Since Americans are spending more time in their home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they are turning to home improvement projects. The latest U.S. Census Bureau report indicates home centers, hardware stores, garden centers and building material suppliers experienced a year-over-year sales growth of 22.6 percent in June. The hottest projects involve landscaping, gardens, bathrooms, and kitchens.
A June Consumer Specialists survey of more than 600 homeowners found 57 percent of homeowners worked on a home improvement project from March to May. Those homeowners spent an average of $1,750 on home improvements. Sixty-seven percent said "having more time" was the main reason they embarked on the projects. Nearly 50 percent of the homeowners said, "time at home made me more aware of things that needed doing."
"A homeowner recently remarked, 'I never thought I would get to know every crack, every chip, every crackling sound in the house we live in.' With more time at home, homeowners can study what they can improve in their home so they can be more comfortable. Others are preparing their homes to sell," says Mary Kay Groth, president of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors.
Popular outdoor projects include painting or updating a front door, adding or updating outside light fixtures, and installing pavers. According to Groth, "Updating your home does not need to break the budget and can make a difference in the look and feel of your home. These types of projects help improve the curb appeal of your home and make it more attractive to buyers if you plan on selling your home."
Backyard projects include planting flowers and trees, or adding a barbecue or fire pit. Indoor projects that will not require much investment include painting a bathroom or bedroom, painting or upgrading cabinets. However, Groth cautions homeowners that painting can pose a health risk since families now spend many hours indoors due to COVID-19. Updating light fixtures, bathroom fixtures, or outlet covers, installing a ceiling fan or adding a backsplash in a kitchen are other projects homeowners can undertake.
Do not get so caught up with improvements that you neglect home repairs, says Groth. "Check for leaks, clean gutters, seal window cracks or have someone inspect your roof's underlayment and check for cracks."
Select projects that are safe to do in the COVID-19 environment, projects that do not require already limited COVID-19 personal protective equipment, like face masks, or projects that would need crews of people to enter your home. "It's best to postpone a dusty drywall or woodwork project, or a large undertaking that would require contractors, plumbers, carpenters, and electricians to enter your home," says Groth. "We need to follow social distancing guidelines and limit interaction with large groups. Leave projects that require the use of a ladder to a professional. This is not a good time to have an accident and end up in the hospital."
Most important is stick to a budget."Before you get started, plan carefully. Make sure you stay within your budget," said Groth. "It's easy to 'grow' the project and overspend if you don't stay within your plan."
The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.
The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
Variations of this article have appeared in local area newspapers.
For further information, please email or call the SILVAR office at (408) 200-0100.