Top trending home projects for fall and winter
This article originally published on Thumbtack and is syndicated by Cheapism.
Fall is here, and with the leaves changing and cooler weather rolling in, it’s time to prepare your home for a season of cozy hibernation and holiday hosting. After a year of record-highs in home buying and widespread supply shortages, maximizing where we live, work and play has taken on a whole new meaning. As a result, we’re investing in our homes like never before.
According to a recent Thumbtack survey of 1,000 Americans, nearly 35% of current homeowners plan to invest more than $5,000 in their homes over the next 12 months. We’ve put extra strain on our homes during the pandemic — and they’re deserving of some holiday pampering too.
This year, we’re predicting the return of intimate gatherings. For many, this will be the first time hosting holidays in their new home and for others, the first time celebrating together with family and friends in a long time. Looking across millions of home projects happening in 500 categories, we discovered the top home trends happening right now. Here’s what we found.
Looking to curl up by the fire over the holidays with a glass of eggnog or take a dip in a hot tub with a hot toddy? This season, we’re predicting projects to “cozy-ify” your home will reign supreme as folks prepare to hibernate with close friends and family.
So far, we’re seeing an increase in fireplace and chimney installations (up 83% over the last three months) and fireplace and chimney maintenance (up 151% over the last three months).
Installing a fireplace typically costs $2,643, but ultimately depends on the type of fireplace, the finishes and the cost of labor. If you’re not a fan of chopping wood and cleaning ash, install a gas log set or full gas unit that adds charm to your space and turns on and off with the click of a button. Now is the time to start creating a cozy spot by the chimney, especially if you plan to use a fireplace during the holiday hosting season.
Swimming pools may have been the hot trend last year, but it seems homeowners aren’t too thrilled with the upkeep. Above-ground swimming pool installations are down 92%, and in-ground swimming pool installations are down 32% over the past three months (and they are also down overall compared to last year).
Meanwhile, we’re seeing a spike in swimming pool removals (up 59% compared to last year). In contrast, we’re seeing an increase in hot tub and spa installations, which are up 44% over the past three months. Hiring a pro to install a new hot tub can cost anywhere between $75-$700. It’s also important to keep in mind the monthly upkeep will cost around $75 for maintenance.
After so many months at home, we know the areas we love and ones that need some work. 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. In snowy areas especially, the colder months are the perfect time to give your indoor spaces some special attention.
The top 10 most popular indoor projects for fall and winter this year include:
House cleaning - $165 on average in the U.S.
Interior painting - $600-$1,000 on average in the U.S.
TV mounting - $125 on average in the U.S.
Floor installations - $1,392 on average in the U.S.
Tile installations - $750 on average in the U.S.
Lighting installations - $165 on average in the U.S.
Home organizing - $117 on average in the U.S.
Door installations - $300 on average in the U.S.
Bathroom remodels - approx. $5,000 on average in the U.S.
Wallpaper installations - $300 on average in the U.S.
Compared to this time last year, we’re seeing an increase in organizing and tech upgrades. The top trending projects include smart home installations, which are up 134%, closet remodels up 156%, home organizing up 83%, cabinet installations up 63% and wallpaper installations up 38%.
In the fall, it’s important to prioritize all water maintenance to avoid costly plumbing repairs in late winter when “freeze/thaw” becomes an issue. We typically see a spike in these types of repairs in February and they are costly: repairing a pipe is $150 on average, but that rises to $200 for a frozen pipe, $400-$1,500 for a burst pipe, and $2,000-$3,000 for replacing a main water line.
Here’s the kicker: these costs don’t include repairing water damage caused to the rest of your home, and of course, there’s the cost of your sanity. If you’re going on a vacation this winter, make sure you leave the heat on and shut off the water/drain the system to avoid a costly emergency.
Related: How to weatherproof your home.
This past season, due to severe storms, we saw a 569% increase in water damage cleanup and restoration, a 115% increase in sump pump installations, and a 90% increase in home waterproofing (compared to the same time last year).
Related: How much does water damage restoration cost?
This winter, we’re expecting harsher weather conditions, so don’t forget to get ahead of snow plowing. Bookings tend to hit an all-time high December through February and typically cost between $150-250, depending on the surface area. We recommend finding a pro in November to avoid any last-minute headaches when the first snow storm arrives. If you have pets or higher-end masonry, ask your contractor to use non-salt-based products to prevent slips and protect your pet’s paws.
We’ve been home more than ever before and because of that, our homes are enduring more wear and tear. This has led to an increase in repairs, and we predict it’ll continue into fall and winter. When things break, you won’t just pay the price to fix it. These damages also cost you time and stress.
Among the top booked repair projects this season are:
Appliance repairs - $191 on average in the U.S.
Electrical and wiring repairs - $180 on average in the U.S.
Plumbing pipe repairs - $150 on average in the U.S.
Roof repairs - $150 on average in the U.S.
Plumbing drain repairs - $150-200 on average in the U.S.
Drywall repairs - $300 on average in the U.S.
Central air conditioning repairs - $50-100 on average in the U.S.
Lock repairs - $95 on average in the U.S.
Garage door repairs - $99 on average in the U.S.
Sprinkler and irrigation system repairs - $75/hour on average in the U.S.
These repairs can amount to at least $1,540 per year (not including parts). To avoid costly repairs, we recommend getting ahead of ongoing and seasonal maintenance.
Here are the top 5 proactive home maintenance projects we recommend doing this fall:
Carpet cleaning can cost on average $150 in the U.S. Steam and dry cleaning are two of the best ways to remove dirt and grime from your carpets. And steam cleaning removes bacteria from your carpets.
Pest control services include inspections, one-time extermination or removal, recurring services, and preventative measures and range from $60-125 on average in the U.S.
Pressure washing is a great way to remove mildew, dirt or other grime from your outdoor surfaces and restore their shine. It costs $250 on average in the U.S.
Gutter cleaning costs between $140-170 on average in the U.S. and helps avoid buildups of pollen, leaves, twigs, branches and other debris, which can clog gutters.
Duct and vent cleaning costs $200 on average in the U.S. and NADCA recommends getting your air ducts cleaned every 2-3 years in regions where air conditioning and heater are used for the majority of the year.
In addition to regular preventative maintenance, we’re predicting homeowners will take on larger long-term investments with big benefits, like installing solar panels or energy-efficient windows. These projects will not only help keep your average home costs down, but will also help you limit environmental impact:
Solar panel installations have increased 26% compared to last year. Solar panel installations typically average $15,00-$25,000 depending on the number of panels, the panel types, and labor cost.
Solar panel cleanings spiked in January +454%, and typically cost $200. We anticipate an increase in demand this year, so don’t forget to book a pro in the next couple of months!
Window installations can lower your energy bill by reducing heating and lighting costs. Window replacements, on average, cost $493, and prices typically range from $399-$675. We recommend starting your search this winter, given the increased demand for skilled pros.
Insulation upgrades typically spike between December and April and can cost around $350, on average
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. Poor insulation allows air to escape from your home and can dramatically increase your heating and cooling bill year-round.
Project data methodology: All data year-over-year comparison data is based on findings from Sept 2021-Sept 2020. All pricing data is based on national averages; real prices may vary based on city and supply.
Survey data methodology: A sample of 1,000 U.S. adults was surveyed between June 11, 2021, and June 14, 2021. DKC Analytics conducted and analyzed this survey with a sample procured using the Pollfish survey delivery platform, which delivers online surveys globally through mobile apps, the mobile web and the desktop web. No post-stratification has been applied to the results.
