home additions, kitchen remodeling

There is a popular adage: The kitchen is the heart of the home. What’s better than one heart? Two. Why limit your family’s social gatherings to your indoor kitchen when you can expand the love into the great outdoors? One of the most requested springtime remodeling services in Needham and one of the most requested remodeling services in Massachusetts is adding an outdoor kitchen.

Now that the weather is delightful, it’s an ideal time to invest in an outdoor kitchen you’ll enjoy and will boost your home’s resale value. As excited as you may be to embark upon your project, it’s smart to spend some time thinking through your vision so the project is as rewarding as it can be. Here are a few tips!

Be Realistic About What Appliances You Need and Will Actually Use

It’s safe to assume you will want a high-end barbecue grill in your outdoor kitchen, and perhaps a big-screen TV for game nights. Beyond that, you can have as many or as few bells and whistles as you desire. It makes no sense to invest in appliances you won’t use! There is no one-size-fits-all formula, but some appliances to greenlight include smokers, pizza ovens, ice makers, fridges, sinks, Keg-a-rators and others. If you do want a sink, keep in mind running plumbing can be a significant expense. Not all outdoor kitchen remodeling in Needham needs to be elaborate!

Remodeling services can help you design an outdoor kitchen.

Consider How Traffic Will Flow

If you have young kids around the home or some of your guests will come with kids in tow, pay attention to the location of your outdoor kitchen. Is it easy to get to a bathroom or pool? If you’re meticulous about your house being clean, you may not want to have folks traipsing back and forth from the outdoor kitchen area through your living room. Discuss logistics with your contractor.

Splurge on Storage and Seating to Maximize Versatility

You may have decided to forego a Keg-a-rator or wine refrigerator for your outdoor kitchen. Use the space and money you’ll save to add more storage and seating. Benches are great additions to any outdoor kitchen. Storage benches are even better! Ample storage and seating will help ensure you will be ready for unexpected guests and impromptu backyard barbecue sessions with the neighbors.

Additionally, it will be far more convenient to store your grilling tools, seat cushions, towels, candles and other accessories nearby so you won’t have to hunt for them each time you grill out. With ample storage, you can stock up on essentials like firewood if you have an outdoor fireplace and bug repellant, which is always a necessity during certain times of the year.

Are you inspired to expand your outdoor living space by adding a crowd-pleasing outdoor kitchen? Contact us at Colony Home Improvement to discuss your vision. We have more than 30 years of diverse home remodeling services in Needham and the surrounding areas.