An outdoor kitchen can be used as an additional space for entertaining guests, provide shelter from the elements while cooking outside, and enhance the aesthetic appeal of your backyard. In addition to providing comfort and enjoyment, an outdoor kitchen can also increase the value of your home and help with resale.
Adding an outdoor kitchen can increase your home’s livable space and boost its value. It provides spacious living space and eating space that can maximize its benefits. Outdoor spaces are loved by buyers, and prospects will likely put more thought into your offer. An outdoor kitchen is a unique addition that most people still don’t have, especially when selling during the spring and summer seasons. It can put you above the competition.
Asking yourself why you want an outdoor kitchen can serve as your guide throughout the process. For example, do you need extra space because you cook a lot and in large quantities? Do you host often and want a nice space dedicated to entertaining? Once you settle on your why, you will know how much you’ll spend, what kinds of appliances you’ll need, and what the space will look like. Questions like these help you determine details like the appliances and counter space. Do you want a casual space for dining al fresco? Or would you prefer an elaborate design for hosting parties?
According to HomeLight’s recent Top Agent Insights Report, 46% of agents ranked outdoor kitchens as homebuyers’ most-wanted outdoor feature. However, providing that feature is not guaranteed to recoup the cost of creating it. According to the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) study, the average percent of value recovered was 71%. For reference, Ramsey says that the national average value recovered for a major kitchen remodel is 54%.
According to the same NAR study, only 1% of Realtors suggest installing an outdoor kitchen right before selling your home. Because you probably won’t make all your money back, it’s not a good idea to install an outdoor kitchen just to get more money when selling.
Another factor to consider is your budget. If your budget is tight and you’re not comfortable with tools, this may not be the project for you. According to HomeLight, you can expect fully 70% of your budget to be absorbed by labor costs. The typical cost can range from $5,000 to $23,000, per Angi. adds that If you choose to add the very nicest features, Landscaping Network estimates the price could even rise to around $100,000.
If you enjoy completing home improvement projects, you could install an outdoor kitchen yourself to save money. Rocket Homes provides a guide on how to build an outdoor kitchen. First, establish a budget, create a plan, and apply for building permits if required. Then, decide on a grill and other appliances. Finally, install your cabinets and countertops and add outdoor seating.
According to HomeLight’s recent Top Agent Insights Report, more than half of agents surveyed agree that a built-in grill is one of the top amenities buyers want in their backyard retreat. This is the most important purchase you’ll make for a budget-friendly kitchen.
Selecting more affordable countertops and cabinets will help you offset the cost of the grill. Joe Raboine, of Belgard, a manufacturer of hardscape materials, recommends tile countertops. These can cost as little as $1 per square foot, are easy to clean, and will last forever.
As mentioned, you should expect to dedicate roughly 70% of your project budget to labor. If you’re opting for a fully customized outdoor kitchen, pre-made outdoor kitchen islands are another way to offset costs. Taking advantage of these “shortcuts” will allow you to create a 100 square foot kitchen atop an existing patio with stock cabinets against the wall, tile countertops, and a freestanding grill—all for just $4,500. If you can afford a budget closer to $13,000, you can build a 300 square foot kitchen outfitted with a fieldstone framework, a stone counter, a built-in grill, a refrigerator, and a pergola. Finally, for a budget of roughly $45,000, you can create a 500 square foot outdoor kitchen with a freestanding roof cover, a top-of-the-line grill, a refrigerator, two sinks, stone countertops, and both a bar area as well as a separate seating area.
Outdoor kitchens offer endless benefits to your
home, including unbelievable returns on investment. Once you are ready to
install one, visit our Preferred Vendors page to find trusted tradespeople who
can help you create the outdoor entertaining space of your dreams