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Actively maintaining your home can keep small repairs from turning into major (expensive) ones and can help enhance the value of your property. Whether you plan to sell in the near or far-off future, here are some simple (and relatively low-cost) ways to protect the value of your home over time.

Update, Update, Update

If a home that’s for sale has an updated anything, the real estate listing will scream it out in ALL CAPS. This can apply to appliances, cabinetry, countertops, flooring, bathroom remodels, kitchen remodels, and more.

If your kitchen is due for an update, try to keep in mind that this doesn’t necessarily mean stripping it to the studs and starting from scratch. A small kitchen update may do the trick. Are the cabinets in good shape? Consider a fresh coat of paint or stain to reflect the latest color trends.

In addition, something as simple as upgrading to matching appliances or installing a garbage disposal or water filtration system could help maintain value — even if they’re not top-of-the-line.

Also keep in mind that “update” means bringing the home’s aesthetics into line with current styles — replacing brass fixtures for brushed bronze, for example, or swapping out carpet for wood. For instance, a recent Zillow survey found that painting a kitchen graphite gray can boost the selling price of a property by more than $2,500.

Other, more expensive updates might adjust the actual layout of the home. If your current house only has one bathroom, is it possible to find a space for another half bath? Are there unused rooms or wasted space that could be updated to become more functional?

Recommended: 10 Small-Bathroom Remodel Ideas

Keeping Your Roof in Good Repair

Replacing a roof is costly, so it’s a good idea to do what you can to extend the life of your current roof as long as possible. A roof that shows signs of wear and tear can also be a big red flag to potential home buyers.

To maintain the value of your roof (and avoid other costly problems like leaks), you’ll want to replace any missing shingles or damaged areas as soon as possible. It’s also a good idea to have your roof cleaned regularly to remove any algae, moss, and mold that can damage the roof over time. Finally, be sure to get your gutters cleaned regularly so water can drain rather than collect on your roof.

Recommended: The Ultimate House Maintenance Checklist

Keeping Your Exterior Paint in Good Shape

Maintaining your home’s exterior paint not only helps your house look attractive and well cared for but also protects it from moisture. When paint starts peeling, water can find a way in, which can cause your siding to rot over time. Replacing sections of your siding can end up being a much costlier project than periodically freshening up your paint.

It’s a good idea to give your exterior paint job a look-over once a year to see if you any areas may need attention. This can help your paint job last longer and save money in the long run.

Pruning Your Trees and Shrubs

Maintaining your yard is a lot of work if you do it yourself and costly if you hire a landscaper. But neglect can cause dead branches or an entire tree to fall in a heavy rain or wind storm, and can cause significant damage to your home. Overgrown shrubs can also bring unwanted bugs close to, and eventually inside, your home (more on that below).

It can be worth hiring a tree expert to evaluate and, if necessary, prune your trees once a year. You can regularly trim back hedges and bushes yourself or hire a landscaper to do the job.

Upgrading Energy Efficiency

Making your home more energy efficient is one of those goals that’s great not only if you’re selling, but also if you want to reduce spending on utility bills. And it doesn’t just mean big investments like switching to solar or wind-powered energy. Making your home more energy efficient can also be as simple as replacing bad weather seals, ensuring that the attic has sufficient insulation, paying attention to the air and heating systems, and using energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances.

Upgrading the energy efficiency of your home is something that might even be rolled in with another project, such as maintenance or updating.

Installing Smart Tech

Even if your home is more than 100 years old, adding smart tech can make your property future-ready. Smart home devices (like Nest systems) and apps can also allow you to remotely control your heating and air temperatures, make sure the oven is actually turned off, and even give you a sense of security with security systems or video door bells.

While some types of home tech are hard-wired into the house and others are more portable, even being able to say “wired for surround sound” can be a bonus on a home listing.

Smart home tech is not only quickly becoming a must-have for many homebuyers, adding it to your home can be a perk even if you have no immediate plans to move.

Recommended: What Are Common Uses for Personal Loans?

Keeping the Bugs at Bay

One important job that comes with homeownership is keeping unwanted critters outside where they belong. Public enemy No. 1 in this category? Termites. They can wreak havoc on a home’s wood structures leading to costly repairs.

The problem is so widespread that some home loan companies require buyers to get a “termite letter,” which is basically a guarantee that the home is free from termite damage.

