How an Outdoor Kitchen Can Boost Your Home Value

Outdoor kitchens are perfect for families and homeowners who love to entertain. Being able to gather in the backyard, around an open-flame cooking area, and enjoying a meal together is as natural and inviting as sitting around a campfire, creating lasting memories with good food and great company.

Below, we look at how an outdoor kitchen can boost the value of your property, features that you should consider including in yours, and questions we commonly receive from clients about outdoor kitchens.

5 Ways Outdoor Kitchens Boost Home Values

Simply put, built-in barbeques and outdoor dining areas are in high-demand. But let’s dig a bit deeper into their appeal to homebuyers.

#1 Enhanced Entertaining Space

A functional area for hosting gatherings, enjoying a meal, or perhaps a drink, while enjoying the sunny Flagstaff weather is highly appealing. This extension of one’s living space, giving homeowners the ability to use their yards more, is indeed the biggest benefit an outdoor kitchen offers.

#2 Increased Curb Appeal

A home that lacks curb appeal may end up sitting on the market longer than the sellers desire. One way to boost the appeal your home has to buyers is to offer an entertainment-ready backyard.

Using quality materials like stone countertops and stainless steel appliances is a surefire way to improve the visual appeal of your yard.

#3 Higher Resale Value

Homes that have backyard kitchens are generally considered to be more luxurious, therefore you might be able to ask for more than nearby comps.

#4 Energy Savings

If you’re looking to pinch a few pennies this summer, you can reduce the heat levels in your kitchen by cooking outdoors. Outdoor kitchens use less energy and don’t add to interior cooling bills.

#5 Versatility & Convenience

As long as the weather permits, an outdoor kitchen offers year-round cooking and dining. Use space heaters in the winter to keep warm and, if your backyard dining area is covered, use a ceiling fan in the summer to catch a cool breeze.

11 Features to Consider Adding to Your Backyard Cooking Area

Below we list a few of the standard options many homeowners go with and a few others for those who want to design a truly unique space.

1. Built-in grill – Fire-up your BBQ and cook your burgers, hot dogs, steaks, chicken, and ribs to perfection.
2. Countertops – Durable surfaces, including granite, concrete, and quartz, are perfect for food prep and serving; plus they can withstand the elements.
3. Sink and faucet – Convenient plumbing features to access water for washing hands, cooking, and cleanup.
4. Refrigerator – Keep drinks on-hand, food and ingredients cool, and condiments easily accessible.
5. Storage cabinets – Custom cabinetry provides space for utensils, cookware, and supplies.
6. Pizza oven – Adds versatility for making homemade pizzas, baked dishes, and breads–pita, tortillas, and rolls.
7. Bar seating – Creates a social space for guests to gather, kids to eat at, and food to be laid out.
8. Outdoor lighting – Ensures visibility and ambiance for evening use.
9. Water feature – Adds a calming element with the sound of flowing water.
10. Pergola or awning – Offers shade and protection from direct sunlight.
11. Fire pit or fireplace – Adds warmth and an additional gathering spot to cozy up on cool evenings.

5 Outdoor Kitchen FAQs

If you’re considering building a backyard kitchen area, you probably have a lot of questions you’d like answered. Below, we share a few of the most common questions we get; however, if you don’t see yours listed, please feel free to reach out directly!

#1 How Much Does an Outdoor Kitchen Cost?

Most outdoor kitchens are unique in many ways due to style, functionality, and materials chosen by the homeowner. Overall size, number of appliances, plumbing–water, gas, and electricity all contribute to the cost.

If you’re looking for ballpark pricing for a standard outdoor kitchen–covered, featuring a gas BBQ grill, refrigerator, and countertop bar, you can expect to pay around:

1. Low end ($10,000–$15,000): Basic materials, think concrete or tile countertops, mid-range gas grill, small refrigerator, and a simple roof or pergola.
2. Mid-range ($15,000–$20,000): Higher-quality materials, like granite or quartz countertops, larger grill with multiple burners, larger refrigerator, and a more refined bar top area.
3. High end ($20,000–$30,000): Premium materials, high-end gas grill with advanced features, full-size refrigerator, custom cabinetry, upgraded lighting, and a fully covered roof.

#2 How Can You Cool Off an Open Outdoor Kitchen?

If it’s starting to heat up and you’re determined to use your outdoor kitchen, you have a few options for keeping your space cool:

1. Ceiling fans: Circulate hot air and create a cooling breeze.
2. Misting system: The fine spray of water evaporates quickly and brings down the surrounding air temperature.
3. Shade structures: A pergola, awning, or shade trees are perfect for avoiding direct sunlight.

#3 What Permits Are Required for Outdoor Kitchens in Flagstaff?

The City of Flagstaff states that a building permit is necessary when constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving, demolishing, or changing the occupancy or use of a building or structure, or when installing or altering any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems regulated by city codes.

So, an outdoor kitchen typically requires one or more of the following:

• Building permit
• Electrical permit
• Plumbing permit
• Gas permit
• Zoning compliance

#4 Do You Handle Gas, Water & Electrical Connections?

Absolutely! Our team is well-equipped to handle all gas, water, and electrical work as it pertains to your outdoor kitchen and any other aspect of residential construction.

#5 How Long Does an Outdoor Kitchen Take to Install?

If all goes well, you can expect your outdoor kitchen to take approximately four to 10 weeks to complete.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what this schedule could look like:

• Planning & permitting: four to six weeks (depending on permit approval and design complexity).
• Site preparation: One to two weeks (includes leveling, foundation work, and utility setup).
• Construction & installation: Two to four weeks (includes framing, countertops, appliances, and finishes).
• Final inspection & cleanup: One week (ensures compliance with local codes and final touches).

Let’s Get the Ball Rolling On Your Outdoor Kitchen in Flagstaff!

Outlook Construction & Remodeling brings decades of experience to each and every project we take on. Our Flagstaff remodeling company has many outdoor kitchen installs under our belt and we can’t wait to get working on your custom design.

Simply reach out to schedule a consultation with our design team. Tell us what you have in mind and allow us to bring it to life!