If you’re looking to sell your home fast in Seattle, one of the most effective ways to make your home more attractive to buyers is adding an outdoor kitchen to your home. Since the start of the pandemic, outdoor kitchens have become one of the most desired home features by buyers because they enjoy dining al fresco or want an elaborate space for hosting guests.
While adding an outdoor kitchen to your home can cost between $1,000 and $100,000 depending on the complexity, homeowners on average see over a 70% return on investment. To help you make sense of your options, we’ve provided a few highlights below.
The cost of a budget-friendly outdoor kitchen
Entry-level outdoor kitchens generally cost as little as $4,500, with much of the budget going into purchasing a quality built-in grill. Since the grill is the core of an outdoor kitchen, you need to invest in the best one you can afford. While quality grills cost around $2,000, you can make most of your budget by purchasing tile countertops which can cost as little as $1 per square foot. Tile is also durable and easy to clean.
At this price point, you’ll likely need to choose a pre-made outdoor kitchen island because for a customized kitchen, you’ll have to budget 70% of your budget on labor alone. To make your home stand out even more, you could install a pergola overhead.
The cost of a mid-range outdoor kitchen
Mid-range outdoor kitchens cost $13,000 on average and have three main parts, a mini-fridge, grill, and a countertop base with a sink or workspace. As with entry-level kitchens, you’ll need to invest in your grill because that’s the main component of outdoor dining. For the refrigerator, be sure to choose one that is rated for outdoor use.
Mid-range outdoor kitchens generally have at least 36 inches of counter space on either side of the grill, however, adding an outdoor sink can add 18 to 24 inches on either side, and you also have to factor in plumbing costs. Those can add $300 to $1,500 to the overall costs. We suggest aiming to have at least a mid-range outdoor kitchen if possible because doing so will help make your home more attractive to buyers looking for their next property.
The cost of a high-end outdoor kitchen
The cost of high-end outdoor kitchens varies greatly, starting at $30,000 up to $65,000 on average. These setups not only include a grill and refrigerator for food prep, but also feature specialty appliances such as wine coolers, warming drawers, dishwashers, and pizza ovens.
In addition to investing in quality appliances, homeowners that have a high-end outdoor kitchen also invest in a solid framework such as natural stone finishing and/or steel framing. Other components include weatherproof cabinets, granite countertops and a patio enclosure.
Many homeowners with high-end outdoor kitchens also install complimentary amenities such as a built-in fire pit table which can cost a couple hundred to a couple thousand dollars. Although fire-pit tables carry an upfront cost, homeowners generally recoup over 80% of the fire pit costs at resale.
