Planning Your Outdoor Patio Kitchen Budget

Having an outdoor patio kitchen is hard to beat. Whether you plan on having a party or just a small family barbeque, this is one addition that gives you a lot of utility. Having said that, there is a lot that goes into adding this amazing feature to your home, so it’s really important that you don’t just jump right in. 

As with any project, your budget is going to have a big impact on what you can do, but this is especially important with outdoor patios since you have so many options available to you. Luckily, we’ve got your back. If you spend the proper time looking into all of your options and preparing your budget, you should have nothing to worry about.

The Basics

Start with the basics and the necessities. Get estimates for gas and electricity first and move on from there. Where you want to put your kitchen is going to be a deciding factor in the price tag so decide which area is going to have the best lighting and where it’s going to fit in aesthetically. 

Permits

It’s good to have an idea in mind beforehand, but the regulations of your area may dictate what you’re able to do. Anytime you undertake a project involving gas, water, or electricity, you will likely need some form of permit, so make sure you get that nailed down before you get your heart set on anything. That goes for HOAs as well. 

The Grill

Once you have the foundation, move on to the centerpiece. What are you looking for in terms of the grill? You can either get a portable grill if you want a little more flexibility, or you build it into the design of the kitchen. The range in price is pretty wide for this option, so make sure to do your research. 

Appliances and Features

What other basics are you looking for? Is a fridge a must have on your list? What about a hand washing sink and prep station? These are going to be fairly significant additions budget-wise, so if you have your heart set on them, make sure you account for them before you get to the other details. 

Climate

You also want to think about the climate that you live in in the earlier stages. If you get a lot of rain throughout the year, some variance of overhang might be an important investment, but if that’s the case, you need to account for it in terms of both design and price tag. 

Style and Materials

Dive into the details. Now that you have a rough blueprint of your plans, you can start to think about the aesthetics. What kind of style are you searching for? Does your yard have a certain look that you want to match, or do you plan to have the kitchen as the centerpiece? There are a lot of options out there in regards to materials and styles, so make sure you reach out to your contractor to get the answers you need. 

Storage 

How much space do you have to work with and what are you going to be using it for? If you have room for storage space, what do you want to prioritize? It’s always convenient to have your cooking utensils at arm’s length, but maybe you want to add a little more room for plates and silverware. If you plan on adding a bar into the equation, you’ll more than likely want space for glasses as well. 

Lighting

This one really depends on the design that you have in mind. Overhead lighting is a great addition if there are any late night gatherings in your future. If that’s the case, you might also want to consider path lighting to ensure people can get around the yard safely. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to add a little bit of accent lighting to really make those design features pop. 

Electronics

How deep do you want to dive? Do you want to add in a sound system? Maybe you want to go a step further and install a television. You could even go one step further and install smart home controls for both. Add in some heaters and you’ve got a year round entertainment oasis. It all depends on what you want to use your kitchen for and how often you want to use it. 

Conclusion

A patio kitchen is a big investment, but it’s also one of the most useful and fun additions you can make. As long as you are diligent about creating your budget and mulling over your options, you should be able to create the outside getaway you’ve been dreaming of.

If you’re considering building an outside patio kitchen in the Roseville, Folsom, or the greater Sacramento area and you have questions, reach out to the friendly experts at Vinson. We’ll make sure you get moving in the right direction.