor kitchens nationally return 100% to 200% of the improvement cost. As with any improvement, the ROI formula works providing you design and build a kitchen that is proportional to the home value and location.

3. Saves Money

Going out to dinner is not cheap. The gas, the meal, the tax and tip, the babysitter, can really add up. Owners of outdoor kitchens spend their money buying fresh, quality seafood and meats to cook over a professional grilling surface. The food will taste as good, if not better than your favorite high end restaurant. The difference is you’ll have plenty of money left in your bank account.

4. Eat Healthier  

Although we have wonderful dining in the Southwest Florida area, sometimes people have food allergies and dietary issues. Many times, this can make ordering difficult and additionally, you don’t know what was added to the food to make it taste good. We all know that restaurants add enormous amounts of butter, oil, salt and other additives which add unnecessary calories and fat to your meal. When you prepare your meal at home,  you control the ingredients that are added. With a professional cooking system your meal will be every bit as delicious without all of the unknown ingredients.

5. Reduces Energy Cost

New infrared grills get to their maximum cooking temperature in half the time and cook the food in half the time. Therefore, a tank of propane goes a lot further!  By using the side burners on your grill you can take the entire cooking process outdoors. Compare that with the cost of operating your kitchen stove and/or oven 3-5 times a week. There’s also the added benefit of not heating your air conditioned interior space each time you cook indoors.  

 6. Look’s great

Nothing spices up your lanai area better than an outdoor kitchen. Whether you add a small kitchen, an island style with bar height chairs for entertaining or an L shaped island… you’ll feel proud to show off your new outdoor kitchen/bar. As one owner commented; “this is an investment I can enjoy anytime with family and friends!”

7. Memories

In the end, the outdoor kitchen becomes the place where memories are made. Holidays, birthdays, special events…whatever the occassion,  you’ll experience good times and memories in your new outdoor kitchen/bar area. Another owner commented; “in my indoor kitchen I feel isolated, in my outdoor kitchen everyone is hanging out with me!”

For more information go to: www.absoluteoutdoorkitchens.com or call us at (941) 497-7777 and a design professional will be happy to meet you for a Free In-Home Consultation.

Mild weather abounds so far in our nation, and it seems our northern friends are getting lucky this year and have been able to keep their snow shovels in the garage for most of the past winter.

With the upswing in the economy, and existing home sales on the rise, everyone seems to be all smiles as we get ready to head into outdoor Summer Fun.

While we're having a 'feel good moment'.. let me ask you a question. Do you plan on staying in your home at least until you can sell it above the break-even point? 

If your answer was "yes", then it truly is time to get serious about tackling some easy outdoor home improvements. 

Smaller projects can make a big impact on the look and feel of your home. Take time to walk around your favorite spaces. The areas of your home where you know that you will be spending time with family and friends in the upcoming summer months. Check out your pool cage and screens on your lanai, sets your eyes on the ground and look for cracks in your concrete or pavers, look at your outdoor seating area and furniture for mold and fading.

If any of these things are in need of sprucing up, in order to help you get the most enjoyment from your home until the time comes where you may either change locations or downsize, now is the time to get a quote and see if your budget allows us to assist you in your home improvement needs. 

Absolute Aluminum and Outdoor Living Would Love to do some Remodeling for You!

 We enjoying assisting homeowners in our quaint communities of Venice, Englewood, North Port, Sarasota and other Southwest Florida towns. Just a phone call starts the process. Then we head to your home for a Free Consultation. 

We start in the backyard and assess your pool cage and deck. As we get to talking, we may even realize that you'd enjoy a backyard makeover. This is never a problem, as we have many local business affiliate partners that we team-up with to make your dream work!

Take a peek at the photos on our blog and website. Our Outdoor Kitchen Designs are off the charts! Outdoor Living Spaces are our specialty and we custom create your space in partnership with you and within your budget -while keeping your functional space in mind! 

From  new pool cages to new deck pavers or a new outdoor kitchen, your home has the potential to come alive again and feel brand new.  Many times, the amount you spend comes back to you double in the assessed value of your home when you do decide to sell.

The bottom line is, now is the time to start thinking about doing some home improvements to your outdoor living spaces and give the outside of your home a face lift!

