1. How do you actually cook?
A weekend griller needs a very different station than a family that eats outside four nights a week. Be honest about frequency — it drives the size of the island, the counter space, and whether you need a sink and refrigeration or just a great grill and prep surface.
2. Where does the smoke go?
Placement is the most common regret we hear about DIY kitchens. Prevailing breeze, distance from doors and windows, and covered-vs-open positioning all matter more than most people expect.
3. What utilities does your plan need?
Gas, water, and electric each add capability — and each needs to be coordinated safely and to code. We handle utility coordination as part of every kitchen build, but knowing what you want up front keeps the budget honest.
4. What's under it?
An outdoor kitchen is heavy. It needs a properly prepared foundation, which is why kitchens and paver patios are best designed together — the base, drainage, and finished elevations are one system.
5. Will the materials survive outside?
Florida heat, rain, and humidity destroy indoor-grade cabinetry and counters fast. Every Alliance kitchen is built with weather-resistant materials and sealed surfaces made for exactly this climate.
6. How does it connect to the rest of the yard?
The best kitchens sit inside a larger outdoor room — patio zones for cooking, dining, and lounging that flow into each other. Think about the whole space, not just the island.
7. Who's building it?
Look for a contractor who designs and builds the hardscape and the kitchen as one project. See how we approach outdoor kitchens, or book a design consultation and we'll plan it with you.
