What Lessons Aftermarket Alterations and Remodels Can Teach Builders

Storage solutions seek to solve the issue of inadequate space to cleverly hold clothing, kids' toys, pantry items, and more—but why aren’t homes built with these storage solutions to begin with? The automotive industry listened to its customers' cries for more dedicated storage and its popular aftermarket alterations by adding sufficient cup holders, notes design firm Housing Design Matters. But in the housing industry, homebuyers continue to seek out aftermarket alterations, and it’s a lesson that can be learned from remodelers. Most recently, Housing Design Matters has noted an increase in aftermarket alterations and remodels for their outdoor areas, including gazebos and garden sheds.

But what has this new surge in after marketing alterations telling us? I’m sure you guessed it. These new homes have inadequate outdoor living. Outdoor living has been growing in popularity over the last 15 years but then there was 2020. Between the lock downs and the stay vacations these new homeowners discovered they needed more outdoor living space. No longer is an 8’ by 10’patio adequate. So, what is?

We advocate thinking in terms of three functions: grilling, dining and lounging. Ideally, these could live in a triangle or wrap around a corner. But if a linear outdoor living is all you can provide, 10’ by 20’ is a good place to start. Then offer expansions as options. Of course, the size of the outdoor living should correspond with the size of the house; the bigger the house, the bigger the outdoor living. In hot climates like Florida, covered outdoor living rules the day. Further north, a combination of covered and uncovered outdoor living is appropriate.

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