Building a barbecue area: What it costs and how it adds value

Outdoor spaces such as quinchos, or covered patios, are no longer considered secondary areas of a home, especially in warmer months when they become central to residential enjoyment. Their utility extends into winter, with enclosed designs providing an ideal setting for family gatherings and barbecues.

Architect Gastón Loray notes that in premium homes, exterior spaces are gaining prominence and integrating naturally with the home's social areas. Quinchos and galleries are now conceived as central environments, designed for enjoyment, functionality, and aesthetics, rather than mere complementary spaces.

Determining the cost of these spaces is complex, depending on materials, square footage, and additional features. Architect María Belén Buscaglia explains that a quincho with a bathroom, heating, hot water, windows, and a grill costs the same per square meter as a house, around $2,400/m², excluding indirect and direct expenses and project fees. A simpler quincho with a basic masonry grill, pipe columns, a metal roof, and a concrete floor costs approximately $1,700/m².

Additional features significantly impact the budget; for instance, a grill with a sliding cover adds about $4,000. These spaces can enhance property value, especially in homes with gardens. Alan Flexer, manager at Narvaez real estate, states that a quincho with a grill can boost a property's value by 8% to 15%, depending on size and construction quality. The impact is greater in homes with large gardens, where the quincho extends the social area. This is particularly relevant in Argentina, where barbecues hold a central place in family life, giving these spaces strong emotional and functional value that resonates with buyers.