Sometimes we just need to get outside. As we get closer to Summer, we want to embrace the outdoors and get some fresh air in our lungs. We often talk about curb appeal and how important it is to your homes. We believe that it is important to make your backyard feature outdoor living concepts that appeal to buyers.
During the past few years, we have added some outdoor renovations to our homes such as swimming pools, hot tubs, and seating or entertainment areas. Why not extend your kitchen to the backyard? Making an outdoor kitchen work requires a bit of planning. Most outdoor spaces are on the smaller side, so this is easy to do. How you configure your kitchen depends on how much space and budget you have in mind.
Are they a good idea?
If you decide to sell your home down the road, an outdoor kitchen can get between 50% to 100% back on your investment. It all depends on the buyer and how your outdoor kitchen is laid out and the material used. If your family gets years of use from the outdoor kitchen and you still get over 50% return, it is a good investment.
Best material for an outdoor kitchen
In our colder climate, you may want to find the best ideas to keep your outdoor kitchen looking good. There are many manufacturers that can help you select what material is best from countertops to appliances. You will need to winterize your appliances in the late fall and cover your appliances during the winter. Make sure that countertops are made for our cold winters from concrete to wood. You can also contain your kitchen in a covered area. Always get a professional to install your kitchen so that you can make sure it will not damage in cold temperatures.
Cost?
A basic outdoor kitchen can cost anywhere from $5-10K; a more gourmet kitchen layout can escalate quickly to what your preferences may be. Some luxury outdoor kitchens cost $40K and above.
For example, an outdoor kitchen could include a gas BBQ, a commercial fridge, and a couple of gas burners. This includes counters and storage cupboards and will cost around $20K. Of course, you can scale down the cost dependent on construction material, appliances, and budget.
Does it appeal to buyers?
Everyone wants to appeal to buyers when they sell. They also want some unique features in their home that make them stand out from the crowd. An outdoor kitchen extends the space in your home to the outside giving you more usable space.
If you are thinking of selling your home soon, we can give you an estimate and the true value of your home. There may be some features in your home that may be great selling features you are not aware of. It is always best to get the advice of a professional real estate team to make sure you get the best price for your home. Our Anne Winch Real Estate Team would be happy to help you buy or sell your home. We also have a warehouse of staging furniture to enhance the best features of your home. Let us be your real estate team of choice!