Outdoor Grilling Areas For Multi-Family Properties

One of the key aspects of managing multi-family dwellings is keeping track of the vacancy rate. When these properties offer amenities that enhance residents' quality of life, the vacancy rate often decreases. Outdoor grilling areas are an excellent way to provide a luxurious amenity that people truly appreciate, thereby improving the overall living experience for the entire community. Here’s more on why outdoor grilling areas are becoming increasingly popular.

Enhancing Safety and Convenience

In many smaller apartments, there simply isn’t enough room for natural gas BBQ grills. By creating a designated, safe communal grilling area, you eliminate the risk of individual grills inside units. This setup not only ensures safety but also maximizes the usable space within each unit. Residents can enjoy the pleasure of cooking outdoors without sacrificing valuable indoor space. Depending on the size of the property, having one grill for every three to five units is a good starting point. These grills can either be reserved in advance or made available on a first-come, first-served basis. Residents can bring their own accessories or borrow them from the management office.

For smaller complexes like duplexes, triplexes, or quadplexes, one or two commercial-grade grills (either natural gas or propane) are usually sufficient. Larger properties, however, may require more extensive setups to accommodate the needs of all residents.

Fostering Community Connections

Residents of multi-family homes are ideal candidates for utilizing shared grilling spaces. Outdoor grilling areas serve as an extension of the living space, providing additional opportunities for relaxation and socialization. Although this doesn’t count as official square footage, adding outdoor living areas can significantly enhance the appeal of a property.

For larger complexes, multiple grilling spots can be strategically placed throughout the grounds. A central area could feature a mix of built-in BBQ grills, portable LP grills, and commercial-grade gas grills. These communal spaces naturally bring families together during holidays, celebrations, or regular outings. Building a sense of community improves everyone’s quality of life. Neighbors become friends, sharing resources and experiences, which strengthens bonds. Additionally, communal grilling areas create opportunities for introductions and friendly interactions, helping residents put names to faces.

Crafting Versatile Outdoor Living Spaces

You can integrate outdoor living amenities creatively. For instance, placing a built-in BBQ grill near the pool area makes it easier for parents to keep an eye on kids while enjoying a meal. Combining grilling facilities with recreational areas—such as courts for Bocce ball, tennis, horseshoes, or volleyball—can further enrich the experience. Offering the option to grill while engaging in activities adds convenience and enhances the attractiveness of outdoor spaces.

When planning your grilling setup, consider factors such as the number of expected users, the size of the grills needed for gatherings, and the overall layout of the outdoor area. You might begin with a few grills and expand as demand grows. If grilling proves popular, increasing the availability of grills will satisfy more residents and prevent conflicts over access.

Mounting Options for Your Grill

Pedestal Mounts: This is perhaps the most common method for installing grills. They work well when you need to maximize space or add a single grill to a patio or backyard. One advantage of pedestal-mounted grills is their permanence—they remain fixed in place. However, this means that grilling happens exactly where the pedestal is located.

Cart-Mounted Grills: The primary benefit of cart-mounted grills is their mobility. Residents can check out propane grills from the management office and wheel them to approved grilling zones. Another advantage is their compact size, requiring minimal storage space. Additionally, these grills can be covered when not in use to protect them from the elements.

Cart-mounted grills also allow flexibility in choosing the appropriate size for different events. Smaller grills suffice for intimate gatherings, while larger ones cater to bigger groups. Regular maintenance, including cleaning and checking gas tanks, is necessary for both types of mounts.

Island-Mounted Grills: Another option is to mount grills on islands. If you’re aiming to enhance both functionality and aesthetics, grill islands are an excellent choice. Depending on the island’s size, multiple grills can fit into the same footprint. Natural gas is often the preferred fuel source for island-mounted grills, though propane tanks can also be concealed beneath the island.

Powering Your Grill

There are two main ways to power a grill: using a 5-gallon propane tank or connecting it to piped natural gas. For pedestal-mounted grills, piped natural gas is typically the better choice since it eliminates concerns about running out of fuel mid-cookout.

An outdoor living design incorporating piped gas at each grilling station offers convenience and efficiency. Even mobile grills can be connected to a gas line, although propane tanks tend to be simpler and less cumbersome for such setups.

So, how many grills should you include in your outdoor space? While there aren’t strict guidelines, a general rule of thumb is three to five grills per five units. Investing in outdoor grilling areas and equipment brings numerous benefits:

• Happier tenants
• Improved communal spaces
• Enhanced use of existing amenities
• Better utilization of outdoor investments
• Higher quality of life for residents
• Potentially lower vacancy rates

Can grilling really elevate the quality of life at your multi-family property? Absolutely! Grilling is incredibly popular and complements outdoor living beautifully. It fosters family bonding, strengthens tenant relationships, and ultimately improves the overall living experience.

For more information on adding a grilling station to your property or enhancing an existing one, visit our website to explore our selection of commercial-grade grills, LP grills, and BBQ accessories. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions—we’re here to assist! Contact us to discuss how you can incorporate grilling into your property and discover the various grill options available. We’re the AEI Corporation, dedicated to delivering exceptional service to multi-family buildings, commercial venues, and residential clients alike.