by Dr. Michael Smith

Created on: May 31, 2009

Among the hottest ideas for sprucing up your home and property is the addition of an outdoor kitchen and living space. While not inexpensive, this wonderful outdoor area can add beauty, functionality, and grace to your home, and hours of enjoyment, whether it is a simply cookout or large family get together. A step-by-step process to achieving this wonderful dream will make the project an easy goal to attain.

First, plan carefully to pick the best location for the new living space. Considerations like plumbing, electrical and position relative to other areas are important. Give careful thought to where you place your new outdoor space, because like adding a room to your home, it cannot be easily moved later. If you plan a true outside kitchen space with a sink and electrical hookup, you will need to locate near existing utilities and water lines. Consulting a professional designer will prove invaluable at the onset of the project.

Another consideration is available space. If your neighbors are near and the space is small think about placing your outdoor living space where you can enjoy the most privacy. Think about the relative closeness or distance of the outdoor kitchen to the indoor, and the positives and negatives associated with each. How will your space look to your neighbors, from inside the house, and from the street are also important points. Be sure the overall size is relative to your house as well. A space that is too large for your house and property can seriously hurt resale and curb appeal.

Second, will your outdoor area connect to the house or be freestanding? Obviously, connecting to the house has its advantages. It will be cheaper to use an existing structure to connect the space, and existing walls will also buffer the space from wind and weather. Attaching to the house means you will need to match the design and materials of the new area to the existing, which may or may not be an easy project.

A separate area away from the house adds more of a retreat feel to your outings. It becomes, in a sense, a hideaway and gives a nice ambiance to your gatherings, but may be less convenient. With or without a separate structure the outdoor kitchen becomes a magnet to family and friends and provides a relatively inexpensive get-away for relaxation.

The outdoor kitchen allows you to prepare food, cook, and even clean up without missing out on all the fun. Consideration to the layout for the cooking area, prep area, etc. can encourage others to

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