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Houzz survey predicts rise in outdoor living renovation

Words: David BenincasaThe third annual Houzz & Home Landscaping Study Survey revealed a continued rise in demand for outdoor renovation. The survey covered historical and planned projects, the motivations behind these projects, and regional and age differences in priorities and spending.

Regarding past spending, patio or landscape additions or renovations have been among the top five projects completed in the last five years, with an average national cost of $9,545. The average time taken in the planning process was 6.6 months.

Of those surveyed, 30% plan to hire a landscape professional in the next two years. More than half (56%) of those planning a project want to make their yard more entertainment-friendly. While the majority of planned landscaping projects include a patio (69%), nearly half of homeowners undertaking a landscape project are adding a fire pit (48%).

In terms of preference by age, millennials are more likely to install a fire pit in the future (21%, compared to 16% of older groups) and less likely to install a new patio (39%, compared to 46%).

For more than half of homeowners (55%), planned projects are intended to resolve problems in their yard. The top issue for all regions was correcting drainage issues, indicating marketing opportunities for permeable pavers nationwide. The number two priority for the West involved water shortage, indicating opportunities for permeable paver systems that are designed to include water harvesting and reuse. The number two priority for other regions included privacy problems in the East and erosion in both the South and Midwest, indicating opportunities for retaining walls in those regions.
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