We love living the Florida lifestyle and are surely staying put. From knowing every aisle of Publix like the back of your hand, to the waitress that we like to give a hard time to at our local restaurants, and the girl at the bank that gives my dogs treats,  living and working in paradise is a dream. 

Think about where you'd like to start, and then call me to answer any questions that you may have on any type of home improvements you may need. Or Fill out our Request For More Information form so that we can connect with you and discuss what your needs may be!

Call Glen Kohlenberg at 941-650-2420 or leave me a comment just to say hello.

Let's  be open and honest. Think about the last 10 products or services you have purchased.. Was it a pleasant experience from start to finish?

For me, I would say 8 out of 10 were mediocre at best. The pizza I ordered, and asked repeatedly to be cut into squares, was cut in pie shapes when I went to pick it up. I know it seems a bit picky..but the pizza fits perfectly into my Tupperware container that I bring to lunch when they are cut in squares. (insert whiney voice!)

I had my car washed and they never put the tire shine on. And, I paid for it!The list seems to go on and I'm sure each one of us has a story when it comes to customer service practices, but what it boils down to is that Exceptional Customer Service can be hard to come by.

DJ DesJardins, the owner of Absolute Aluminum, understands this after almost 24 years in business. We realize that we need to set ourselves apart from our local competition.  Absolute Aluminum believes in quality products and attention to customer service-this is the foundation of our thriving company.

As a  business that manufactures most of our custom products by human hand right here in our Venice, Florida plant, we can assure you that we pay attention to every detail that our customers require.

 After you request a quote from us, we follow-up, come to your home or business and mastermind a plan for your new project and personally appoint a salesman to see your project to completion.

We are truly in business to serve our clients and offer them an exceptional customer experience from start to the finish of any given project, no matter how large or small. 

 We'd enjoy hearing  any stories that you have about Customer Service experiences. If we can help you in any way, please give us a call or Contact Us for more information.

Absolute Aluminum & Outdoor Living Center Office Phone: 941-497-7777

Glen Kohlenberg Mobile Phone: (941) 650-2420 -24/7

Do You Have A Question To Ask Us About Home Improvements?

The weather is awesome the windows are open, the smell of fresh clean air blows through your home. As you look around or happen to be watching your favorite DIY home improvement channel, do you wonder how they make things look so easy? In all reality, they make it look easy because they've found the right answers to make home improvements possible.

Yes, it's that time of the season and with holidays coming up fast the next big thing is shopping right? The big box stores keep moving up the shopping holiday season and our sales team at Absolute Aluminum tells me to kick Santa savings in high gear so that we can bring you some awesome holiday deals.

Now, as you know we have been running our Holiday Home Improvements I and II deals with some awesome savings. So I would like to recap all of our deals and holiday savings plus Santa asked us to bring back a couple more holiday deals that sold out in the past. Check them out below.

Absolute Screened Entryway:  

Yes, this of Mrs. Claus' favorites because it makes the front of your home look smashing with the option to choose from over 50 Styles of new designer screen doors. You'll be living the Florida Lifestyle when you both feel the breeze in your home. Plus we can install it in one day and our prices are very reasonable. Santa promises you a $100 Discount  on all of our custom entryways.

This one will make you all warm and fuzzy because if your pool cage is over 10 years old it's time to upgrade right? Think about this.. How much time do you spend in or around your pool? Remember you wanted that pool when you built your house right? I can tell you it's great exercise even if your getting up there. Absolute Aluminum is the leader in new pool cages. We have 1000's of satisfied clients and Santa is offering you a  $500 Discount if you buy before the big guy goes down the chimney!

Absolute Outdoor Kitchen:

Santa is going all in out with this gift. Family and friends love to mingle around an outdoor kitchen. And as we write, we are in the middle of some major construction in our Venice, Florida showroom. We will have 4 new working outdoor kitchens, a new fire pit and a new outdoor fireplace to showcase. We also have many outdoor kitchens designs that will fit your budget and fit in your pool area. Yes, our new backyard showplace will open your eyes to all kinds of ideas. We added an outdoor fireplace for Santa and he's in a great mood and  is leaving you a $500 Gift Card under the tree to use toward a new outdoor kitchen. Keep your eyes and ears open for the Grand Opening of our 'Absolute Living Outdoor Showplace'.

