Do-it-yourself home renovation projects may seem more complicated to tackle due to the level of expertise, time, and costs involved. However, the expenses are lower than those involved when working with professional contractors. The home improvement sector has always seen shifts and changes throughout time, and now is the moment for DIY projects to shine, as more and more householders are turning to improving or fixing broken things in their houses by themselves instead of reaching out for specialised help.
Inflation is driving up prices on almost every front, and homeowners looking to improve their dwellings feel the most pressure. Professional contractors also deal with higher labour and material costs and a shortage of skilled workers. All these factors impact homeowners’ budgets should they choose to work with a contractor. To cut on the costs associated with professional work, homeowners choose to rely on their accumulated skills or combine hired work and DIY. Inflation is cited by 71% of homeowners as the main reason they decided against hiring a professional and doing the work themselves. Gen Z participants are the ones who are most likely to renovate their homes themselves out of all the respondents.
The uptick in DIY home improvements shows that the trend is spreading worldwide and will pass the test of time.
Kitchens and bathrooms are top-of-mind
Bathrooms and kitchens have always represented the areas needing renovations the most. The kitchen is where homeowners spend most of their time at home, preparing meals, cleaning, or even using the space as a social hub for gatherings with families or friends. Given the high-traffic and deteriorating factors like humidity, steam, burns, cuts, and other kitchen-related problems, it’s no surprise that homeowners focus on the cooking space the most. Similarly, bathroom renovations are also at the top of most homeowners’ minds when planning home improvements.
It’s advisable to prioritise these two rooms when the time to make a change in the house comes. Experts generally consider kitchen renovations to be more effective at boosting the selling price of a home compared to the bathroom, given how many purposes it serves. Homebuyers are seeking highly-functional kitchens that provide flexibility, spaciousness, well-developed seating areas and storage. Regardless of the size of the room, the kitchen design must allow users to perform their daily activities effectively and without impediments, all while looking good. For these reasons, homeowners stick with the white kitchen design that improves the elegance of the cooking area and whose light-reflecting properties make the space look larger. It works with any décor style, whether it’s a traditional or modern one that is preferred.
When it comes to the bathroom, homeowners and homebuyers alike look for warm colours that can deliver a soothing ambience, such as shades of blue, grey, or white. While it’s essential to keep an eye on trends and consider what potential buyers may seek if you ever plan to sell or rent your property, it’s equally necessary to pay attention to the colours and materials you’re introducing into these rooms if you’re also among the homeowners looking to make changes in their houses. Prioritising quality over other aspects will help you make the most out of your home renovation project and turn beneficial in the long term, whether you look at the personal satisfaction gained or the return on investment.
Environmentally-conscious home improvements are rising in popularity
Homeowners are increasingly more mindful and interested in how their daily choices and lifestyles impact the environment. There is a growing awareness of the necessity of living more sustainably, so people are developing behaviours that encourage a more positive environmental impact. Research shows that consumers worldwide are choosing brands that are taking steps towards reducing their environmental impact and protecting nature, natural resources, and consumer health. This happens because they know how climate change affects nearly every aspect of life, from the economic situation to people’s well-being and health.
Many sustainable home improvement projects take a decent amount of time and money. For instance, switching to LED light bulbs can prove cost- and time-effective, even if their upfront cost may be more significant than traditional incandescent bulbs. In terms of electricity savings and lifespan, they demonstrate the better option. More and more customers prioritise energy efficiency in their homes and are down to invest in similar solutions when they prove financially advantageous in the long term.
The most popular eco-friendly home renovations
Here’s a list of eco-friendly home improvements that are popular today in case you plan to make a change in your home that will also contribute to the worldwide efforts to improve the environment:
- Programmable thermostats. Temperature-controlling devices are growing in popularity, and the best part is that they’re DIY-friendly. While it’s best to contact an electrician to ensure the instalment process runs smoothly, homeowners can do it if they have experience. Depending on the brand and model chosen, the temperature is checked through the smartphone’s app.
- Energy-efficient home appliances. Property owners prioritise items ‘ energy efficiency before making purchases. They’re better for the environment as they consume less electricity, improve a consumer’s lifestyle with the enhanced features, and help reduce bills, which homeowners are looking for when planning renovations.
- Dual pane windows. Increasingly more homeowners install double pane windows for the benefits brought, such as noise cancelling properties, a barrier between the outside and home, and improved energy consumption.
Home renovation spending witnesses a decline
More and more property owners are looking to renovate their houses themselves. However, spendings in the home renovation and maintenance sectors are expected to see a decline from 16.3% to almost 2.6% over the course of the following year. The reports aim to assist businesses in finding and approaching future trends as accurately as possible, benefiting both the property owner and the company. Even if inflation rates improve, costs will remain a significant stress source for homeowners.
Homeowners are renouncing working with professional contractors when deciding to renovate or improve their homes, and prospects are that the trend will persist well into 2024.
