Are you considering adding an outdoor kitchen to your yard? If so, you will likely get a great deal of use out of this wonderful addition. Furthermore, if you plan to put your home on the market in the near future, adding an outdoor kitchen is a great way to attract potential buyers while also adding value to your home.
While you can certainly spend quite a bit of money on creating an outdoor kitchen, the good news is that you can still enjoy the convenience and fun of an outdoor kitchen without having to spend a great deal of money. Here are a few cost-saving measures you can take to enjoy having an outdoor kitchen without having to bust your budget.
Go with Propane
While it is certainly nice to run gas lines to your outdoor kitchen, it is not a necessity. In fact, you can get the same job done with the help of propane and you don't have to spend nearly as much money. So, if your budget is tight, you might want to consider using propane to fuel your grill.
Purchase a Quality Grill
Although you will have to spend more money upfront in order to purchase a quality grill, spending a little extra on this part of your outdoor kitchen will pay off in the long run. The unfortunate reality is that low-quality grills burn out quickly and, if you choose to go the cheap route, you may find yourself replacing your grill about a year after purchasing it. At the very minimum, be sure to purchase a grill with an exterior and interior that is made from at least 304 grade stainless steel. This way, you won't have to worry about the grill rusting out on you.
Use an Under-Counter Water Heater
Having a sink installed in your outdoor kitchen is certainly a very nice addition, but running plumbing to your sink can be quite costly and problematic. In fact, due to building codes and the extensive amount of plumbing that is required to install a sink, this is often the most expensive part of creating an outdoor kitchen. In order to enjoy the benefits of having an outdoor sink without the significant cost, installing an under-counter water heater is a great way to access hot water without needing to plumb it from the house.
Think Ahead
If you have grand plans for your outdoor kitchen, but you can't afford to install all of the components at this time, you will save yourself some money and stress by planning ahead. For example, if you know you would ultimately like to include an island in your kitchen, be sure to strengthen the floor slab in the area where the island will ultimately be located. Or, if you will eventually be adding a fireplace, pour the foundation for the fireplace at the same time as you pour the concrete for the deck. This way, everything will be in place and ready to go once the money becomes available.
