Is an outdoor kitchen or built-in grill station in your future?

From something as simple as a built-in grill to a full-blown outdoor kitchen, the demand by homeowners for outdoor amenities continues to rise. The most obvious and best reason for this is that relaxing outdoors is a big stress reliever and fun way to spend time with family and friends. What I would term not so much a reason as a justification is also the fact that the ROI on so many outdoor projects is very high.

Outdoor Kitchen ROI
Readers may be surprised to learn that CNN Money reports that nationally, an outdoor kitchen can have a return on investment of 100% to 200%. Variations mostly come from location (here is Dallas with our moderate year-round outdoor climate the odds are in our favor) and upfront consideration given to designing and building an outdoor kitchen that is proportional to the home value and neighborhood.

Adding a Built-In Grill
Something as simple as a permanent outdoor cooking station with a built-in grill can make a big difference in convenience when it comes to outdoor cooking by simply providing a place to put various utensils and platters, as well as a reasonable amount of counter space for prepping and staging ingredients. A few basics to keep in mind:

• Locating the grill within steps of the kitchen will make it easier to carry ingredients and food back and forth.
• Pay attention to prevailing winds and locate the grill downwind of guest seating.
• A roof over the cooking area ensures that a little rain won’t interfere with grilling plans.
• Proper lighting is key for any built-in grilling station so you can see what you’re cooking.

For many homeowners, combining a built-in grilling station with a food bar and seating area is the next logical step. If cost is an issue, this can be planned simply, without any additional amenities. However, this is often the transition point where the desire for greater convenience translates into more amenities, which takes the project from a built-in cooking station to an outdoor kitchen.

Or an Outdoor Kitchen
Homeowners who don’t want to find themselves running in and out of the house a lot usually want the added convenience of a sink and a small refrigerator. The addition of plumbing, particularly if it’s not right next to the house, can add significantly to the cost but the added convenience is well worth it to many, especially knowing these amenities will add value to their home. Also, cooking outside keeps the heat out of your home, which should reduce your utility bills.

Once a homeowner has decided to install an outdoor kitchen, just as with an indoor kitchen, the sky’s the limit in terms of amenities. Kitchens can include everything from cabinetry, sinks, pizza ovens, cooktops, smokers, and warming drawers to ice machines, wine chillers, keg tappers, refrigerators, freezers, and more.

The trend of outdoor living shows no sign of slowing down, and, in fact, the demands for features homeowners want (and what they are willing to spend for them) is increasing. If an outdoor kitchen or built-in grill station is in your future, Bonick Landscaping can help design and build a custom outdoor kitchen or built-in grill station that meets your needs, your budget, and your dreams. Call us at 972-243-9673.

Photo courtesy of Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet

For over 30 years, Bonick Landscaping has served Dallas area clients with the highest standards looking for out-of-the-ordinary luxury landscape design and pools by offering the best in service, workmanship, and plantings. Services include hardscape and landscape design, pool designs, pool construction and installation, estate management, lawn care services and garden maintenance, pool maintenance, and more. For discerning clients in Dallas who want to express their own distinctive style through their landscaping, Bonick Landscaping can help you realize your dream. Call us at 972-243-9673 or visit our website at www.bonicklandscaping.com.