Seven Tips to Retain Outdoor Kitchen Value
It has been long believed that indoor kitchens are the number one home improvement project in terms of keeping their value. Outdoor kitchens are joining the category of wise home improvement projects. In a recent study, the National Association of Home Builders finds that outdoor kitchen projects keep their value, and then some. They report that outdoor kitchens add 130% of their value to a home. If you spend some time searching news articles, you will find that many are joining the outdoor kitchen movement. Some companies are already in related industries, some are completely changing their business models to join the outdoor kitchen industry. As the popularity of outdoor kitchens grows, new and innovative products are available. The days of a kettle grill and picnic table are fading as a distant memory. Instead, terms like “outdoor room” and “outdoor living area” are cropping up. But beware. With the landslide of companies joining the outdoor kitchen industry, not everybody has the experience or product line that will stand the test of time. Many experts agree that proper planning can make the difference between your outdoor kitchen becoming a valuable asset to your home, or a waste of money. Here are some important tips when planning your outdoor kitchen with regard to retaining value:
1. Complement your space.
Your outdoor kitchen will add the most value if it complements a comfortable outdoor living space or pool. The outdoor kitchen shouldn’t be just a place to prepare food, but rather a social area. Plan seating, shade, even music and tv to accompany the cooking area.
2. Pick materials that will last.
A quality grill, polymer cabinetry, 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.
3. Don’t fall for pretty pictures.
Pretty pictures of brand new installations don't prove that a product belongs outdoors. Look at the brochures you are being shown with a critical eye. Does the area look nice because there are a bunch of decorations including pillows, curtains, or other items that won’t last outside? A popular home improvement store recently featured a do-it-yourself island that consisted of painted pine lumber, a tile top on plywood, with tons of decorative accents like fabric covered storage bins. That looks great for the photo shoot, but won’t last outside.
4. Be reasonable with your appliance selection.
Grills for outdoor kitchens can range from a few hundred dollars to even ten thousand dollars. Don’t 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 (think Big Green Egg) 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 valuable space.
5. Keep an eye on quality for items that can’t be changed easily.
Identify appliances that can be replaced easily if they fail. An under counter refrigerator can be replaced easily. That might be a smart appliance to save money on. However, a grill that has granite and a supporting structure cut to fit that exact model of grill can’t be changed easily.
6. Look for history.
Does a lifetime warranty from a startup company mean anything? Have their products been tested with a proven track record of success? Several outdoor kitchen and grill companies offering lifetime warranties have gone out of business entirely recently. That doesn’t mean there aren’t some really great new ideas in outdoor kitchens, but be cautious believing the promises of startup companies.
7. Keep up with the Joneses.
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 see that money, or at worst your house will sell before your neighbors, saving you potentially thousands in carrying costs if you every plan to move.
Credits
Outdoor Kitchen News is sponsored by Werever Products Inc.