DIY recommendations for keeping the pests at bay can also check off items on the home maintenance list, including keeping gutters and downspouts flowing, filling in any places where water pools around the home or in the yard, filling in cracks in the foundation, pruning shrubbery close to the home, and keeping air vents free and clear.

Beyond termites, there are a variety of other living creatures that can cause damage to a home or surrounding property, including attic squatters like mice or raccoons, carpenter bees, moles, mosquitoes, and even grasshoppers that brunch on beautiful landscaping. Eliminating these pests can be an important step in maintaining the value of your home.

Recommended: What Are the Most Common Home Repair Costs?

Making Improvements Affordable

While some home maintenance projects are relatively low-cost, others require a more significant investment. Before sinking a lot of money into a home maintenance or improvement project, it can be a good idea to use an online home project value estimator that can help determine whether it’s a smart investment.

If you decide to move forward on the project, you’ll want to get estimates from at least three different contractors. Once you know the cost of the project, your next question may be, how are you going to pay for it?

For a small to midsize home maintenance project, you might consider using a home improvement loan. Unlike a home equity loan, these are unsecured personal loans — meaning your home isn’t used as collateral to secure the loan. Lenders decide how much to lend to you and at what rate based on your financial credentials, such as your credit score, income, and how much other debt you have.

With a home improvement personal loan, you receive a lump sum of cash up front you can then use to cover the costs of your home project. You repay the loan (plus interest) in regular installments over the term of the loan, which is often up to seven years.

The Takeaway

Maintaining your property is an important part of being a homeowner. It can help your home function better, be more comfortable for you and your family, and also maintain or increase the value of your investment. A personal loan can be a valuable way to finance home maintenance projects.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.

FAQ

What lowers property value the most?

Among the main issues that lower property value are deferred maintenance, poorly done home improvements, and outdated kitchens and baths.

How can I maintain my house’s value?

To maintain your house’s value, clean and declutter; update kitchen and baths; paint as needed; and work on curb appeal and energy efficiency.

What adds the biggest value to a house?

While the feature that adds the biggest value to a house will vary with each property, typically, a new kitchen and/or bathrooms and an attic or basement remodel will add the most to a home’s potential price tag.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SOPL-Q225-082

Siding helps protect your home from weather and pests and plays a major role in the look of your home. If yours has seen better days, or you’ve never liked the look of your siding, it may be time to consider replacing it. Yes, it can be a big (i.e., expensive) job, currently averaging $11,529, according to the home improvement site Angi. But you will likely get a significant portion of what you spend back when you sell your home, since this home renovation generally has a high return on investment (ROI).

Read on for a look at a few different siding ideas at a variety of price points and their expected ROI.

Eco-Friendly Options

One way to live more sustainably is to choose eco-friendly siding options that reduce the carbon footprint of the project. For example, using recyclable siding materials is one way to be more environmentally friendly, as is selecting material known to be more energy-efficient.

Wood can be a good choice because it’s a renewable and sustainable material that can be sourced locally. Manufacturing processes of wood siding can be more environmentally friendly as well.

Aluminum or steel siding can be a green choice when made from recycled materials. It’s also considered to be an energy-efficient option since metal reflects the sun’s rays, unlike materials that absorb them. In addition, metal siding can be a low-maintenance material.

Fiber cement siding is eco-friendly, crafted from natural materials. Although vinyl siding isn’t formed from the most environmentally friendly materials, there is little waste with this type of siding, and insulated options can be energy-efficient.

Recommended: Solar Panel Financing in 4 Ways

Colors with Curb Appeal

Siding color plays a big part in a home’s curb appeal. Combinations of colors and textures can evoke certain feelings, such as using green siding with wood accents to create a natural feel to a home.

When selecting a color scheme, personal taste enters in, but an overall goal might be a compromise between your favorite hues and materials and blending in with the neighborhood.

Some communities may have homes with more subdued hues while others boast more colorful options.

Colonial homes may look best in a single classic color, while cottage-style or Victorian homes may provide a homeowner with more freedom of expression.

Recommended: Four Ways to Upgrade Your Home

Realistic Textures

In the past, siding materials could look “plastic,” rather than mimicking natural grains and textures. Today, though, siding materials often look more attractive and realistic.

