It used to be that a grill and some lawn chairs were all we needed for a summertime get-together, but times have changed. Now, outdoor kitchens are increasing in popularity, and they are becoming more and more extravagant. These spaces may even be nicer than the main kitchen inside the home!
A high-end grill, stainless steel mini refrigerator, a sink, and a large surface to prepare meals on are standard in outdoor kitchens. We’ve also seen many people add a hibachi-style grill, a wood-fired pizza oven, a large dining area, and a television to make the space an entertainer’s dream.
With so many options available, it may seem overwhelming and make you question if it’s worth it. Before you build or upgrade your outdoor kitchen, here are some things to consider.
How Often Will You Use It?
Outdoor kitchens are functional and can be a great focal point of any backyard space. But when you consider the cost of building it and the time you’ll need to devote to maintaining it, is it worth it? The answer, of course, is it depends.
If you already grill a lot of meals and like to spend time outdoors, an outdoor kitchen and dining space will only make you love it more. You’ll find preparing an al fresco meal to be so much more convenient since you won’t be running back and forth between your grill and your kitchen since everything you need will be outside.
However, if you don’t like sitting outside in the first place, the outdoor kitchen probably won’t change that. So, if you don’t plan on hosting any outdoor gatherings and don’t think you’ll spend much time cooking outside, you may want to forgo the outdoor kitchen.
Increase In Property Value
If you’re wondering what outdoor kitchens do to property values, you’ll be pleased to learn that you can expect a 100% ROI, possibly more. That means that when you decide to sell your home, you’ll get your money back and then some.
It’s very rare to see such a high ROI on a home improvement project, so if you want a space you will enjoy now, that will also increase your home’s value – an outdoor kitchen is a great choice.
Outdoor Kitchen Maintenance
It’s not easy. Outdoor kitchens require quite a bit of maintenance. If the appliances and area aren’t kept up, they will break, making the entire space pointless. Before installing an outdoor kitchen, you’ll need to be honest with yourself – are you willing to do the work necessary to keep up your beautiful outdoor kitchen? If the answer is no, you should skip the outdoor space. Are you looking forward to outdoor dinners and movie nights? Can you envision the whole family outside enjoying a meal and maybe even an outdoor game night? Then, let us help you create the outdoor kitchen and dining area to do it in!
