At first thought, there might not seem to be any downsides to an outdoor barbecue grill or kitchen in your backyard. But just as with any major addition to your home, it’s not a choice that should be made lightly. It’s important to consider the pros and cons of such an addition before putting in the time and money it would require.
Today, we’re going to go over the biggest pros and cons of adding an outdoor barbecue to your backyard, as well as the pros and cons of doing it yourself (versus hiring a professional to design and install it for you).
Is adding a built-in outdoor barbecue a good investment?
First of all, let’s consider whether or not this addition is even a good idea. There are several pros and cons to consider before you make this decision.
PRO: Increase the value of your home.
A built-in outdoor barbecue or kitchen is almost certainly going to increase the value of your home. Not only does it add to the usable living space of your home, but it also gives the entire yard an upscale, luxury look (especially if it’s done right).
PRO: More to enjoy outdoors.
Some backyards are woefully underused. Adding an outdoor barbecue to your space will undoubtedly get you outside more often, allowing you to enjoy the great outdoors and the comforts of home at the same time. That’s hard to beat!
CON: Cost.
Adding an outdoor barbecue is probably going to require a hefty investment. There are certainly things you can do to mitigate the cost, including doing as much of it yourself as you can (which we’ll discuss in a bit). However, you should definitely plan on spending a significant amount.
CON: Maintenance.
While many people consider a built-in outdoor kitchen to be an upgrade, some people may see it and just see extra work. It’s true that it gives you another space to keep clean (especially important since it will be used to serve food), so that’s definitely something to keep in mind before you move forward.
Should you DIY your outdoor barbecue?
Handy homeowners may be tempted to DIY their outdoor barbecue, whether that means doing the design, the general contracting, or even the actual labor themselves. There are, of course, pros and cons to taking this route.
PRO: Save on cost.
Yes, DIY-ing this project may save you some money. Being able to do your own design, shop around, or even do some of the labor yourself will help cut back on cost, turning a very expensive project into something more affordable.
PRO: Customize.
When you’re designing or building your outdoor barbecue yourself, you’re able to customize to your heart’s content. You can create the exact space you want, using the exact materials and products you want.
CON: Quality.
As is the case with most DIY projects, the result is often not quite the same as what you would get from a professional. For some people, it might be worth hiring the job out, simply to feel more confident about the quality and professionalism of the end result. Professionals are also very knowledgeable about trends, product brands, and best practices when it comes to outdoor kitchens, which means that in the long run, you might get more bang for your buck (and be happier with the result).
CON: More work for you.
DIY projects require a lot of time and effort. They might save you some money now, but considering how much work they take, plus the potentially lower quality of the end result, the financial savings might not be worth the tradeoff. A professional landscape design company can help your project go smoothly, allowing you to make big decisions while offering professional advice and managing the entire project.
There are clearly pros and cons when it comes to DIY outdoor barbecues, and you should take all this information into consideration before deciding what to do with your outdoor space. Whatever you decide, we strongly encourage at least talking to a professional landscaping company about helping you design and install your outdoor barbecue. The cost may be less than you think, and you’ll probably be thrilled with the result!