When on a budget, vinyl siding can masterfully imitate wood siding at a lower cost with a greater ease of installation. If on a mid-range budget, an option might be fiber cement siding, which combines sand, cellulose and cement; comes in a variety of colors; and can be imprinted with various patterns.

With a bigger budget, stone and brick veneers are an option, as are stucco and new materials that mimic stucco. These choices can give a home a distinctive appearance.

Costs of Home Siding

The cost of new siding will depend on the size of your house, the type of siding you choose, and where you live. Generally, new siding costs as follows:

•   Vinyl siding: $3-$12 per square foot

•   Stucco: $7-$9 per square foot

•   Wood: $1-$15 per square foot

•   Aluminum: $3-$6 per square foot

•   Brick: $10-$20 per square foot

•   Brick veneer: $3-$10 per square foot

•   Stone: $7-$30 per square foot

•   Stone veneer: $5 to $11 per square foot

•   Fiber cement: $7 to $18 per square foot

As of mid-2025, a full replacement job, on average, can run $11,529, according to Angi. Keep in mind, though, that each project is unique and older homes may have additional issues that will need to be addressed during a home renovation process. Plus, if a home is old enough to be designated as historic, there will likely be guidelines that need to be followed, which can add to the price tag of improvements.

Beside the materials used and the size of the home, other factors that impact cost include the shape of the house, with those having multiple stories or with eaves and turrets typically being more expensive than a home with a more streamlined structure.

Another factor can be the time of year when the siding is installed, with peak seasons usually more expensive than off-season projects.

It can make sense to get a customized quote for a siding project because there are so many factors that can affect the price.

It may be helpful, too, to compare quotes received to what it costs to paint the exterior of a home.

The cost to paint a home’s exterior ranges from $1.50 to $8 per square foot. Although painting is typically less expensive, siding can last for decades, while the exterior of homes often need to be painted every five to 10 years.

Siding ROI

Replacing your old siding can significantly increase the value of your home. Exactly how much it will add to the value will largely depend on the type of material you choose.

Going with fiber cement siding, for example, could add about $17,000 to the value of your home, which translates into about a 88% return on investment.

You may want to use an online ​​home improvement ROI estimator to get a sense of how much your choice of siding will impact the resale value of your home.

Paying for House Siding

If you run the numbers and the cost of your home siding project is more than you can comfortably cover in cash, you may want to consider some type of financing.

One option is to take out a home equity loan or line of credit. These loans are based on the equity you have built up in your home and use your home as collateral for the loan.

Another option is a home improvement loan. This is essentially an unsecured personal loan that is used for home repairs or upgrades. You receive a lump sum up front which you can use to pay for new siding; you then repay the loan (interest plus principal) over a set term, often one to seven years, with regular monthly payments. Interest rates are typically fixed.

Recommended: How to Apply for a Personal Loan

The Takeaway

Siding is your home’s first line of defense against weather and pests and also establishes the look and feel of your property.

Replacing your siding can seem like a big undertaking with typical costs more than $10,000, but fortunately you typically only have to do it once. Plus, you can often make up much of the out-of-pocket cost when you resell your home, thanks to the relatively high ROI on this type of remodel. If you’re interested in replacing your siding but not sure how to cover the costs, a personal loan could help.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.

FAQ

What is the cheapest siding to put on a house?

The most affordable kinds of siding are typically vinyl, wood, brick veneer, and aluminum.

How much does new siding cost?

As of mid-2025, new siding for a house costs an average of $11,529.

Does new siding have a good ROI?

Yes, new siding typically has a good return on investment. Currently, the ROI is 80% of the money spent redoing siding.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SOPL-Q225-074

The latest figures put the average honeymoon cost at about $5,000, Brides.com reports, adding that the average honeymoon lasts around seven days.

There are plenty of ways to save on or save for a honeymoon, though.

Here’s what you need to know about the average honeymoon cost and paying for a trip you’ll never forget.

The Honeymoon Tab

The Knot, a wedding-planning platform, cited a pre-pandemic average honeymoon cost of $5,000, based on an internal study of more than 27,000 couples who married in 2019. That is atop the average cost of a wedding, which The Knot put at $33,000.

The average cost of a honeymoon has increased since then, reflecting couples’ desire for more experiential travel, The Knot says, with 59% of American couples traveling outside the continental U.S. for their honeymoon.

