The Most Popular Home Projects for Fall and Winter, According to Thumbtack
As we head into the coziest time of year, it's time to prep your home for wintry weather, holiday gatherings, and snuggly nights in. Especially as many people settle into new homes or prepare to host guests for the first time in a while, home-improvement projects are in high demand. In fact, nearly 40% of current homeowners plan to invest more than $5,000 in their homes over the next year, according to a recent survey from Thumbtack, an online home management platform where you can find local service providers.
To find out what upgrades homeowners are splurging on this season, the company analyzed its database of millions of home projects across 500 categories to uncover the top trending home projects for fall and winter 2021.
James Nathan Schroder
"This fall, we're predicting homeowners will revamp and reinvigorate their favorite spaces while finally tackling the updates and upgrades they've been putting off," says David Steckel, a home expert at Thumbtack, in a blog post that shares full insights.
Fireplace Upgrades
One space receiving extra attention this year is the fireplace. As homeowners cozy up their homes in preparation for winter weather, fireplace and chimney installations have increased 83% over the last three months, the report notes. Related maintenance, including fireplace cleaning and repair, is also up 151% over the same period. Gathering around a glowing fire can make festive celebrations feel extra special, which is why many homeowners are tending to fireplace projects now before the holiday season is in full swing.
Home Organization
The report also notes that home organizing projects and tech upgrades are on the rise. With more time at home, people are looking to make their spaces function better for their everyday lives through projects like smart home installations (which have increased 134% compared to last year), closet remodels (up 156%), and cabinet installations (up 63%).
Related: How to Transform Any Room Into a Flexible Space for Multi-Purpose Living
Storm Repairs
Another key trend this year is an unfortunate consequence of extreme weather. Over the past season, Thumbtack has seen a 569% increase in water damage cleanup and restoration due to severe storms. As homeowners attempt to prepare for harsh conditions, home waterproofing and sump pump installations have also increased 90% and 115%, respectively, compared to the same time last year.
In addition to home projects trending in popularity, the report also outlined the most popular indoor projects overall heading into fall and winter, which demonstrate a desire for quick spruce-ups and more personalized spaces. Here are the top 10, plus the national average cost for each service, according to Thumbtack:
House cleaning ($165)
Interior painting ($600-$1,000)
TV mounting ($125)
Floor installations ($1,392)
Tile installations ($750)
Lighting installations ($165)
Home organizing ($117)
Door installations ($300)
Bathroom remodels (approximately $5,000)
Wallpaper installations ($300)
Looking forward to 2022, Thumbtack predicts more homeowners will start investing in eco-friendly upgrades that help keep energy costs down and reduce their home's environmental footprint. Solar panel installations, for example, have jumped 26% compared to last year, while the demand for solar panel cleanings spiked last January by 454%. If sustainability is on your list of New Year's resolutions, investing in a greener home is a great place to start.
