The basics of outdoor kitchen projects
Outdoor kitchens are as popular as ever. Backyard barbecues have long been a staple of summertime, but outdoor kitchens have made hosting such affairs a lot easier. While outdoor kitchens vary depending on homeowners' preferences and budgets, many offer ample counter space to prepare foods, a refrigerator to store premade items and other essentials like condiments, and ample storage space that saves grillmasters the trouble of making multiple trips into the house to gather supplies.
Outdoor kitchens are indeed convenient for people who love to entertain at home. But outdoor kitchens also are a significant investment. According to Range Outdoor Living, the average cost of an outdoor kitchen varies widely depending on the build type. A custom-built kitchen will cost anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000 (without appliances and countertops), while a modular kitchen is a more budget-friendly option, typically costing between $5,000 and $15,000 (some modular kitchens include appliances and countertops, while others do not). While that's a hefty price tag, a 2024 analysis from the real estate experts at Zillow found that listings with outdoor kitchens exceeded pricing estimates by 2.2%, which shows the value prospective buyers place on these spaces.
The cost of an outdoor kitchen installation requires that ample consideration be given to such projects before going forward with them. The following are some basics of outdoor kitchen projects homeowners can familiarize themselves with as they determine if an outdoor kitchen is right for them.
• You will likely work with multiple contractors. An outdoor kitchen installation is a complex project that may require the work of masonry experts, plumbers, electricians, and other specialized contractors like countertop installation experts. Many outdoor kitchen projects begin with estimates from a contractor who specializes in landscaping and hardscaping. But those estimates may not include the additional costs associated with any electrical work that must be done, plumbing work (i.e., connecting a natural gas line to an outdoor grill), or materials costs (i.e., countertops). Homeowners are urged to receive cost estimates on each part of the project, including appliances like refrigerators and grills, so they know just how much money they will be committing to the project before it begins.
• The project will require permits. Permits will likely be necessary when building a new outdoor kitchen. A permit may be required if you hope to connect a new grill to your natural gas line. Permits add another expense to the project, but they also may add time. Contractors will not be able to go forward with a project until permits have been approved. So homeowners are urged to work with local permit officials before breaking ground. Doing so will not necessarily speed up the process, but local permit officials can ensure homeowners and contractors are filing the right applications and filing them with the appropriate officials.
• A kitchen that's close to home might be your best bet. Connecting electricity, water and gas typically is less complicated the closer an outdoor kitchen is to the existing home. Work with your landscaping and hardscaping contractor to identify the best location for the kitchen in relation to connecting utilities. But don't ignore the existing landscape completely. For example, cooks will not want to be staring directly into the sun when grilling for residents and guests. Pick a spot that shields cooks from the elements and also facilitates the connection of utilities like natural gas and electricity.