Homeowners are building outdoor kitchens and living spaces to include much more than merely a place to put their barbeque and picnic table.  This is increasingly common in the Folsom CA real estate marketplace.  Below are some helpful hints on things to consider when designing a great outdoor space for your family.

Location is one of the most important considerations, whether it is backyard or side yard sited (a good idea for making full use of an under-used outdoor area.) It is probably best to locate the outdoor kitchen option where it is not directly visible from the house, since it can occasionally turn into a view of dirty dishes and unbridled activity. Under-counter shelving can help, or the use of outdoor cabinetry may be in order. This cabinetry is generally weatherproof and based on concrete blocks.

Counter space is something you'll not want to skimp on when planning the outdoor kitchen. As with indoor varieties, 36 inches of washable room either side of the grill is optimum. And the grill, of course, is the centerpiece here. Built-in grills are offered through many sources, such as Weber, Ducane, or Napoleon. Some distributors can offer pre-cast surrounds in brick or stucco, or help you choose models designed to fit into your pre-designed countertop. Because friends and family tend to "hang out" around the grill to watch the chef at his handiwork, you'll want to allow plenty of room to move in this area. Try not to jam your table and chairs too close to this important space. Gas grills offer the most convenience, build-in-ability and temperature control, so think long and hard before deciding if charcoal taste is the most important element of your outdoor cooking agenda.

As for sinks, stainless steel is preferable, due to their non-corrosive nature. Refrigerators need not be full-blown varieties, with many under-counter types available. A trash compactor is not a bad idea for an outdoor kitchen, keeping messy by-products of outdoor eating to a minimum. Make sure your electrician arranges for GFI outlets (ground-fault interrupters) which are required for outdoor plugs, and part of most local building codes. When building your outdoor kitchen along with your new home, your building superintendent or contractor will best know what is required, since their sub-contractors installations will have to be inspected and signed off by local entities before completion.

Outdoor living can help homeowners extend their living space, reaping the most use out of their property's square footage, while helping to focus activities on fresh air pursuits. The outdoor kitchen is yet another phenomenon no longer reserved for only the wealthy among us, and can be as easily planned or added to a small yard area as into the close-in area of a much larger home site. It can also add convenience, provide a fresh setting for entertaining, and add substantial value to your home.

Call me at 916-502-4420 or email me at anaiman@connectrealty.com.