Homeownership comes with the inherent value of outdoor spaces. In recent years, the popularity of homes with patios has reached an all-time high. For those selling their properties in today’s expensive housing market, external upgrades have become a valuable strategy for gaining an edge over the competition. As for desires, among the top outdoor renovation projects that are currently in high demand, the construction of new patios takes the crown.
A considerable contribution to this trend stems from the major advancements in concrete pavers. These have become the popular go-to for new patios and various other outdoor living initiatives, thanks to their durability, cost-effectiveness, and a progressively broad spectrum of design choices.
Strikingly, premium pavers that have Optimized Paver Technology (OPT) have begun to gain traction. These speciality pavers offer a way to enhance customer satisfaction and build a reputation for high-value projects propelled by high-performance pavers. Moreover, these require less work and time, thus providing a win-win situation for both the homeowners and contractors.
Aesthetics play a pivotal role in outdoor space design. Homeowners frequently invest in outdoor living projects, primarily to increase the beauty of their properties. Therefore, the contractor’s capability to meet the customer’s aesthetic expectations is indispensable.
Optimized pavers have been designed with this aspect in mind. A unique feature of these pavers is a factory-integrated surface treatment that gets applied during their manufacturing phase. This unique treatment becomes an integral part of the concrete matrix, and bonds permanently with the paver. It changes the way light reflects on the surface of the paver, allowing a wider variety of vibrant color options to be available that can last for years. These pavers can closely resemble natural stone, bringing attention to architectural details, and enhance the appeal of everything from simple walkways to elaborate poolside patios.
Additionally, the same factory-integrated coatings protect the pavers from a variety of stains, from dirt and lawn debris to usual food and drink spills. Interestingly, despite an initial somewhat higher cost, homeowners have realized the value of these premium concrete pavers in terms of their superior quality and lower maintenance requirements.
The emergence of optimized pavers has mixed reactions among hardscaping contractors. While carrying out annual maintenance brings income for hardscaping contractors, it brings in slimmer profit margins compared to new hardscape installations. However, some contractors, seeing the potential of these pavers, have chosen to invest further into them, understanding that these factory-treated pavers provide more than just a new product line.
Moreover, concentrating on higher-value installations with premium products demonstrates to customers that a contractor excels in their area of focus. Homeowners have consistently demonstrated that they are willing to pay a premium for quality products that reduce the time and effort spent on maintenance.
While optimized pavers might not be the right fit for every homeowner, data indicates a significant market share yearning for the advantages offered by these premium pavers. Thus, such advancements in technology continue to impact customers’ choices and preferences when it comes to their outdoor living projects.
