Custom Outdoor Kitchens & Fireplaces in Marietta, GA

The A201 2017 is the standard AIA (American Institute of Architects) General Conditions of the Contract for Construction — the most widely used construction contract document in the country. It defines the roles and responsibilities of the owner, contractor, and architect throughout a project, covering everything from payment schedules and change orders to dispute resolution and warranty obligations. We use the A201 2017 on our Marietta outdoor kitchen and fireplace projects because it gives homeowners clear legal protection and a transparent framework for how the work gets done. It means you know exactly what you're agreeing to before we break ground.

Custom outdoor kitchens in Marietta typically range from $15,000 to $70,000 depending on scope and materials. A modular outdoor kitchen with a built-in grill, countertop, and basic cabinetry starts around $15,000 to $25,000. Full custom masonry kitchens with natural stone bases, granite countertops, high-end appliances like built-in smokers and pizza ovens, and integrated plumbing and gas lines run $35,000 to $70,000. Utility connection fees — running new gas lines, adding outdoor electrical circuits, and extending water supply for sinks — typically add $3,000 to $8,000 depending on how far you are from existing hookups. We provide detailed line-item estimates during our free on-site consultation so there are no surprises.

Yes. Cobb County requires a gas permit for any new gas line installation, which includes gas-start outdoor fireplaces and gas fire pits. The work must be performed by a licensed contractor with a valid gas piping credential — running your own gas line is a code violation and a safety hazard. Need Construction handles all permit filings with Cobb County, schedules the required pressure test and inspection, and ensures every gas connection meets current Georgia fuel gas code requirements. You don't have to visit a permit office or coordinate with inspectors yourself.

Yes, but it requires specific structural engineering. A masonry fireplace is heavy — typically 3,000 to 8,000 pounds depending on size and materials — so your deck's framing, footings, and joists need to handle that concentrated load. We start with a structural assessment to determine if your existing deck can be reinforced or if independent footings need to be poured beneath the fireplace location. Fire-rated materials including non-combustible hearth pads, heat shields, and proper clearances from wood framing are all required by code. We've built fireplaces on elevated decks throughout Marietta and East Cobb — it's absolutely doable when the engineering is done right.

For Georgia's heat and humidity, stainless steel is the standard for appliances — it resists corrosion and cleans easily after years of outdoor use. For the kitchen base and surround, stack stone and brick are the most popular choices in Marietta because they hold up to freeze-thaw cycles and match the architectural style of most homes in the area. Granite is our go-to countertop material for outdoor kitchens: it handles heat from grills and pizza ovens, resists staining, and doesn't degrade in direct sunlight the way some engineered stones can. We also use marine-grade polymer cabinetry that won't swell, warp, or rot in Georgia's summer humidity.

Most custom outdoor kitchens in Marietta take 3 to 6 weeks from design approval to final walkthrough. The design phase runs about a week — we finalize layout, material selections, appliance choices, and utility routing during this stage. Construction typically takes 2 to 4 weeks depending on complexity: a straightforward grill station with countertops is on the shorter end, while a full kitchen with fireplace, sink, refrigeration, and pizza oven takes closer to four weeks. Utility hookups — gas, electrical, and plumbing — add 3 to 5 days depending on how far we need to run new lines from your home's existing systems. Cobb County permit turnaround adds about a week on the front end.

An above ground plunge pool is a compact, deep soaking pool — typically 6 to 8 feet across and 4 to 5 feet deep — designed for cooling off rather than lap swimming. They're increasingly popular in Marietta outdoor kitchen builds because they fit into tighter backyard layouts and pair naturally with an outdoor cooking and entertaining area. Imagine grilling on a hot July evening and stepping three feet over to a cold plunge pool. They can be installed above grade with decorative surrounds that match your kitchen's stone or brick work, and many homeowners add heating for year-round use.

Outdoor kitchens consistently rank among the highest-ROI home improvements in the North Atlanta market. Most real estate professionals in Cobb County estimate a 70% to 100% return on investment at resale, depending on quality and scope. Beyond resale value, an outdoor kitchen effectively adds a new living space to your home — Marietta's mild fall and spring seasons mean you'll use it 8 to 9 months out of the year, and with a fireplace you can push that into winter. It's one of the most-requested features among buyers in the $400K+ price range across Marietta, East Cobb, and the broader North Atlanta area.