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Health & Fitness

Outdoor Home Investments Pay Off

Thinking about adding a living space outdoors? Read here to learn how to make the best of your investment.

With the weather warming up and summer around the corner, homeowners are gearing up to move outdoors. Dining al fresco has never been more appealing. In recent years, there has been a surge of interest in outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and patios. There is a rising trend toward open-air living space that is as accessible and inviting as any room indoors.

More and more properties feature the types of outdoor amenities that were once the province of only the very wealthy, and these features range from simple and functional to more extravagant. The return on an investment in an outdoor kitchen depends on the amount you wish to spend, but with the recent surge in popularity of outdoor home dining makes this home improvement a good bet. If you are considering this type of project, now is the time of year to get the ball rolling.

Aside from being great for gatherings and socializing, having a kitchen and dining area outdoors eliminates some of the indoor mess and hassle of food preparation and makes for a more “inclusive” cooking experience. If you make the decision to create an outdoor living space, you will want it to reflect your taste as well as your budget, whether you opt for a rustic, outdoorsy feel or something a little more elegant. By using the space at your disposal, you can create an outdoor living area that is an organic part of your yard or a discrete, open-air “room” or “suite.” If you’re enterprising and have budget constraints, you can put ideas into play yourself, but for those with a more professional look in mind, it might be useful to hire a contractor to help design the area.

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Here are a few elements to keep in mind when crafting your outdoor living space:

Appliances

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While it’s important to keep in mind durability and weathering when selecting your kithcen equipment, there are many quality cooking appliances available for use outdoors. In terms of your cooking element, there are many methods to choose from. The simplest and most common is a gas or charcoal grill. Many outdoor kitchens also incorporate a wood-burning oven, outdoor fireplace, or fire pit. Some include gas burners.. Barbecue aficionados might opt to include a smoker or mesquite grill. Higher end outdoor kitchens often include ample countertop space, drawers and cabinets for storage, a sink, and refrigeration.

Utility connections will be key in making some appliance choices. You might want to consider running a natural gas line to the kitchen area or tapping into an existing line. Plumbing is a must in order to accommodate hot and cold running water.

Living Space

The living space surrounding outdoor kitchen appliances is just as important as the appliances you choose. If you have an existing deck or patio, you may wish to develop the space into a living area. Whether you choose to put in an island and bar area with stools or opt for a simple outdoor dining set, you’ll want to consider protecting your space from the elements. Some kitchens incorporate a roof or pergola; in others, a simple umbrella will suffice to protect diners from weather. Certain roofs and coverings allow for cooking outdoors year round and even in inclement weather.

Ambiance

Lighting is also a key feature to consider when designing an outdoor living area. Evenings are often a lovely time to relax outside, and inviting lighting enhances the experience. There are many options to create mood, whether lighting is built in or achieved through strands of hanging lights. Gas and traditional tiki torches are a lighting option that maintains an outdoorsy atmosphere.

Flow

You’ll want to consider the flow of your outdoor space just as you would your indoor entertaining areas. Keep your cooking area accessible. If possible, opting for a location near your indoor kitchen means less running around with dishes and ingredients that you keep inside the house. You’ll want seating to be near your cooking area, but not so close that it will get in your way. Make sure the design complements your home and surrounding areas of your property.

If you are taking into account the return on your investment in your outdoor living space, it’s a good idea to talk to your real estate agent to get an idea of what sells in your area. Your agent can provide insight on the current value of your home and what sort of investment is prudent should you resell. In the meantime, you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of your undertaking.

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