For most outdoor living projects, the costs depends on the size and what type of features are added. Knowing what you have available to spend along with your expectations for a finished product will help you understand the investment necessary to craft your dreams into reality.
Appliances & Features
Understand that the biggest expense for an outdoor kitchen will be the appliances and extra features. Make sure your budget is set before you have your heart set on any particular item.
One of the top appliances is a grill, which you can find to fit your specific needs. A drop-in style grill can be very expensive, but they provide a truly next-level appearance and make food prep & cooking a very simple process.
If your budget permits, it’s best to install the highest quality materials for your counters. Granite is a top choice when compared to tile, which is more of a basic option that will function well but granite has superior aesthetics.
It’s also important to understand that you do not have to feel constrained by the typical designs of an outdoor kitchen as they can be completely customized and tailored to meet your desires. If you want to integrate an outdoor kitchen space into a place for dining and entertaining, you might decide on installing an outdoor television or speaker system. The options are only limited by your imagination.
Location
Choosing a location for your outdoor kitchen is an important decision that will impact its overall cost. Some homeowners want to put their kitchen somewhere else on their property. If it’s built further from your house, you will need to consider the additional expenses associated with extending utilities such as electricity.
Price Estimate
All of the elements that go into an outdoor living project can vary heavily in price. On average, expect to spend anywhere from $8,000 to $15,000+ on general construction costs. It’s best to budget an additional $2,000 to $5,000+ for appliances and installation, this figure could vary depending on the exact scope of your project.
Invisible Costs
The biggest hidden expense for an outdoor kitchen is the cost of utilities. Beyond the visible infrastructure you physically see in any outdoor living area – paver patio, kitchen, built-in grill, counters and other features, you will need to account for setting up utilities. A mini-fridge requires a specific electrical line to operate, a sink will need to be connected to the fresh water, etc.
While some may attempt the D.I.Y. route to build an outdoor living area, these projects are best left to the trained professionals that understand the proper construction of an outdoor kitchen. An outdoor living contractor will have the logistical abilities to get the materials to the your home and the personnel to install everything to ensure it will last. If you’re in southern Minnesota such as Rochester, Owatonna, Apple Valley & Inver Grove Heights, get in touch with the outdoor living pros at Peters’ Patio & Landscape to schedule a consultation for your next project.