Of course, the honeymoon outlay could be much higher if a couple goes on a luxury getaway or takes an extended trip.

Big-Ticket Honeymoon Items

The cost of a honeymoon can depend on location, amenities, and even the season couples decide to travel. Typically the cost will include:

• Plane, train, or automobile travel

• Accommodations

• Any excursions

• Food and beverages

• Taxes, tips, and fees

Essentially, it’s the same as any other big trip. The only extras may come because you want to make this trip the best it can be (and we don’t blame you).

Ways to Cut Honeymoon Expenses

There are still plenty of ways to save money on a honeymoon. As mentioned, location can play a major factor in the cost of the trip, but there is a secret a lot of travel insiders know and don’t share: Shoulder season.

Shoulder season is that awkward time between the high and low seasons of different destinations. It’s not necessarily that a place is less desirable to visit, but merely a less popular time to go.

The shoulder season in the Caribbean is the early fall (in the Northern Hemisphere, September to November), which is the midst of hurricane season, meaning fewer people tend to book during this time. Honeymooners could score great deals on flights and accommodations, and find more restaurant and excursion reservations available.

Hawaii, a perennial honeymoon destination favorite, has shoulder seasons of April through June, after all the school breaks end, and September to December, right before the holiday travel rush.

Check to see when your desired location’s shoulder season may fall, and if you wish, book in this window for the chance to save a little money.

Two other ideas:

Forage for great fares. Another way to cut back on typical honeymoon expenses is to hunt for the best flights possible if you’re traveling by air. This can be done by signing up for newsletter or alert services like Next Vacay, which sends daily emails with cheap flight deals, or similar services like Going and Skyscanner.

Use points or miles. One more way to lessen the financial strain of a honeymoon is to dig into credit card rewards such as points or miles. Check to see if your points can be used on flights, accommodations, or activities, and use them as you please. Don’t forget to check on any of those frequent flyer miles you’ve got hanging around either.

Paying for a Honeymoon

There are a number of ways couples can finance their honeymoon. Here are a few.

Join a honeymoon registry. The first, and perhaps most festive for a wedding, is to ask your friends and family to get involved with a honeymoon registry.

A honeymoon registry is a new twist on the wedding registry tradition. Rather than ask for gifts like china that comes out of the closet once every 10 years, couples can instead ask their guests to gift them money that they may use toward their honeymoon.

Some couples take the honeymoon registry a step further by registering at places like Honeyfund or Zola for specific honeymoon items rather than a blanket ask. This can include a specific hotel stay or merely an upgrade, scuba lessons or ski tickets, or dining at one special restaurant during the trip.

Carve out a honeymoon savings fund. Another way to finance your honeymoon is by starting your own honeymoon budget. Once you’ve decided as a couple where you’d like to travel on your first trip as the newly betrothed, you can estimate how much the trip will cost.

From there, you can start a fund where you put in a little each day, week, or a month from income or through any cutbacks you’re willing to make to your personal budgets to turn this dream trip into a reality.

Decide to camp out in Uncle Jeremy’s backyard. And grill hot dogs for days. It will be unforgettable. Just sayin’.

Take out a personal loan. A personal wedding or honeymoon loan can be used for just about anything you want. Yes, that means it can be used to cover any and all costs of a honeymoon.

The Takeaway

The average honeymoon costs around $5,000. But clearly, that number can vary greatly depending on when and where honeymooners travel, for how long, and the level of luxury. With more couples lusting for experiential travel, the average tab has grown.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.

Photo credit: iStock/DragonImages

SOPL-Q225-084

Whether you’re a recent grad relocating to a city for job opportunities or a family heading cross-country to be closer to relatives, moving to another state represents a major change in your daily life.

It can be full of excitement (and some nostalgia), complicated, and expensive. Here are some things to keep in mind to make it go as smoothly as possible.

Is It Hard to Move to Another State?

Generally speaking, moving to a new state may take some work, and planning for it might need to happen well in advance to ensure everything stays on track.

You’ll want to consider things like potential neighborhoods to live in, crime rates, the school system, transportation options, and walkability. Before you move, you may also want to think about what items you’ll want to take with you (and what you’ll need to donate), what your moving budget is, and whether it makes sense to hire professional movers.

