Buying Homes With Outdoor Kitchens

Buying homes with outdoor kitchens is popular in warm climates, but many home buyers in snow country want outdoor kitchens, too, even though they might use it only a few months out of the year.

Now, ordinarily it would be fabulous if a home with an outdoor kitchen would cost the same as a home without one, but the inclusion does add to the bottom-line value of a home. The trick is to figure out how much this amenity increases the sales price over a similar home without an outdoor kitchen, as well as comparing it to a home with a less expensive outdoor entertainment design. The retail cost, for example, of grill islands, varies wildly and depends on brand name, type of installation and configuration. Not to mention, appliances depreciate in value as they age.

Before you buy a home with an outdoor kitchen, make a list of what's included and get everything inspected. Ask for warranties on the appliances, too. Here are suggestions of things to include in your purchase offer that will protect your interests, along with tips on how to size up that outdoor kitchen and choose an appropriate offer price . . . read more

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