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