A Simple Checklist For Moving Out of State

Sometimes, a good old-fashioned moving checklist is the easiest way to ensure things get done on time:

1. ⃞ Find a place to live. This means either renting or buying a home. You may need to stay in temporary housing until the new place is ready.

2. ⃞ Select a moving date. If your schedule is flexible and costs are a concern, consider moving during a weekday, which tends to be cheaper than the weekend, or in fall or winter, versus the very busy spring and summer seasons.

3. ⃞ Select a professional mover (if using one). Request a few quotes from reputable movers so you can find a good service and know your moving costs.

4. ⃞ Build a budget based on common moving expenses plus any other cost considerations unique to your move.

5. ⃞ Take stock of and sort your stuff about one month before the move. What needs to come along? What should be tossed? What can be given to charity? Start sorting, selling (there are plenty of places to sell your stuff), packing, trashing, and donating accordingly.

6. ⃞ Cancel old services/start new ones. Schedule the stoppage of utilities like cable, internet, gas, and electric, and set up installations at your new location. It could also be a good time to update or cancel gym memberships, delivery services, subscriptions, etc.

7. ⃞ Gather up boxes and packing supplies. About three weeks before the move, start securing boxes, rolls of packing tape, bubble wrap, and other supplies.

8. ⃞ Pack it all up. You might wait until moving day to get the toothpaste into the “personal items” box, but the two weeks before the move can be spent packing belongings and gathering important documents like leases, moving contracts, and moving expense receipts. See if friends and family can help with this task.

9. ⃞ Say farewell. It might sound cheesy, but giving a thoughtful goodbye to any home that housed you can be helpful for moving ahead. Perhaps the last pie from your favorite local pizzeria is in order.

Recommended: Guide to Unsecured Personal Loans

How Much Money Should You Save to Move Out of State?

When planning how to move to another state, knowing how much to save to cover moving expenses is an important initial step.

The average cross-country move typically costs somewhere between $2,392 and $6,869, according to HomeAdvisor, with the average amount being around $4,575.

Several other factors can influence how much someone should save to move out of state, such as the number of items they’re moving, how far they’re going, and whether they plan to move themselves or hire professionals. In some cases, long distance moving costs could reach $10,000 or more.

Common Moving Expenses

To decide how much money to save for a move out of state, knowing the most common moving expenses can be helpful:

•   A deposit on the new place, which is typically first and last month’s rent/security on an apartment, or a down payment on a new house.

•   Moving costs, or the amount of money it takes to physically move items — whether with rented equipment or professional movers — from point A to point B. As previously mentioned, they average $4,575 for an out-of-state move, but this figure can vary depending on the distance of the move, how much you are transporting, and the company hired.

•   Transportation costs for traveling to the final destination. A fuel cost calculator can be a helpful tool to get an idea of how much to budget for this expense.

•   Packing supplies like boxes, packaging tape, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, markers, etc.

•   Cleaning supplies can get overlooked, but several surfaces might need scouring. From trash bags to all-purpose cleaners, carpet cleaning for pesky pet stains, mops, and more, having some funds saved for a clean slate can prove helpful in the moving process.

•   Repair and maintenance costs might arise from issues like holes in the walls from hanging artwork, a broken light fixture, a torn screen, etc. Taking out a home improvement loan ensures things can be up to snuff in both abodes.

•   New furniture and home decor can help warm up your new home on day one.

•   New driver’s licenses and registrations typically cost less than $100 for a license and up to $275 for a registration.

Recommended: How to Get Approved for a Personal Loan

Ways to Save When Moving to Another State

It can take a lot of time and energy to move to a different state. Luckily, there are several ways to save money in the process:

•   Using cash for moving expenses instead of racking up credit card debt can save money over time.

•   Selling unwanted items is a great way to create space, remove clutter, and acquire some extra moving funds.

•   Packing with free supplies like used boxes or bubble wrap from friends, family or even the town “free stuff” page can help save lots versus buying brand new.

•   Getting help from friends can help you save time which, in turn, can save you money. They can help with sorting, packing, cleaning, and even selling old items to their network.

•   Asking an employer to help with relocation costs can potentially be negotiated, especially if you’re sticking with them in the new state.

•   Relocation loans can be a solid saving option when you need quick cash to move to another state. They can cover a wide range of moving costs, from deposits to storage to professional movers, transportation, and even hotel stays.

