Skip to main content

To add value to your home – or just enjoy living there yourself – quality kitchen renovations are always high on the wish-list. But if re-building your inside kitchen seems like a job that’s too big for now think about creating an outdoor kitchen you’ll love – and just in time for a perfect summer filled with lazy evenings by the barbecue. Refinancing on your mortgage can give you access to the funds you need to make these improvements without impacting on your own cash-flow and, if the project is done well, your investment will be sure to pay off.

In fact, many real estate experts say that a well-designed outdoor kitchen can deliver a solid return-on-investment, with some estimating a 100%-200% return on your initial outlay, when it comes to the value it adds to your home. It’s good news if you’re looking to sell in the not-too-distant future and great news for anyone who wants maximum pleasure in this warm summer months ahead.

But creating a great outdoor kitchen takes planning and there are some important things to consider before creating your special outdoor space. 

What’s the Climate Like?

Where you live determines how much use your outdoor kitchen will get – so be realistic. If you’re in a very cold climate, looking at minimising your spend might make more sense. But if you’re in a climate that lends itself to balmy evenings out-of-doors, then your kitchen might just become one of the favourite places in your house. Of course, additions and adjustments can be made as winter approaches too, with fireplaces and coverings extending the life of your outdoor kitchen for year-round use (something to think about while you make your initial design decisions).

How Big Does Your Outdoor Kitchen Need to Be?

Thinking about how many people are in your family and how many people you would love to have at family gatherings is an important thing to think about when designing an outdoor kitchen space so is practical and user-friendly. If you’re looking for a space to have sit-down meals together, you’ll need a table that accommodates everyone you love – and a barbecue big enough to cook the food.

What Materials Do You Plan To Use?

All-weather kitchens need quality materials that are built for outdoor usage. Look for materials that withstand rain and harsh sunlight to ensure that your investment is built to last.

Since this kitchen lives outdoors, you’ll want to use quality materials that can withstand any type of weather. The last thing you need is for it to fall to pieces in the next rainstorm because you skimped on materials. Choosing recycled materials can be good for the environment (keeps them out of landfill) and good for your budget too. Talk to your design specialist about your choices and trim costs without compromising quality.

Is Plumbing Required?

For the perfect outdoor kitchen that is convenient and classy, having a water or gas line integrated with your design is great. Bear in mind that plumbing can be expensive, so crunch your numbers and think about your long-term vision for the space to make sure the decision is right for you. The closer your outdoor kitchen is to the house, the more affordable the plumbing will be.

What Features Do You Need?

Landscaping, access to power, sun/weather protection, plumbing and a pizza oven are all things to consider when planning your dream outdoor kitchen area. Talk to your family about how you would love to use the space – covering everything from reclining and reading, to cooking up a storm, before you commit to the design that suits your lifestyle loves the best.

Make sure you think carefully about the lighting too – to make the most of your space, it needs to be liveable for your needs.

The more bells and whistles your outdoor kitchen has, the more likely it will be to add value to your home, but things do date so if upping your house price is your main motivation get expert advice and create your outdoor kitchen within a couple of years of your proposed selling date before it starts to look old and worn. If the outdoor kitchen is more about a space for you and your loved ones to enjoy in style, then your only limitations should be your budget (and your realistic appraisal of what you will actually use). Talking to your mortgage broker will help you understand how much you can unlock without breaking your repayment budget.

For advice about refinancing your property to build the outdoor kitchen of your dreams, talk to our team at Lending Specialists today and make this summer your best one yet.

Call us on 03 8805 1800 or email: info@lendingspecialists.com.au

Leave a Reply