At Home Living: Outdoor kitchen also great place to congregate

When entertaining, where do most people at a party like to congregate? In the kitchen.

Where would be an even better place for partygoers to congregate when the weather is nice?

In an outdoor kitchen.

Its like continuing the living room and the kitchen outside, says Jason Keller at Wolfes Landscape and Irrigation, Inc. in Topeka. Youre stretching the living area from the inside outside.

Keller adds that outdoor kitchensalso known as patio kitchens--are becoming more frequent and sometimes even include running water, sinks, electricity, refrigeratorseverything except a dishwasher, he jokes.

Other over-the-top luxuries can include mosquito misters, outdoor air conditioning and lot-length counter tops.

With gas lines, water lines, sewer lines and electric lines, Keller says the projects can grow quickly in complexityand cost.

Ive seen some homeowners do it, Keller said. But it takes a lot of time. They can do it if they are mechanically inclined.

But be prepared to pay.

He says a simple and small outdoor kitchen could cost in the $5,000 range. From there, it depends upon how many amenities the homeowner wants. Keller says if thats the case, expect to pay what a typical total indoor remodeling might cost--$30-$50,000.

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At Home Living: Outdoor kitchen also great place to congregate