The Takeaway

Moving out of state often requires detailed planning, preparation, and lots of considerations — like how to sort and pack belongings, whether to hire professional movers, what the moving budget is, and how to secure funds for moving costs. In terms of financing, ideas include using cash instead of credit, selling unwanted items to raise money, asking an employer for relocation assistance, or taking out a personal loan.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.

FAQ

Is $10,000 enough to move out of state?

Yes, technically $10,000 should more than cover moving expenses. However, also consider the cost of setting up a new home, paying security on a new place, and potentially not having income while you job-hunt. This can mean you may need more than $10,000 when moving out of state.

What is the average cost of moving out of state?

As of mid-2025, the average cost for moving out-of-state is $4,575, according to HomeAdvisor.

What is the cheapest way to move out of state?

A DIY approach is often the most economical way to move out of state. That can mean finding free moving supplies (check freecycle sites and friends who recently relocated), getting help with packing from friends and family, and renting a truck and driving yourself to your new home state.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SOPL-Q225-072

Outdoor kitchen can be a fun and functional addition to your home, but they come with a significant amount of work needed and a hefty price tag, with an average of $16,840 in mid-2025.

Whether you’re looking to spruce up your barbecue area or design a fully equipped kitchen, there are plenty of options and logistics when it comes to building an outdoor kitchen. This guide will go through the steps required, along with some typical costs and considerations for making your home improvement dreams a reality.

Settling on a Location

Before diving into the details of outdoor kitchen designs, settling on a location can help focus your planning and creativity. For starters, you can take stock of existing structures in the yard that could be incorporated into the design, such as patios and decks.

When envisioning options, measure the square footage of potential kitchen areas. This can inform what types of equipment and accessories will fit in the space you have.

Having some essential design features in mind, such as a grill or wood-fired pizza oven, could help guide the siting process, too. If you have your eyes on heavier equipment, like furniture or a bar, you may need to reinforce a deck or patio to safely accommodate the extra weight. Consulting with a professional contractor is advisable to prevent sagging in the floorboards or more severe damage that could lead to a complete backyard remodel.

Slope and distance from the house could also impact the feasibility and cost. Building on an inclined surface might require a more robust foundation than a level area. Situating an outdoor kitchen a greater distance from the home may add the expense of connecting electricity or plumbing, not to mention the practicality of walking back and forth. Adding outlets can cost between $75 and $500 each, according to the home improvement site Angi.

If possible, use existing structures or buildings next to the house to reduce such costs, and integrate an outdoor kitchen with the rest of the living space.

If you need help paying for your backyard sanctuary, a personal loan may be one option to consider. Personal loans are repaid with monthly payments of principal plus interest.

Generally, there is considerable freedom regarding how the borrower spends the money, whether on an outdoor kitchen (a home improvement loan is a kind of personal loan tailored for this purpose) or paying off credit card debt.

Recommended: What Are the Most Common Home Repair Costs?

Creating an Outdoor Kitchen Design

After hashing out where to build, it’s time to delve into the details of the outdoor kitchen design. While browsing through dream kitchens on HGTV can provide inspiration and creative ideas, being realistic with your budget and desired kitchen features can keep you on track.

To avoid the impulse of keeping up with the Joneses (or FOMO spending), it may be beneficial to make a ranked list of possible equipment and design components alongside a budget.

Keeping in mind your own cooking habits and diet can be a useful litmus test to determine what you may use frequently and what could likely accumulate dust. It’s also worth considering how many people you’d like to accommodate.

If you’re overwhelmed with ideas but don’t know where to begin, finding a focal point to design around is one option to consider. For instance, barbecue connoisseurs may want to orient the outdoor kitchen design around the grill, whereas skilled mixologists might prefer to showcase their craft behind a central bar area.

Here are some further ideas for accessories and appliances to outfit an outdoor kitchen.

Grill

A built-in grill can look sharp and tailored within an outdoor kitchen design, but it can’t be wheeled away for additional entertainment space when you’re not cooking. Opting for a freestanding grill could help stretch your budget further and add some flexibility to an outdoor kitchen design.

Kitchen Island

Adding a kitchen island for a mixed-use of counter space and seating can further integrate the cooking and dining space to bring everyone together at a dinner party or family gathering. Opting for the roll-away variety can help you customize an outdoor kitchen depending on the occasion.