Well, this list is getting long and Santa still have plenty to add to this years Home Improvement for the  Holidays . We need to get going  and get the elves working so we can make this holiday the best ever for you and your loved ones! Stay in touch and come back soon for more Specials and Discounts.

Here are a few more Absolute Aluminum, Inc. holiday deals.

Nebula Lighting®:

This unique product 'Lights Up' your entire pool cage when the sun goes down! It allows you to keep the fun outside and enjoy the Florida Lifestyle even more!

Your new or existing Pool Cages can now have Nebula Lighting® integrated into the pool beams that support the roof and screen of your cage.

The cool part is you are able to light up your pool cage with LED lighting and save money because the power it uses is like [1] 40 watt bulb. Going green is always a plus!

Santa is discounting this feature with $250 Off any new Nebula Lighting® order. Be sure to call our office or fill out a request for a quote quickly because they may sell out fast with this discount.

Pool Pavers: 

Pavers are one of our specialties that are always a big hit because we have the ability to take your old pool deck or driveway and install pavers over it and make it new again! Cover up all those unsightly cracks in your concrete and create awesome curb appeal! We offer a full line of design patterns and colors that have Santa silly with excitement!

Santa worked a deal with our owner, DJ,  for a $500 Discount if you do your entire pool deck or driveway. Remember this deal doesn't last forever so call or request a quote soon.

Custom Fire Pit:                                        

This special gets Santa excited because he would love to warm his toes in a custom fire pit on his Christmas route.  Fire Pits are all the rage because of how frequently we are able to use them during our wonderful Florida winters with family and friends.

Now, I know what your thinking? Were would I build my fire pit?

The crews at Absolute Aluminum are truly experts and we guarantee that they will customize the perfect designs for your pool area or outdoor kitchens area. Or perhaps even just a quiet sitting area just for you and a good book and the smell of the fire. Ahh....

Again Santa put his foot down and he demanded a $100 Discount for you. We can't have deals like this forever but the gang here at Absolute Aluminum has the holiday bug early this year and our clients are the ones that reap the benefits. Just give us a call or request a quote.

Absolute Santa would like to thank you and as you to remember that Absolute Aluminum is your Absolute Outdoor Living Head Quarters because we can service all of your holiday home improvement needs for Christmas this year.

How to Repair Your Pool Cage and See How We Make it Easy!

Our service department communicates with us about the feedback that our clients have with there pool cage. Sure the screen wears out because of the sun and extreme weather we have in Southwest Florida.

But, we also see many pool cage anchors that are rusted and worn out. The cables come loose and this can be a major problem because without the cables your pool cage could collapse if the conditions were right.

We also see the bug sweeps wear out and door closures stop working. Now, all the above problems can be easily repaired. We understand times are tough, and your friends at Absolute Aluminum have come up with the answer!

Check out this special offer we have for our new and existing clients. We call it our "Pool Cage Refurbish" Special Offer.

Here is what you get.

1. 2 new bug sweeps

2.New cables for your pool cage

3. 12 new Protech Anchors for around the base of your pool cage

4. 2 new door closures

White or Bronze

Plus- we will come out to your home and do all of this for you for only $ 89.95

So, there you have it all of our special Holiday Home Improvements. Give us a call at 941-497-7777 or fill out the Request -a- Quote form.

Happy Holidays from all of us at Absolute Aluminum.

Ho-Ho-Ho! Yes Santa told you that he would be back with more Holiday Home Improvements. Thanks to all of you who have asked for a quote. We think Santa's Home Improvement discount offers are the perfect gift for the hubby or wife this year.

A gift that will last is one that is an investment in something that the whole family can use and enjoy for years to come.. It keeps on giving!

Here are a few more Absolute Aluminum, Inc. holiday deals.

Nebula Lighting®:

This unique product 'Lights Up' your entire pool cage when the sun goes down! It allows you to keep the fun outside and enjoy the Florida Lifestyle even more!

Your new or existing Pool Cages can now have Nebula Lighting® integrated into the pool beams that support the roof and screen of your cage.

