With comfortable weather year-round and Fort Lauderdale home values on the rise, it’s natural to feel the urge to implement outdoor-oriented improvement projects. A popular feature for home buyers is an outdoor kitchen. We’re not talking about a temporary folding table next to a roll-away barbecue grill. Think more along the lines of a permanent cooking station that’s fully equipped, accompanied by a seating area – now that’s luxury living!
Whenever you implement a home improvement project, it’s important to consider your return on investment. Ideally all improvement projects will improve the value of your home and the money you spent will be returned. This is especially important if you are thinking about selling your Fort Lauderdale home in the near future, since you will have less time to enjoy the improvement.
When it comes to installing an outdoor kitchen, it can be easy to break the bank and reduce your return on investment. Here are a few tips to consider when thinking about building an outdoor kitchen.
Outdoor Kitchen Tips
1. Setup – Whether you have a small backyard or a large one, the amount of space isn’t what matters as much as the setup. Plan your kitchen so the cook faces toward the entertaining area. When guests can interact with the chef, the fun of outdoor entertaining comes naturally.
2. Elements – Be sure the materials and equipment in your outdoor kitchen can withstand the elements. Outdoor-rated appliances and a low-maintenance paint finish on cabinets will help to combat corrosion and keep your kitchen looking fresh for when you plan to sell your home. Also, consider elevating the cabinets so it’s easier to hose off messes on the ground.
3. Comfort – When possible, add areas that have shade. Also, there is a month or two when the weather outside may be a bit warm or cold. For those months, consider installing a fire pit to keep guests warm and misters to cool down the space. With these two comfort features in place, you will truly be able to enjoy your outdoor living space year-round.
While adding an outdoor kitchen is not likely to bring the same return on investment as a total indoor kitchen remodel, enhancing your outdoor space can be a fun way to add enjoyment to your home and your lifestyle. If you are curious about the value an outdoor kitchen might add to your home, contact us before you commit to the project. We would be happy to discuss Fort Lauderdale home values with you anytime.
