Indoor kitchen upgrades have long been known to increase the value of your home and deliver a solid return on the investment. But what about adding an outdoor kitchen? This relatively new trend is growing in popularity and it is easy to see why. For anyone that enjoys hosting gatherings or simply spending time outdoors, outdoor kitchens add a touch of luxury while boosting the functionality of your home. And with an astounding 100% ROI, according to the NAR “ 2023 Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features,” you can expect to get back what you put in.
Like any project, however, in order to get the most value from your investment you need to make wise decisions, as costs can vary widely. One of the things that will influence how much you can expect to get back on an outdoor kitchen is the components selected. More expensive features, such as wood-fired ovens, refrigerators or lavish grills will usually fetch a higher value when you go to sell your home. However, as accessories and features become more niche, the challenge becomes finding a buyer willing to pay for those special selections. After all, many homebuyers won’t necessarily need a pizza oven, for example, no matter how beautiful or cool it is.
To get the most value out of your outdoor kitchen, take these tips into consideration.
- Set a Budget – According to HGTV, the price range for building an outdoor kitchen varies from $5,000 for lower-end designs to well over $25,000 for luxury spaces. The National Association of Landscape Professionals puts the average at $15,000. Knowing typical costs and setting a budget that works for you and in your market is one of the most important steps to take before starting any home improvement project. Be sure to include a line item for all the key elements planned for your kitchen, including a grill, cabinets, countertops, lighting, utilities, appliances, seating and more. Not only does this help keep you from overspending, it also allows you to maximize the ROI on your new outdoor kitchen.
- Choose Materials Carefully – A quality grill, marine-grade polymer cabinets, good stone work and the right countertop will stand the test of time. Wood, non-stainless metals and poor craftsmanship will turn your investment into a maintenance headache and eyesore in no time. Even stainless steel cabinets, often the popular choice, come with their own set of disadvantages, Ouincluding the need for frequent maintenance. And as with any home feature, if it is falling apart it will cost you money to bring it up to good condition before selling your house. It is better to pick the best quality products and materials in the beginning.
- Identify Hard-to-Change Items – As you plan your outdoor kitchen it is important to identify the items that would be difficult to replace. Spend time researching the attributes of those items and if necessary, invest a bit more for models and materials that are designed to last. For example an under counter refrigerator is easier to replace than a grill that is surrounded by granite and sits in a support structure that was cut to fit that exact model of grill. If you need to cut corners to stay within budget, look to scale back on items that you can swap out easily if they do not hold up or wear well.
- Be Strategic with Appliances – Grills for outdoor kitchens can range from a few hundred dollars to even ten thousand dollars. Do not get carried away with the grill if you expect the outdoor kitchen to add lasting value to your home. Pick a grill with a high quality stainless steel interior, but you can skip some of the over-the-top bells and whistles. Versatile appliances like Kamado-style cookers can do the job of a pizza oven, smoker, charcoal grill, and more. Buying individual appliances that serve just one purpose can waste money and take up valuable space.
- Know Your Neighborhood – As with any home improvement project, you have to keep your projects in reasonable line with your neighborhood if you plan to see the value of your investment. If you add a $100,000 outdoor kitchen to a $200,000 house, you will never see that value again. However, if you add a $20,000 outdoor kitchen to a $250,000 house, you’ll most likely retain that outdoor kitchen value, or at worst your house will sell before your neighbors, saving you potentially thousands in carrying costs if you ever plan to move.
A few New Listings this Week
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