The cool part is you are able to light up your pool cage with LED lighting and save money because the power it uses is like [1] 40 watt bulb. Going green is always a plus!

Santa is discounting this feature with $250 Off any new Nebula Lighting® order. Be sure to call our office or fill out a request for a quote quickly because they may sell out fast with this discount.

Pool Pavers: 

Pavers are one of our specialties that are always a big hit because we have the ability to take your old pool deck or driveway and install pavers over it and make it new again! Cover up all those unsightly cracks in your concrete and create awesome curb appeal! We offer a full line of design patterns and colors that have Santa silly with excitement!

Santa worked a deal with our owner, DJ,  for a $500 Discount if you do your entire pool deck or driveway. Remember this deal doesn't last forever so call or request a quote soon.

Custom Fire Pit:                                        

This special gets Santa excited because he would love to warm his toes in a custom fire pit on his Christmas route.  Fire Pits are all the rage because of how frequently we are able to use them during our wonderful Florida winters with family and friends.

Now, I know what your thinking? Were would I build my fire pit?

The crews at Absolute Aluminum are truly experts and we guarantee that they will customize the perfect designs for your pool area or outdoor kitchens area. Or perhaps even just a quiet sitting area just for you and a good book and the smell of the fire. Ahh....

Again Santa put his foot down and he demanded a $100 Discount for you. We can't have deals like this forever but the gang here at Absolute Aluminum has the holiday bug early this year and our clients are the ones that reap the benefits. Just give us a call or request a quote.

Absolute Santa would like to thank you and as you to remember that Absolute Aluminum is your Absolute Outdoor Living Head Quarters because we can service all of your holiday home improvement needs for Christmas this year.

Note: All the above discounts are for new jobs and not for existing jobs sold prior to this blog post date and are offered thru Dec. 25th, 2011. Many thanks~

The holidays are just around the corner and the elves at Absolute Aluminum have come up with our very own "Home Improvements for the Holidays" just for you! 

It takes time for our elves to permit and build your next home improvement project. So, we thought we would help by providing you a list of ideas this year because we have many products and services that are a perfect match for your home.

Now, just think about this? You have been married to your favorite guy or gal for 20-30 years or more and hear comes the holidays and the same old question? "What would you like for Christmas honey"?

Well.. ole St Nick here has a better idea this year. How about a gift that you both will enjoy? Santa has a bag full of home improvements and he's ready to lay them out around the tree just for you. 

Absolute Screened Entryway:  

Yes, this is one of Mrs. Claus' favorites because it makes the front of your home look smashing with the option to choose from over 50 Styles of new designer screen doors. You'll be living the Florida Lifestyle when you both feel the breeze in your home. Plus we can install it in one day and our prices are very reasonable. Santa promises you a $100 Discount and our custom entryways.

New Pool Cage:

This one will make you all warm and fuzzy because if your pool cage is over 10 years old it's time to upgrade right? Think about this.. How much time do you spend in or around your pool? Remember you wanted that pool when you built your house right? I can tell you it's great exercise even if your getting up there. Absolute Aluminum is the leader in new pool cages. We have 1000's of satisfied clients and Santa is offering you a  $500 Discount if you buy before the big guy goes down the chimney!

Absolute Outdoor Kitchen:

Santa is going all in out with this gift. Family and friends love to mingle around an outdoor kitchen. And as we write, we are in the middle of some major construction in our Venice, Florida showroom. We will have 4 new working outdoor kitchens, a new fire pit and a new outdoor fireplace to showcase. We also have many outdoor kitchens designs that will fit your budget and fit in your pool area. Yes, our new backyard showplace will open your eyes to all kinds of ideas. We added an outdoor fireplace for Santa and he's in a great mood and  is leaving you a $500 Gift Card under the tree to use toward a new outdoor kitchen. Keep your eyes and ears open for the Grand Opening of our 'Absolute Living Outdoor Showplace'.

Well, this list is getting long and Santa still have plenty to add to this years Home Improvement for the  Holidays . We need to get going  and get the elves working so we can make this holiday the best ever for you and your loved ones! Stay in touch and come back soon for more Specials and Discounts.

Glen "Santa" Kohlenberg