A patio is the ideal space to build an outdoor kitchen that will add a new dimension to your existing home. Home improvement projects are more fun when they add aesthetics and functionality. That is exactly what you get with an outdoor kitchen.
Outdoor kitchens can be as cheap or as expensive as you prefer. It all depends on what you plan to achieve with your kitchen. You can create an outdoor kitchen for as little as $1,500 or you can spend upwards of $20,000 or more. The good thing about an outdoor kitchen is that the return on investment is always favorable for the owners.
Americans spend billions of dollars annually renovating their homes. About 33% of that remodeling money is spent on outdoor spaces according to the Home, Patio and Barbecue Association. Increasing the value of your home is just one reason to add an outdoor kitchen to your property. It can also be a great place to cook, enjoy friends, and socialize.
An outdoor kitchen may include a barbecue and/or electric grill and oven along with a sink, work surfaces, and storage cabinets. Countertops can be constructed of granite or other types of hard-wearing stone that will last for years.
Before you dismiss an outdoor kitchen as too expensive to consider, take a look at these tips to help you minimize costs and maximize the opportunity of your remodel:
1. In today’s economy, bargain hunting isn’t just a good idea, it’s a smart idea. Contractors don’t have as much business as they did a year or two ago. Now is a good time to find a good quality contractor and negotiate the price. You’ll get high-quality work at a lower cost to you.
2. Contractors find that their work fluctuates with the seasons. This makes seasonal bargaining a good way to find good quality at a cheap price. Many contractors have less work in December, January and February. The weather can play a role, but it’s often more about people being motivated to do something else. People are not always thinking about spring and summer when snow covers the slopes and ice hangs on the window frames. This is the optimal time to approach a contractor to discuss building your outdoor kitchen.
3. Consider talking to a contractor about building a “spec outdoor kitchen.” This allows the builder to experiment with different materials and designs when building their space. In exchange, you are allowed to market his services and use his outdoor kitchen as a living example of his work. You get discounted services, but you often get a higher quality kitchen than you could have paid for.
An outdoor kitchen is a home improvement project that offers a good return on your investment. You can increase the value of your home with an outdoor kitchen, but more importantly, you can enjoy lots of quality time with family and friends in your outdoor kitchen.
If you’re considering a home improvement investment, take a look at building an efficient and attractive kitchen on your patio or deck. Soon you will be serving your guests surrounded by the beauty of nature.
