As New Multi-Family Construction Soars, Work-From-Home Residents Want Outdoor Grills

The national housing shortage has placed developers in the driver's seat when it comes to virtually guaranteed occupancy rates for multi-family units. However, the new norm of remote work has sparked competition among high-income renters who desire enhanced outdoor lifestyle amenities. Items like grills for apartments/condos are now seen as essential value-added features that complete common areas and individual patios alike. It seems that community living investors will need to install outdoor grills to attract top-tier tenants.

In 2022, a wave of forward-thinking developers capitalized on the looming housing crisis. Multi-family construction reportedly hit 529,000 housing units, marking a 14% increase from the previous year and representing the highest number of construction starts in 36 years. By the end of 2022, sold multi-family builds accounted for 34% of all housing units, the largest share since 2015.

While these impressive figures might lead some developers to assume that profits will roll in effortlessly, the reality is far more complex.

High-income earners are seeking comprehensive leisure facilities, such as fitness centers, pools, tennis courts, and common areas equipped with patio grills. Simply put, renters and condo owners want a next-level leisure experience. As a result, outdoor propane and natural gas grills are swiftly becoming an expected amenity.

Multi-Family Housing Planners Rethink Outdoor Living Spaces

To maximize their return on investment, developers must revisit their blueprints and rethink outdoor living spaces. Once considered a secondary feature requiring only manicured lawns, flower beds, and hardscapes, residents who work remotely view the landscape beyond their patio doors as a key asset. The idea of having to leave the premises to enjoy fresh air and a picnic no longer aligns with their lifestyle. This presents an opportunity for property investors moving forward, as many of the 2022 construction projects did not necessarily go above and beyond. By integrating natural gas or propane grills in the following ways, property owners can charge higher rents and sell condos at a premium.

Personal Patio Grills

Condo, duplex, and apartment complex layouts have the chance to leverage ground-level patios and decks. Utilizing a slim pedestal grill mount and connecting the BBQ to an existing natural gas line gives residents their own outdoor cooking station. The fuel cost could be factored into their utility bill, and a profit could be generated on patio grills through higher rent or fees. The remote workforce will eagerly jump at the chance to live in an environment where they can grill breakfast, lunch, or dinner on their outdoor grills.

Elevate Common Areas with Outdoor Grills

Equipping common areas with outdoor grills provides residents with opportunities to host family barbecues and socialize with friends. Many of the more than half-million multi-family builds in 2022 incorporated natural gas or propane grills in these spaces. Developers in 2023 may see adding patio grills as a way to stay competitive.

However, high-quality stainless steel and hard cast-aluminum patio grills with accessories can set properties apart. Common area upgrades can include desirable add-ons such as side burners, beverage centers, side shelves, warming racks, and even infrared rotisserie burners.

Create Outdoor Kitchens in Large Gathering Spaces

It's crucial that large communal spaces have the grilling capacity to cater to birthday parties, graduations, and holiday celebrations. By installing an industry-leading stainless steel outdoor grill with side burners, a beverage center, a rotisserie burner, storage drawers, and other extras, property management firms can charge higher rents, HOA fees, and enjoy a waiting list.

Industry-Leading Grills for Apartments/Condos

In the past, multi-family unit designers were rarely tasked with integrating patio grills or completing outdoor kitchen areas. Instead of making post-construction adjustments, it might be wise to consult an expert in outdoor grills and layouts. In this regard, PGS Grills remain at the forefront of the industry. These outdoor natural gas and propane grills are ideal for apartments, duplexes, condos, and large community living landscapes.

PGS T-Series Stainless Steel Outdoor Grills

The PGS T-Series offers three distinct stainless steel sizes and is regarded as top-of-the-line commercial patio grills. Depending on the model, they can serve as personal patio grills, enhance common areas, or become the centerpiece of a complete outdoor kitchen design. These T-Series patio grills deliver sought-after lifestyle enhancements.

PGS S27T

This expansive stainless steel model can be installed directly into a masonry enclosure to act as the focal point of a complete outdoor kitchen. With 540 square inches of direct grilling space over a pair of burners, it produces upwards of 45,000 BTUs of evenly distributed heat. It can either be connected to a natural gas line or powered by a liquid propane tank.

PGS S36T

Featuring 720 square inches of direct grilling space over 67,000 BTUs of masterfully dispersed heat, this stainless steel grill is a favorite for gathering spaces. It comes with a side-mounted heat indicator for safety and precision grilling. It can also be fitted with a warming rack for off-grill cooking and meal timing. Available in both natural gas and liquid propane, it can be easily accessorized.

PGS S48T

This 51-inch stainless steel commercial grill boasts 960 square inches of grilling space and generates 90,000 BTUs. Considered an excellent choice for large communal areas, this top-tier model includes a 5-year parts replacement warranty.

All T-Series patio grills come equipped with anti-theft knobs, 60-minute shutoff timers, matchless ignition, laser-etched control panels, and self-cleaning 304 stainless steel cooking grids. Each model can be installed into a countertop, a prefabricated grill island, or cart mounted with a propane tank inside.

PGS Cast Aluminum Patio Grills

AEI Corp offers two types of cast aluminum outdoor grills that are perfect for personal patios. Each model offers a natural gas and liquid propane option. The T30 and T40 streamlined models are often installed using a space-saving pedestal grill mount. Ranging from 330 to 434 square inches and producing a refined 30,000 to 40,000 BTUs, these natural gas and liquid propane grills are suitable for modest gatherings.

However, their true potential may lie in serving families who wish to enjoy deliciously grilled meals outdoors. This is why developers often invest in multiple cast aluminum patio grills and strategically distribute them across the grounds. Like the larger stainless steel PGS commercial grills, they offer robust safety features and flexible installation options.

Utilizing Prefabricated Islands with Outdoor Grills

Planning and constructing a full outdoor kitchen isn't always practical. To accommodate unique spaces and reduce costs, AEI offers a pair of prefabricated grill islands. These BBQ islands can be assembled without hiring a contractor, significantly cutting down on labor and hardscape expenses. They can be set up on any stable flat surface, and the 57- and 67-inch grill islands provide ample food prep space, drawers, and the ability to connect a PGS grill to natural gas or store a liquid propane tank inside.

New construction apartments, condos, and other multi-family living communities can greatly benefit from including outdoor grills. Whether deployed as personal patio grills or expansive outdoor kitchens, this added amenity is rapidly becoming a standard expectation among remote workers.