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No. Placing a built-in grill against the house is discouraged due to safety concerns. Building codes and regulations often require a minimum distance (typically 10 feet or more) between a gas grill and any combustible structure, including a house. Placing a grill too close poses a fire hazard and risks damage to the siding or structure, potentially leading to carbon monoxide buildup. It's essential to consult local building codes, follow manufacturer guidelines, and prioritize safety by positioning the grill at a safe distance, ideally in a well-ventilated outdoor kitchen or designated grill area.

Yes, you need a hood for an outdoor kitchen. A ventilation hood is required over each cooking appliance, including grills, griddles, and woks. If these cooking surfaces are all in the same area, you can consolidate the hood to one single ventilation unit above the grouping of cooking appliances. A single ventilation hood may require custom fabrication, which may increase the cost compared to mass-produced options.

Your maintenance needs revolve around the type of foundation you choose, as well as how you furnish or decorate it. Patios require little else other than the occasional hose-down, but decks and other wooden structures will require annual power washing and sealing. You may also need to restain the wood every two to three years.

Adding a solid roof rather than building a pergola or leaving the space open will make maintenance much easier. Without a roof, you will need to spend more time sweeping, washing, and covering your furniture to protect it from UV bleaching.

In most cases, an outdoor kitchen will significantly increase your property value. Outdoor kitchens beautify your yard and add utility to it, not only for you to enjoy but also to entice buyers to offer more for your home. Opting for higher-quality materials and a professional installation will make a big difference in terms of the return on investment from your outdoor kitchen installation. The only exception is if your outdoor kitchen takes up a large portion of your yard, which could be seen as a drawback to some people.