The year's biggest home project booms

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Published Date 11/27/2024

Life happens fast. Just when you’ve tucked away the grill and begun to cover the outdoor furniture, it’s time to deal with what the throes of winter can easily toss to the wind or the ice while thinking about an impending new year. So Realtor.com’s Jennifer Kelly Geddes puts together a list of top trending home projects compiled by Thumbtack.

Indoors, topping the list was securing a real estate agent and requesting a home appraisal, according to the report. Huh? Must be time for homeowners to consider entering the market to list their homes this season? “When it comes to requesting appraisal help, it’s often ‘someone looking to sell or refinance who wants to confirm their property value or use their property as collateral for a loan,’” explains Kendra Sinclair, Thumbtack’s home design trends expert.

Outdoors, the No. 1 task to tackle is weatherization, followed by holiday-light installation. All this was determined when Thumbtack tapped into data to reveal popular repair and remodeling trends among homeowners, specifically comparing home projects between September 2023 and September 2024.

The latest analysis from Thumbtack reveals fascinating shifts in homeowner priorities, with real estate services leading an unexpected surge in indoor home improvements. The comprehensive study, which examined year-over-year growth and volume increases using national average cost estimates, paints a picture of a market increasingly focused on both property transactions and fundamental home maintenance.

Real estate services have experienced a remarkable uptick, with agent services soaring by 131% and appraisals following closely behind at 117%. This surge suggests a dynamic property market, despite economic uncertainties. Following these transaction-related services, practical home improvements have seen significant growth, with railing installations up 60% and carpet replacements increasing by 57%.

One intriguing trend that caught analysts' attention is the 43% increase in home theater repair requests. "This particular trend piqued my curiosity," notes industry analyst Sinclair. She speculates the surge might reflect various factors, from technology upgrades to changing room configurations, with homeowners potentially shifting from fixed theater seating to more versatile furniture arrangements. The trend could also indicate increased attention to audio quality, with homeowners investing in new speakers, amplifiers, or acoustic treatments.

Outside the home, weatherization leads the charge with a dramatic 118% increase, closely followed by holiday lighting installation at 116%. The focus on weatherization reflects growing awareness of energy efficiency and cost savings. Industry expert Laura Madrigal of Fixr.com emphasizes the practical importance of these projects: "Caulking windows and doors, installing weather stripping, and insulating attics and basements improves energy efficiency, which translates into savings on bills and a more comfortable environment."

Roofing maintenance has emerged as a critical priority, with roof cleaning showing a 66% increase. Madrigal strongly advocates for this focus, stating, "Without a doubt, roof repair is the most important exterior project. A poorly maintained roof can cause leaks, water damage, and even structural problems during the winter."

The data also reveals an interesting trend in seasonal decorating habits. Homeowners are starting their holiday preparations earlier than ever, with some beginning Halloween decorations in September before transitioning to winter themes by early November. This extended decorating season represents a shift in how Americans approach seasonal home aesthetics, with many choosing to maintain festive displays well beyond traditional timeframes.

As winter approaches, homeowners are increasingly turning to essential service providers. Handymen, appliance repair specialists, electricians, and plumbers top the list of most-requested professionals – a practical trend driven by the desire to avoid holiday season emergencies, particularly during important occasions like Thanksgiving.

The surge in cleaning-related services, from upholstery to tile and grout maintenance, reflects a growing awareness of indoor air quality and home hygiene. As Madrigal notes, "It pays to thoroughly clean floors, joints, and surfaces. This not only looks better but also removes allergens and dust that closed windows can aggravate."

This comprehensive overview of home improvement trends reveals a market balancing practical necessity with lifestyle enhancement, as homeowners increasingly invest in both essential maintenance and quality-of-life improvements.

Realtor,TBWS

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