How to Find a Good Installer | Outdoor Kitchen Install Guide

FINDING THE RIGHT INSTALLER

How to Find a Good Installer

We don't install. But we can save you a week of trial-and-error figuring out who does, what they should cost, and what to watch out for.

The honest version: we're an authorized dealer, not a contracting company. Most outdoor kitchen installs need a gas plumber, sometimes an electrician, and occasionally a mason. We'll tell you exactly which trade you need, what fair pricing looks like, and how to vet the person you hire.

What Trade Do I Need?

Product Trade Needed Typical Cost
Cal Flame BBQ Island (NG) Licensed gas plumber + maybe electrician $400–$1,200
Cal Flame BBQ Island (LP) Maybe gas plumber for tank chamber $0–$300
Built-in grill drop-in Gas plumber for hookup $250–$500
Outdoor fireplace (NG) Gas plumber $400–$800
Fire pit table (LP) None — connect tank yourself $0
Outdoor TV install Electrician + AV mount specialist $200–$600
Outdoor vent hood Electrician + HVAC contractor $400–$1,200
Patio furniture None $0

Final pricing depends on metro, trade rates, and how far the gas line/electrical run is from existing service.

Where to Find a Good One

1. Ask your plumber if they do gas line runs

If you have a regular plumber, start there. Many plumbers are gas-certified or have a gas tech they work with. They already know your house.

2. Search "licensed gas plumber [your city]"

Cross-reference Google, Yelp, and Angi. Don't pick the cheapest. Read the 2-star and 3-star reviews — they tell you more than the 5-star ones.

3. Ask your gas utility

Most natural gas utilities maintain a list of licensed contractors who pull permits with them regularly. Call your gas company and ask. This is the fastest way to find someone who's done a hundred backyard gas runs.

4. Check landscape designers in your area

If you're doing a full backyard build (kitchen + fire feature + patio + furniture), a landscape designer often comes with a network of preferred subs. They get a small markup, but the coordination value can be worth it on a $25K+ project.

Five Questions to Ask Before Hiring

  1. Are you licensed and insured for gas work in this state? Get the license number. Verify it on the state contractor licensing board website (free, takes 30 seconds).
  2. How long have you been running gas lines for outdoor kitchens specifically? Indoor gas plumbing and outdoor are not the same. You want someone who's done at least 20 outdoor jobs.
  3. Will you pull a permit? Yes is the right answer. "It's not required" or "too expensive" are red flags. Permitted work protects your homeowners insurance if there's ever a leak or fire.
  4. Do you provide a manometer reading after install? A manometer test confirms there are no leaks in the new line. Real gas pros do this. Hacks don't.
  5. What's your warranty on the install? Two years on labor is the floor. Anything less and you should keep looking.

What to Have Ready Before They Arrive

  • The product, delivered, in place. Schedule your install after delivery, not the same day. Freight delays happen.
  • The owner's manual (look for the gas connection diagram).
  • A clear path from the existing gas meter to the install location.
  • A photo of your gas meter so the installer can quote without a site visit.
  • Distance from gas meter to install site — walk it with a tape measure. Every additional 10 feet adds cost.
  • Concrete pad, paver patio, or deck — whatever surface the unit sits on, ready before delivery.

If Something Goes Wrong With the Product

Warranty issues are ours to handle, not your installer's.

If a burner fails, a valve leaks, or any product component breaks under warranty, email us at support@upscalehomehq.com. We open the warranty case with the manufacturer (Cal Flame, Summerset, HomeRoots) and stay on it until it's resolved. Your installer should not be your warranty point of contact — we are.

Need Help Spec'ing Before You Hire?

If you haven't ordered yet, we'll review your patio photos, gas meter location, and access constraints — and tell you what trades you'll need before you spend a dollar. Free Spec Service →

support@upscalehomehq.com · (857) 353-8060