Q: Do I need to know exactly what I want before hiring an outdoor kitchen contractor?

• <div><p>No, even if you have a vague idea of what you want, it&rsquo;s a good idea to reach out to a contractor that specializes in outdoor kitchens for assistance. Professionals who have constructed kitchens for other homeowners can not only help you think about the functionality and convenience of your outdoor space&mdash;which many homeowners neglect&mdash;but they can also help you choose high-quality, durable materials that meet your budget and match the rest of your outdoor space. In fact, it&rsquo;s often better to contact a contractor and get the ball rolling before you have a solidified plan for your outdoor kitchen.</p></div>

Question 1

Do I need to know exactly what I want before hiring an outdoor kitchen contractor?

Accepted Answer

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No, even if you have a vague idea of what you want, it’s a good idea to reach out to a contractor that specializes in outdoor kitchens for assistance. Professionals who have constructed kitchens for other homeowners can not only help you think about the functionality and convenience of your outdoor space—which many homeowners neglect—but they can also help you choose high-quality, durable materials that meet your budget and match the rest of your outdoor space. In fact, it’s often better to contact a contractor and get the ball rolling before you have a solidified plan for your outdoor kitchen.

Question 2

How much does a DIY outdoor kitchen cost?

Accepted Answer

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On average, installing a DIY outdoor kitchen costs between $4,550 and $19,000, which is about $1,500 to $6,000 less than having one professionally installed. Many variables factor into the cost of installing an outdoor kitchen, such as the type of material, accessibility to the job site, and the potential costs of hiring a professional electrician or plumber, as well as any necessary permits.

Question 3

Is it better to build or buy a pizza oven?

Accepted Answer

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The decision to make or buy your outdoor pizza oven depends on your personal preferences, budget, and time. If you pay a professional to build a custom pizza oven, the cost will likely be higher than retail costs. If you purchase materials to create an oven, you can typically build an elaborate one for less money, but there’s a risk that you’ll injure yourself or make a costly building error.

Question 4

Do you need planning permission for an outdoor kitchen?

Accepted Answer

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In many cases, you will not need permits to install an outdoor kitchen because it’s not usually considered a permanent structure and doesn’t require a foundation. If you run natural gas lines to a grill, plumbing lines to an outdoor sink, or electrical lines for lighting and power, your contractor will likely need to pull permits.

However, every municipality is different, so you should defer to a professional outdoor kitchen contractor to confirm which portions of your outdoor kitchen project require building permits.

Question 5

How do you weatherproof an outdoor kitchen?

Accepted Answer

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Weatherproofing and winterizing your outdoor kitchen is extremely important, especially if you experience intense weather events. Make sure to choose weather-resistant furniture and waterproof containers to store ingredients. Also, go with a high-quality grill that’s built to last and protect your cabinets with sealant or varnish. Finally, invest in a covering of some kind for when it rains or snows.