A lot has changed over the last twelve to eighteen months, including how people want to live in and use their homes. When considering a home renovation, there are a variety of factors at play including functionality, design styling, budget, materials sourcing, and contractor availability. Houzz recently released their 2021 Home Study: Renovation Trends Report and we’re taking a closer look at how the changing landscape of the construction and home services industries are impacting trends.
Renovation Spending Increases in 2021
A stat that we were surprised by, especially coming out of pandemic-related economic stresses, was that Houzz cited an increase in renovation spending, up about $5,000/project to $85,000. This might be directly related to an increase in materials cost, but could also be related to homeowners electing to splurge on large-scale renovations as the housing market remains competitive.
Home Upgrades Shift Outdoors This Year
No surprise here, as families are spending more time at home, an outdoor oasis is on the wish list for many. Whether it’s refreshing the landscaping or completely rethinking your outdoor space to create a backyard retreat, outdoor upgrades surged in popularity in 2021 (up to 57%) with homeowners reporting a 35% increase in spend on porch and deck upgrades over the last year.
What to Consider Before Upgrading Your Outdoor Space
If you’re thinking about updating your outdoor space, ask yourself these questions first:
- How will you use the upgraded space? To entertain? As a play space for kids and pets? As a green space for gardening?
- What is the topography of your space? Do you need to remove trees? Add a retaining wall? Level the land?
- Are you looking to add any specialized spaces, like a pool or outdoor kitchen?
- What is your budget and your timeline?
- Is this a DIY project or do you need to hire expert help?
Styling Your Outdoor Space
Once you’ve settled on functionality, you can focus on the fun part: design styling! As you’re making materials and finish selections you’ll want to consider things like color, durability, heat resistance, water-resistance and more.
Natural stone is an amazing option for outdoor living spaces, whether you’re considering a paver patio, pool surround, steps, fireplace, or other fabricated pieces, the versatility and durability of natural stone makes it one of the top selections for homeowners when creating outdoor spaces.
More Cooks in the Kitchen
Another impact we’re seeing from all the time at home is an increase in kitchen use. With many bars and restaurants closed over the last year, people have been turning to their own kitchens for nightly dinners and even diving into improving their cooking and baking skills while they are at home. In turn, we’re seeing an increase in the number and scale of kitchen renovations. The average spend on a kitchen renovation rose 14% over the last year.
What to Consider Before Starting a Kitchen Renovation
Renovating a space within the walls of your home is a little different than upgrading an outdoor space with limited restrictions. As you begin thinking about a kitchen remodel, here are a few points to ponder
- Start with budget, it’s important to know how much you can invest, as it will impact the scale and scope of the project
- Consider the functionality of your existing layout. Are you updating for better use of space or for improved aesthetics?
- If the space doesn’t work, are you able to add on or expand the space in any way?
- Think about how you use the space and what conveniences will make cooking and possibly entertaining in this space easier
Design Considerations for a Kitchen Remodel
Once you have the logistics sorted out, it’s time to start thinking about design. In addition to fixtures and cabinet styles, one of the biggest statement selections you will make are the surfaces; counters, floors, backsplash. Consider wear and tear on each of these surfaces as well as how the materials selections can complement one another in the design. If you’re considering a natural stone selection for your space, make sure you review protection and cleaning recommendations for your specific stone to ensure the longevity of the stone.
