Skip to main

Service

Outdoor Kitchens — Orange County

Built for live-fire cooking, not just for show.

What's included

Every project, every time.

  • BBQ Islands & Built-In GrillsCustom-shaped islands with built-in gas or charcoal grills, side burners, and integrated storage. Designed to fit your patio footprint and cooking style.
  • Pizza Ovens & SmokersWood-fired or gas pizza ovens and dedicated smoker stations built into your kitchen layout for authentic wood-fired flavor right in your backyard.
  • Outdoor Bars & Beverage CentersRaised bar counters with seating, kegerators, ice makers, and beverage refrigerators to create the ultimate outdoor entertaining hub.
  • Countertops & CabinetryWeather-rated cabinetry in stainless steel or marine-grade polymer paired with granite, quartz, or concrete countertops built to handle the elements.
  • Sink & Refrigeration StationsPlumbed prep sinks with hot and cold water, outdoor-rated refrigerators, and ice makers so you never have to run inside while cooking.
  • Lighting & ElectricalTask lighting over cooking zones, ambient LED under-counter lighting, GFCI outlets, and dedicated circuits to power every appliance safely after dark.
  • Ventilation & Wind ProtectionCode-compliant venting under canopies and pergolas; wind walls or partial enclosures sized for OC coastal exposure.
  • Permits & HOA CoordinationGas, electrical, and plumbing permits filed; HOA architectural review packages prepared and submitted on your behalf.

Deliverables

What you actually receive.

Site analysis
Moodboard
2D site plan
3D rendering
Planting plan
Lighting plan
Materials
HOA + docs

Before / After

From raw site to finished cook space.

Drag the divider, swipe on touch, or use ←/→ keys when the handle is focused. Left is the unfinished site; drag to reveal the finished outdoor kitchen and living space.

Finished outdoor kitchen with grill, bar and pergola, as built
Unfinished site before the outdoor kitchen was built
Before After

Three ways to start

Pick the package that fits your scope.

Fixed-fee design tiers. Build cost is separate (typical range $40K–$250K+).

Concept

A clear, build-ready plan you can take anywhere.

$1,350/ design
  • Site analysis
  • 2D site plan
  • Concept moodboard
  • 1 revision round

Estate

Full architectural integration with HOA-ready package.

$5,200+/ design
  • All Signature deliverables
  • 3D rendering (2 angles)
  • Full material specifications
  • HOA submittal package
  • Construction-ready docs
  • Unlimited revisions

Design fees only. Permits, HOA filing fees, materials, and construction quoted separately.

FAQ

What people ask about outdoor kitchens.

How much does an outdoor kitchen cost in Orange County?

Outdoor kitchen costs in Orange County vary by scope and features. A basic BBQ island with a built-in grill runs $8,000–$15,000. Mid-range outdoor kitchens with countertops, storage, and additional appliances range from $25,000–$50,000. Premium full outdoor kitchens with pizza ovens, bars, refrigeration, and high-end finishes start at $50,000 and can exceed $100,000. We provide free on-site estimates with itemized pricing.

What appliances can be installed in an outdoor kitchen?

We install a full range of outdoor-rated appliances including built-in gas and charcoal grills, pizza ovens, smokers, side burners, warming drawers, outdoor refrigerators, ice makers, beverage centers, kegerators, sinks with hot and cold water, and dishwashers. All appliances are rated for outdoor use and backed by manufacturer warranties.

Do I need a permit for an outdoor kitchen?

Yes, most outdoor kitchen projects in Orange County require building permits, especially those involving gas lines, electrical work, plumbing, or structures over a certain size. Many HOA communities also require architectural review approval before construction begins. NHG HOME handles the entire permit and HOA submission process so you can focus on choosing your design and finishes.

How long does outdoor kitchen construction take?

A basic BBQ island typically takes 2–3 weeks to build. Mid-range outdoor kitchens take 4–6 weeks, and premium full kitchens with extensive features can take 8–12 weeks. Timelines include design finalization, permitting, material procurement, and construction. We provide a detailed schedule during your consultation and keep you updated throughout the build.

Gas vs electric — which should I pick?

In OC, natural gas is the default for grills, pizza ovens, and side burners — it gives the heat you want for live-fire cooking and avoids the smaller tank-changes of propane. Electric is the right call for refrigeration, lighting, and small appliances. We design the layout so the gas + electrical runs are in the right places before the cabinetry goes in.

Does it stay covered in winter, or do I need a structure overhead?

OC weather is mild, but winter rain and summer sun can both age outdoor finishes. We recommend a pergola or canopy over the cooking zone for shade, ventilation, and rain protection — and we design the kitchen and shade structure together so the venting, lighting, and proportions all work as one piece.

The kitchen you actually cook in shouldn't be inside.

Three minutes of questions. We come back with a recommended layout, a build cost range, and a date to walk the cooking zone.