Outdoor Kitchens: Sound Investment or Passing Fad?

I get questions all the time from home owners looking to increase the appeal and value of their homes. New roofs and hot water heaters are such bland--albeit necessary--home improvements! How about a project that can boost enjoyment of your home today and its selling power tomorrow?

This time of year everyone begins to gravitate outdoors. Longer days and warm sunny weather make backyard living and entertaining so appealing. According to the National Association of Realtors, “outdoor entertaining upgrades” can add significant value to your home.

Outdoor living spaces can include: built-in patio grills with auxiliary burners; smokers; warming drawers; refrigerators/wine cooler/kegerators; pizza ovens; outdoor sinks; ice makers; outdoor speakers and sound systems; televisions; ceiling fans; fire pits/fireplaces/heaters to extend seasonal use; and lighting. The kitchen space is often complemented by an adjacent dining area, covered patio or bar making it a comfortable living and entertainment space. Projects can range from $5,000 for a basic grill setup to $15,000+ for a nice outdoor kitchen, going up to $50,000-$100,000 for a luxe outdoor entertaining space. Some people scoff at the thought of bringing a television outdoors but just imagine watching fall football games al fresco or late evening Game of Thrones viewing parties. Post party clean up can be as easy as hosing off the patio.

Things to think about during the planning phase of your kitchen addition:

1. Do you really need an outdoor sink? It can be expensive to run water lines to your outdoor space. This is often the first item to get trimmed from the budget. If you do decide you need it, consider having cold water only.

2. Materials and surfaces. Make sure they can withstand the elements. Stainless steel is a good choice for sinks. Cement can be economical for counters. If you must have granite, make sure it’s a type that can tolerate swings in temperature.

3. Drainage. Boring, right? But It’s an important consideration. Talk to a landscape architect.

4. Storage needs. How much? Where?

5. If an ice machine is a must, find out how quickly it produces ice.

6. Consider how the grill/fire pit/pizza oven will vent.

7. Outdoor refrigerators should be UL rated for safety. Is it frost-free? Weatherproof? Will you have to bend over to reach inside?

The National Association of Home Builders estimates that outdoor kitchens can add as much as 130 percent of their cost to the purchase price of your home. A study by the real estate website Zillow found that homes mentioning "outdoor kitchens" sold for 3.7 percent more and 19 days faster than comparable properties. It’s that “Wow!” feature that can help set your home apart from the others on the market.

Bethany Andrews is a Realtor® with Long & Foster serving the Northern Virginia area. bethanyandrews.homes@gmail.com