Sink

Including a sink in an outdoor kitchen is useful for cooking, easy clean up, and sanitation. The practicality of installing a sink and plumbing also depends on how far the outdoor kitchen is from the house. Carrying dirty dishes and pans a short distance for washing inside may not be worth the added cost of plumbing for some people.

Refrigerator

Whether storing food or drinks, a fridge can keep an outdoor kitchen stocked and ready and cut down on trips between the house. This requires running electricity for ongoing operation. For a full-size fridge, you can expect the cost to average between $400 and $4,000.

Countertops

As the cook in any family can attest, counter space is a big help when it comes to staging and preparing food. On top of stains and wear and tear over time, outdoor kitchen countertops may need to be weather resistant, too.

Marble is a popular interior countertop surface, but its cost and vulnerability to staining and wear mean it’s not the most durable. Some more hardy choices include slate and granite. Tile is a cheaper sturdy alternative, but typically requires more maintenance to clean the grout and replace cracked pieces.

For a functional amount of space, consider having at least 12-18 inches on each side of a sink, as well as 18-24 inches on either side of a grill.

Cabinets

To house all your outdoor kitchen utensils, pots, and pans in one place, cabinets are a good bet. Similar to the countertops, durability is a key factor to consider alongside cost. Using a marine-grade paint or stain on wood cabinets can improve their weather resistance and tie in the outdoor kitchen design with the house.

Lighting

Unless the outdoor kitchen will be built on an existing porch or patio, adding lighting may be a necessary investment to make a backyard dinner party possible. As mentioned, extending electrical wiring and adding outlets comes with costs. Given that as much as 15% of home energy expenditures go towards lighting, going with solar lights could save on the electric bill and wiring.

Landscaping

After construction is completed, landscaping can further beautify the outdoor kitchen space and provide privacy and shade in the way of bushes or trees. Landscaping costs can be several hundred dollars for smaller jobs, though this is an easier opportunity than say plumbing or electric to recoup some money as a DIY project.

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Choosing a Shelter

Even in the fairest of climates, having some protection from the sun and assurance you won’t be caught in the rain can be an asset to an outdoor kitchen design. In addition to making a more comfortable space, a shelter could also increase the lifespan of your outdoor kitchen equipment and furniture.

Check out some possible options that can protect and enhance an outdoor kitchen design.

Awning

Awnings are an option for shading an outdoor kitchen area. Based on size and materials used, a built-in awning costs between $1,409 and $4,350 on average.

Canvas awnings are not the most durable choice for areas that can have harsh weather conditions, but they can be removed and stored during winter and inclement weather to extend their lifespan. Metal awnings are another option, and are generally cheaper and sturdier. Upgrading to a mechanically retractable awning will likely increase cost, but can be handy in locations where weather changes quickly and frequently.

Gazebo

A framed gazebo can protect furniture and kitchen equipment while creating a comfortable space for cooking and dining. Whereas awnings are often attached to a structure or need to be taken down seasonally, gazebos can offer longevity and more options for placement.

Pergola

Composed of vertical posts and overhead cross-beams with open lattice, pergolas can add some architectural appeal to an outdoor kitchen area. The structure is well-suited for growing vines to increase shade while allowing for ample breeze. Currently, costs are estimated at $2,100 to $6,100, depending on size, design, complexity, and where you live.

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The Takeaway

After figuring out the location, dimensions, and trimmings for your outdoor kitchen design, you can begin itemizing building or remodeling costs within a budget. The average cost in mid-2025 is $16,840. If you come to realize you’re biting off more than you can chew, you could do the project in pieces. There are also options to finance an outdoor kitchen project, such as personal loans.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.

FAQ

How much does it cost to build an outdoor kitchen?

As of mid-2025, the average cost of an outdoor kitchen is $16,840, according to Angi, the home improvement site.

Can I build an outdoor kitchen myself?

Yes, it’s possible to DIY an outdoor kitchen if you are skilled at home improvement projects. Outdoor kitchens can be simple or very complicated, involving electrical wiring, sloping site accommodations, and gazebo construction. Make your decision accordingly.

Does an outdoor kitchen add value to your home?

Yes, an outdoor kitchen typically adds value to your home, estimated at anywhere from 50% to 200% of what your costs were.

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