People are using quarantine to finally tackle these home improvement projects
Nearly four in five homeowners admitted they’ve noticed home improvement projects they need to take care of while in quarantine, according to new research.
Seventy-eight percent have discovered new projects to be completed, and the to-do list appears to be growing as the weeks go on.
The survey of 2,000 homeowners found the average respondent has six repairs or updates they’d like to make.
But not all the desired projects will get done in one go — since the average person would need $680.10 to complete just their top three repairs.
The research, commissioned by Leviton and conducted by OnePoll, found the most common updates homeowners are dreaming of include updated kitchen countertops and cabinets (65%) and smart home technology (63%).
Three in five (61%) also think their lighting, switches and outlets need an upgrade (61%), while the same number think their bathroom fixtures could use a refresh, too.
However, making home improvements are not always trouble-free, especially when doing the updates yourself.
Fifty-nine percent have attempted a repair or renovation on their own in the past, and of those, nearly seven in 10 confessed their projects never turn out how they imagined.
Those with home improvement experience revealed the average repair has three things go wrong, with the most common mishap being incorrect assembly (51%).
Other home setbacks were buying the wrong pieces (49%), injuries to the respondent or someone else (42%) or the end result not looking as planned (36%).
One in 10 of those even confessed the finished project looked even worse than before the respondent started.
To try to avoid mishaps or improve a renovation experience, it’s no surprise then that 64% of homeowners rely on search engines or apps to complete their home improvement plans.
Two-thirds (65%) think their home lighting isn’t how they’d ultimately like it, which could be frustrating as 78% think bad lighting can severely affect the mood of a room.
“As many of us are spending more time at home, it makes sense that we are looking to take on projects to improve the aesthetic, safety and functionality of our homes,” said Bill Grande, senior director of product management for Leviton.
“As the data shows, lighting truly does affect our mood. Now is the perfect time to make easy DIY upgrades to your lighting and lighting controls as these things truly determine the overall look and feel of your home.”
Two in five respondents have dimmers to help control the lighting in their homes. Respondents don’t just want the perfect setting, they care about being energy-efficient too.
Four in five think it’s important to have energy-efficient LED bulbs in their homes, but many are at a loss when it comes to installation compatibility with LED bulbs and dimmers.
“According to the survey, 77% of people think it would be helpful to have an app to help select and set up a dimmer and LED bulb that work well together,” added Grande.
“Resources like the Leviton LED Dimmer Compatibility Tool are perfect for DIYers because it helps you find the compatible bulb for your dimmer to create the ideal, trouble-free lighting your home needs.”
*If ever unsure about lighting setup or installation, consult with an electrician.
REASONS IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS PILE UP
Lack of money — 53%
Lack of time — 45%
Lack of knowledge — 39%
Lack of willpower — 39%
Lack of tools — 31%
I can’t decide how to proceed — 19%
TOP LIGHTING ISSUES
Low lighting — 47%
Not enough lighting in space — 37%
Flickering or buzzing lights — 36%
Bright lighting — 35%
Cannot find compatible lighting for space — 26%
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