Social distancing protocols continue to leave us spending more time at home than ever before. Because of this, we’re still spending as much time outside as possible, especially with warmer temps dwindling. With so much uncertainty around the pandemic, this type of lifestyle will likely spill into 2021. With that in mind, adding an outdoor kitchen to your space is a great way to enhance your time at home in a way that not only boosts your home’s value but significantly enhances your lifestyle.
Getting Started
Your outdoor kitchen does not have to be anything fancy. You could start with something as simple as a grill and an outdoor cabinet to keep supplies in. As you add accessories to your culinary space, make sure to look online for deals and discounts to help you squeeze every last penny out of your dollars. If you’re fairly handy, you can DIY outdoor cabinets using spare wood or other materials.
One of the most important elements of your outdoor kitchen is the space in which you will enjoy each meal. Plan to include a dining table that can easily fit your family and a few friends. Shelter from the elements is also crucial, and you’ll at least need a shaded area to beat the heat. One quick and easy way to ensure you have this is to add a shade sail. BackYard City explains how to install one of these, and notes that you will need to consider placement before you begin to dig your post.
What Can You Cook Outdoors?
If you are a foodie, we have good news. You can cook virtually anything in your outdoor kitchen that you can indoors. And there are even a few foods that you can store in a cool, dry, protected area outside. Pasta is one of these, and, considering you likely have plenty after stocking up at the beginning of the pandemic, you’ll probably be glad to empty your pantry.
Not only is pasta cheap, but it’s filling, and you can find plenty of recipes online that utilize budget-friendly ingredients. If your kitchen won’t have a sink, your best bet to ensure clean, potable water for cooking is a tabletop filtration system that holds several gallons of water. The added convenience makes it easier to put a pot on to boil, and have drinking water readily at hand.
A Home Improvement That Matters
An outdoor kitchen can improve your quality of life, and it may also help improve your home’s value. If you’re planning to move within the next year or so, your outdoor kitchen/dining area is a feature that buyers may actively seek out.
If you’re on the fence about an outdoor kitchen, do your research to know what buyers in your area want. Specifically when it comes to backyard amenities. A pool in Maryland is nice in the summer, but you can’t do much with it the rest of the year. An outdoor kitchen, however, can prove useful for most seasons, and it doesn’t require as much maintenance.
When the time does come to sell, some savvy staging will help your outdoor kitchen bring the wow factor. A Goode Start Home Staging can help you prepare the perfect look for your entertainment space, which will put you that much closer to a great offer.
Safety
Because your outdoor kitchen utilizes heat and has the potential to cause a fire, it’s crucial that you take precautions to keep your home and family safe. Always practice responsible cooking, and keep a fire extinguisher close by any time you fire up the grill.
If you like to eat but don’t always want to stay indoors to cook, an outdoor kitchen is a great investment. Not only will it be a pleasure to use, it could be a boon to your property value. And, having a place to dine under the stars is a win/win for your entire family!
So, if you’re ready to add an outdoor kitchen to your home and need a recommendation to a home improvement contractor, please contact me!
Reprinted with permission from Deborah Goode at A Goode Start Decorating & Home Staging by Guest blogger: Curtis Fisher
