FAQ - US Brick and Block | South Florida Paving & Hardscape Experts

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Assess Your Space

First, we take a good look at your yard to determine how much room you have and the best spot for your outdoor kitchen. This helps us plan a layout that fits comfortably and flows well with your outdoor living area.

2. Choose Your Appliances and Features

Next, you decide what you want included - grill, sink, refrigerator, pizza oven, storage, seating, and more. Knowing the appliances helps us include proper hookups like gas, water, and electricity.

3. Plan Seating and Entertaining Needs

Let us know if you want built-in seating or space for tables and chairs, and how many guests you typically host. This shapes the design to be as welcoming and practical as possible.

4. Set Your Budget

We discuss your budget to prioritize the must-haves and find materials and options that deliver the best value without surprises.

5. Design and Build

Using everything we gathered, we create a custom design tailored to your needs and space. Then we handle the entire build process - from laying the foundation and framing to finishing with stonework, countertops, appliances, and fixtures.

This thorough, step-by-step approach ensures your new outdoor kitchen is functional, beautiful, and perfectly suited to your lifestyle.

At U.S. Brick & Block, most hardscape renovations take around 2 to 6 weeks from signing the contract to finishing touches. The exact time depends on the project size, complexity, and material availability. Our team ensures quality craftsmanship and keeps you updated every step of the way, working diligently to bring your outdoor vision to life on schedule.

Example of Driveway Remodel: Permits for driveway work usually take about 6 weeks depending on your city’s process. Once the permit is approved, the actual installation typically takes about 1 week from start to finish. This includes site prep, base installation, paving, and cleanup. US Brick & Block ensures smooth scheduling and quality work to get your driveway ready quickly and efficiently.

Outdoor kitchens in South Florida typically average around $17,000, including appliances. Budgets can vary depending on the size, materials, and features you choose. Planning carefully helps get the best value for your investment while creating a space perfect for entertaining.

Yes, permits are usually required for almost all outdoor renovation projects like patios, pergolas, outdoor kitchens, and pools to ensure your project meets local building codes and safety standards. At U.S. Brick & Block, we make it easy by handling the entire permitting process in-house for you. Our experts manage the paperwork, submission, and follow-ups with city officials so you can relax while we take care of the details and keep your project moving smoothly.

Before any digging or installation starts, we contact 811 - the official utility locating service. Calling 811 is a free, state-mandated service that sends out a professional locator to mark underground utility lines like gas, water, electric, and communication cables on your property. This helps keep everyone safe and prevents accidental damage during construction.

Once we review your project details, we prepare a clear, detailed contract outlining the full scope of work, timeline, and how the work will be planned and performed. This contract includes everything from materials and costs to milestones and legal protections, ensuring both sides are aligned before work begins. We handle permits and scheduling, keeping you informed every step of the way for a smooth renovation experience.

Change orders happen when something in the project scope needs to be added, removed, or altered after the contract is signed. We prepare a detailed change order that explains what’s changing, why, and how it affects cost and timeline. Pricing considers labor, materials, equipment, and necessary markups like overhead and profit. Before any work begins, we review and agree with you on the cost and schedule adjustments to keep everything transparent. This way, you stay informed and in control throughout the project.

Before we start installation, it’s important to have all the required city permits secured to ensure everything is legal and up to code. We also make sure that all materials and supplies are on hand so there are no delays during the build. Additionally, we establish a clear timeline for the installation process, coordinating schedules to keep the project running smoothly from start to finish. Proper site assessment, utility locating, and preparation steps are completed to create the best foundation for your project. Timeline varies, depending on weather.

For driveway and front entrance projects, expect limited access to your garage and parking for a few days during installation. However, access to your house will not be affected, so you’ll still be able to come and go as usual. We do our best to minimize disruption and keep you informed about the schedule so you can plan accordingly.

U.S. Brick & Block offers various warranties depending on the products and services involved. Workmanship warranties usually range from 1 to 5 years, while manufacturer warranties on appliances and materials can last anywhere from a few years up to a lifetime. When discussing your specific project, we provide detailed information about all applicable warranties and guarantees so you know exactly what coverage you have and for how long. This helps protect your investment and gives peace of mind that your outdoor living space will stand the test of time.

The outdoor living projects we create at U.S. Brick & Block are designed to enhance and expand your usable space, which typically adds significant value to your home. Features like patios, outdoor kitchens, and pergolas not only make your yard more enjoyable but also boost curb appeal and market appeal. Studies show well-designed outdoor areas can increase home value by 8% to over 12%, with many projects offering a strong return on investment. We focus on quality materials, smart design, and functionality to make sure your outdoor space is both beautiful and valuable.