| I'm going to walk you through one of the most | | | | more than happy to let me haul their bricks out of sight |
| interesting summer time ideas I've ever seen. A patio | | | | out of mind. |
| fireplace idea, but in the most savvy way. | | | | But, my former secretary tried a new thing this last |
| My former secretary who has moved on to own her | | | | time. She drove through a home development |
| own home improvement business often calls me for | | | | community where there are houses in all different |
| specific projects. We work together from time to time | | | | stages of completion. She found homes where the |
| and we have a blast. But this one, she had to tell me | | | | brick was finished and stacks of bricks sat in the |
| about because she did it all her own. | | | | driveway. Instead of offering to haul the bricks away |
| Items You Will Need | | | | for free, she contacted the homeowners and told |
| | | | them she would give them a great deal on their hauling |
| 1. A Patio | | | | expenses. When the homeowners agreed, she told |
| 2. Bricks | | | | me she couldn't believe it. Not only was she getting |
| 3. One Ventless Fireplace Insert | | | | what she needed for free, but she was getting paid to |
| Of course, with the bricks you'll need mortar. But, that's | | | | take it. Now, I couldn't do that. But, hats off to her for |
| really all there is to this list. Now, put on your business | | | | having the gumption to attempt such a thing. |
| suit and get ready to do some negotiation. | | | | Finally, The Ventless Gel Fireplace Insert |
| First, The Patio | | | | Just off the patio, you want to build yourself a brick |
| It's quite obvious that the first thing you need is a patio. | | | | casing. Build a solid foundation that is about three feet |
| It's a patio project. But, you can actually start a patio | | | | high. Then build four columns that rise about another |
| with this idea. If you have flat yard extending from the | | | | four feet. Then, build a nice roof on your patio fireplace. |
| back door or if you can make it flat with no great | | | | If you pay attention to what you are doing, you can do |
| amount of effort, all you need are a few extra bricks | | | | this by yourself. |
| when you are ready to get them. | | | | Use string to keep your bricks in line. Use your trowels |
| Placing the bricks in any arrangement is actually fine. | | | | to scrape excessive mortar off the bricks after you |
| But, I prefer an angled approach because it's easier to | | | | stack them. If you take your time, you can look like a |
| square. You simple cut corners out of your bricks and | | | | professional. |
| place them in the jagged edges of your patio | | | | In the opening that you've created with your four |
| perimeter. If you can't cut the bricks, don't worry. The | | | | columns is where you will put your ventless gel |
| jagged edges will look natural. | | | | fireplace insert. Of course, you can stack real wood in |
| Second, The Bricks | | | | the fireplace and light it. But, you'll have fire control to |
| This is the part I love best because anyone can simply | | | | deal with and it's a heck of a mess when you are |
| go to a lumber yard or a home improvement store | | | | finished. Light some Sunjel gel fuel and place it in the |
| and buy bricks. But, it takes a savvy business person | | | | insert for just as much fire and heat. |
| to get paid to haul bricks away. | | | | A patio fireplace for less then $300? No, wait a minute. |
| I have been in construction for years. And I have | | | | For free. Because with the money she was paid to |
| always offered my services to clients that I will haul | | | | haul the bricks away, my former secretary was able |
| their excess bricks away. I've only had to deal with a | | | | to purchase a ventless gel fireplace insert no problem |
| few clients who wanted them sent back and a | | | | at all. Now, that's a home improvement project with |
| discount on the service. Most homeowners are happy | | | | the maximum business savvy. |
| with my work, have already written the check and are | | | | |