Qualified Remodeler Magazine

SEP 2015

Qualified Remodeler helps independent remodeling firms to survive, become more professional and more profitable by providing must-have business information, namely best business practices, new product information and timely design ideas.

Issue link: https://qualifiedremodeler.epubxp.com/i/575494

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 50 of 71

an entire outdoor experience — not just simply an outdoor food preparation and dining area. Te research branch of Milwaukee-based frm Hofman York (H-Y) completed a study analyzing the diferences between indoor and outdoor kitchens and how and why consumers purchase outdoor kitchens. Research revealed what H-Y suspected — kitchen and bath dealers aren't the leaders in outdoor kitchens. Rather, it's the remodeling contractor that is the dominant force in this market. BECOME AN OUTDOOR EXPERT Although the indoor and outdoor kitchen spaces both involve food prep, indoor and outdoor kitchens have very diferent drivers and design implications, and therefore, could require a diferent sort of designer or contractor to successfully complete. Out of the 240 consumers surveyed via email, all of them with household incomes surpassing $150,000 per year, the overwhelming major- ity of them indicated that a designer's prowess in the indoor kitchen space does not give them confdence in that same person to create an outdoor space. Establishing yourself as an outdoor expert is paramount. "Post out- door project photos on Houzz.com or somewhere else to demonstrate your competency," Dave Brown, partner with H-Y, recommends. As with any building project, budget concerns are near the top of the list for consumers. Research shows the median investment for a remodel is $20,000 to $30,000. (New construction outdoor kitchens average $40,000 to $49,000.) More than 80 percent of outdoor kitchens are dedicated purchases. One way remodelers can respect the budget while en- abling a client to have the outdoor kitchen of their dreams is to plan it in phases. Lay out a multistep project for the homeowner and design it in a way that each phase is ex- pandable in the future so that, eventually, the homeowner could have a total experience. Family dynamics play a critical role in the likelihood of a homeowner investing in an outdoor living area. In the survey, 57 percent of outdoor kitchen owners and 60 percent of prospective outdoor kitchen owners had children. Compare to that, however, 37 percent of upscale PROVIDE FUTURE * EXPANDABILITY* Extremely Appealing Somewhat Appealing Not Appealing ■ Prospects ■ Owners USAGE SITUATIONS* ■ Prospects ■ Owners Socializing/ entertaining Party or get- together for adults Just in the mood to spend time outside Just in the mood to grill Just relaxing – not necessarily before or after a meal Regular family meal Party or get- together for kids When I need or want to be alone Other *©2015 H-Y Connect QualifiedRemodeler.com QR September 2015 51

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of Qualified Remodeler Magazine - SEP 2015