In 2020, 76% of Americans made at least one improvement to their homes, and that can-do attitude is continuing in 2021. This is year is huge for the home improvement market, but what are the unmissable upgrades homeowners are interested in?
Major trends are leaning towards outdoor improvements, home offices, and an increase in home security, but as always, before diving into a total home overhaul, you should assess your needs and budget.
1. Outdoor living
The major lifestyle changes we collectively went through in 2020 have impacted us deeply, and also affected the way we think of our homes. After all that time spent indoors, people are excited to be outside and make the most of their backyards, gardens, and patios.
Outdoor living is a major trend that’s not only very convenient, especially in the summer months, but also adds value and desirability to your property, should you plan to sell in the near future. Outdoor kitchens or entertaining areas are extremely popular at the moment, with dining areas, state of the art grills, and fire pits being installed in homes all across the U.S.
2. Home office
The other big change that came with the territory last year was the shift to working from home. Millions of employees around the country – and around the world – have switched to working remotely temporarily or even permanently.
That means that most of them now need a dedicated space for work, and it led to the rise of the home office. While some may make do with working in bed or at the kitchen table, between parents working from home and kids going to school from home, a separate office space is definitely needed for a lot of families.
The good news is that this is easy to set up. It just takes bringing in a desk, a comfortable chair, some storage space, and all your essential devices, including computers and cameras. Many households are also upgrading to high-speed internet to support the increase in online activity.
3. Major home repairs
All this time spent at home has really given homeowners a chance to notice just how many maintenance jobs there are to do around the house. 2021 is a big year for home repairs, as people are taking this opportunity to get their properties in shipshape.
Roof repairs are a popular choice, because they’re a big, expensive job that is very necessary, lest things get worse. The other major repairs homeowners are getting up to are window replacements, filling in cracks, as well as fixing or replacing old, rotting wooden decks. There is a big focus on exterior repair and refresh, so you don’t want to skip that.
4. Energy efficient homes
With all the energy we’re using between working, going to school, and hanging out – all at home – it has become apparent that expenses are increasing, so energy efficiency is a big concern moving forward.
Following on previous inroads made in this sector, more and more homeowners are choosing to upgrade to energy-efficient appliances, devices, and solutions. Solar roof panels are a simple way to make the most of renewable energy, but other options are also worth looking into.
Newer, more modern appliances tend to be more energy efficient, so if you were due for an upgrade on your fridge and washing machine, this can be a good opportunity to go green. Other easy and efficient swaps are smart thermostats and lightbulbs – these alone can save you hundreds on your energy bill.
5. Increased safety
It’s impossible not to think about home safety at a time like this, so that’s a major category families are investing in this year. With so many smart tech advances, it’s easier and more affordable than ever before to secure your home.
Devices like a smart doorbell give you some peace of mind by allowing you to see who you’re opening the door to and who’s been stealing your online orders. Smart cameras can also be a great investment, as they can give you a 24/7 live feed of the outside of your home and notify you the second they detect suspicious movement.
More and more households are also switching to keyless locks. Instead, there is a keypad and a code you can change as many times as you like. Stolen keys are no longer an issue.
Final thoughts
The past couple of years have been challenging for all of us, but they also yielded some positive changes, mainly related to home ownership and upgrades. More people than ever before have taken it upon themselves to improve their homes, whether it was a fresh coat of paint or a brand new grill.
Whether you’re concerned with energy efficiency, home maintenance, or improving your outdoor space, make sure to carefully consider your needs and the potential value these improvements can bring.