Outdoors kitchens are a fan favourite, especially during the summer months. Expanding your home’s usable space to provide another area to cook and entertain is a cost-effective way to add an update to your home. If you are thinking of adding an outdoor kitchen to your space, learn about the facts you should know prior to building and connect with a pro to get started.
Fact: Cost-Effective
If you are debating whether or not you want to add an outdoor kitchen to your space, think of it as an alternative to updating your current kitchen, at a cheaper cost. Except, now you will have additional space to prepare food, cook, and entertain (which is especially helpful during the warmer months).
During a major kitchen renovation, you can look to spend upwards of $30,000-$100,000. While it is possible to spend this amount creating a luxury outdoor kitchen, a more basic style, which will provide everything you need for it to be functional, can cost you only $2000-$10,000. Here you can read about the costs that go into installing an outdoor kitchen to help you plan and budget.
It is important to note that you may not receive your full return on investment for your outdoor kitchen upon selling your home. Unlike an indoor kitchen reno, an outdoor kitchen addition does not see the value return to your pockets when you sell your home. However, it can help to sell your home as lots of families are drawn towards such a feature. So while you may not see your full return (you can expect up to 50%), an outdoor kitchen is an investment for you and your family to enjoy.
Fact: Plan, Plan, Plan
If you decide that you’re going to invest in building an outdoor kitchen, it’s important to plan every aspect before breaking any ground. Planning will allow you to feel confident in your decisions. Consult with a pro if you’re unsure of features or other aspects and read this article for more information about costs and design.
Location
The location of your kitchen will affect the overall cost. If you have a pre-existing space, such as a patio that is close to the house, then this is a prime location. Setting your kitchen back into your yard will cost more money to build and may not be as convenient as you hoped for. Instead, pick a location that is close to the home to easily move between kitchens. A location closer to the home will also cut costs to run electricity and water to the outdoor kitchen.
Construction
You want to make sure that you are hiring the right pro, using quality materials, and building to code. These three things will ensure that your outdoor kitchen is built to last.
It is not necessary to go all out and spend a ton of money on the materials for the project. Be sure to choose durable, weather-proof materials that are going to be able to withstand the outdoor elements. Without doing so, your kitchen may only last one season.
Be sure that you and your hired pro discuss any codes or permits prior to starting construction. If there are no building or zoning codes, don’t forget about electrical and plumbing codes. It would be unfortunate if you built your dream kitchen only to find out that it will not pass inspection. A pro will know which permits will be needed as well as building codes to follow.
Fact: Make It Your Own
This space is going to be yours for years to come, so be sure you include all amenities and features that you want. Electricity and plumbing are key features to include as they allow for running water, lighting and powering beer or wine fridges.
As much as you can, try to design your space as if it was your indoor kitchen. You’ll want to include what was mentioned above so that using this space doesn’t become a chore or unenjoyable. The more comfortable the space is, the more likely you are to use it. As this can be a big investment, you want to make sure you are making the most of it. Connect with a pro today to get a quote for your outdoor kitchen and start enjoying your new space.
