In 2019 HomeStars released the first-ever Reno Report that looked at Canadian attitudes, intentions and spending when it comes to home improvement. In 2020, amidst a global pandemic, many homeowners and industry professionals alike wondered what this would mean for the home improvement industry. We surveyed homeowners across Canada and the results were eye-opening. The majority of respondents were still planning to take on home projects despite COVID-19. Read on to learn more about our most interesting findings in this year’s Reno Report.
Renovation Economy
Eighty percent of homeowners surveyed said they were willing to still take on home renovations both inside and outside of the home, despite the pandemic. Of those who were uncomfortable taking on renovations, 64% stated the reason was fear of having an outsider inside or near their home. Shockingly, the second reason homeowners were not taking on projects was due to finances.
Diving In
During the summer months, HomeStars saw a huge increase in the number of pool installations and repairs. This makes sense as many Canadian homeowners had to cancel their summer vacations. They opted to invest their vacation funds into their homes and adding a pool is a great way to make use of your own backyard.
Repairs Reign
General repairs to the home was another popular category, with 47% of Canadian homeowners saying they spent money on repairs. Being at home more means we are using items more often and we are also noticing more issues around the house. While many homeowners are spending more time at home, this gave them a great opportunity to get these projects done.
Big Jobs
Outdoor projects like pool installations were the most popular with 50% of the jobs, while inside the home bathroom renovations were popular with 16% of homeowners taking them on. The third most popular project was basement renovations at 10%.
DIY Dilemma
While Canadians claim to love DIY projects, the majority of us aren’t DIY-ers. 85% of our survey respondents confirmed they would hire a pro for their next home improvement project. If you’re looking to take on a home improvement project during the pandemic, there are ways to protect yourself. Read this article to learn how to safely hire during a pandemic.
Despite entering into the second wave of the pandemic, there are no signs of the home improvement industry slowing down. As seen by the Canadians we surveyed, while initially cautious of taking on projects, they are still willing to invest in their homes. To learn more about our findings, read the full 2020 Reno Report here.
