The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in many changes, some of which will be permanent. One change people expect to see in the coming year is an increase in home renovation projects. People are spending more time at home than ever before, and they’re starting to notice how their homes could be improved. Here are trends to keep in mind if you’re thinking about embarking on a home renovation project shortly.
More Outdoor Space
One of the most popular renovation trends for 2021 is creating more outdoor living space. With so many people working from home, having a dedicated outdoor space where you can take conference calls or get fresh air is more important than ever. Additionally, the bigger the outdoor space, the better it is for social distancing, which is crucial for the pandemic. If you don’t know where to start, consider these three options:
Patio
One of the best and most affordable options is a new patio. A well-designed patio will give you a great space to relax, but it can also be used for entertaining and as a play area for kids. Many materials and styles are available, so you can find one that suits your tastes and budget.
Pergola
A pergola is a stylish and functional addition to any yard. These structures provide shade and can also be used to grow vines or flowers that will bloom in the summertime. They are more expensive than patios, but they can easily enhance outdoor space.
Swimming Pool
Why not add a swimming pool to your yard if you have the budget? Swimming pools are getting all the hype regarding renovations during the pandemic, and it’s one of the best options for improving your outdoor space. Swim season may be over, but you’ll get plenty of use out of a pool during the spring and summer.
Increased Storage
Another trend that we’re seeing is an increased focus on storage. Homeowners are looking for ways to declutter and organize their homes, whether by adding more shelves and cabinets or renovating closets with built-ins. If you’re short on storage space, adding some extra square footage to your home with a storage shed or garage conversion is a great time. Additionally, you can also start some vertical storage in your home.
Vertical Storage
Vertical storage is one of the best options to add storage to your home. This can include adding shelves and racks to your closets or more shelving in your laundry room, garage, and kitchen areas. You could also try some floating shelves to add style and extra space. Speaking of verticality, expanding vertically is also a trending renovation during the pandemic.
Vertical Expansion
Most homes in the city require space but don’t have the yard space needed. You can add square footage to your home by expanding vertically rather than horizontally. A rooftop garden or terrace is a great way to take advantage of the extra space on your roof and adds value to your property. However, it’s essential to keep in mind a few safety tips before expanding verticality. First, you’ll need the proper rigging equipment to do it safely. Check your local rigging shop for the right equipment and assistance. Next, you’ll need a sturdy railing and handrail around your rooftop space to prevent falls. Lastly, always wear safety equipment when taking down your roof. The materials can be heavy, so you’ll need safety harnesses and helmets to protect yourself.
As you can see, there are plenty of ways to improve your home
Smart Home Features
Finally, experts also see a trend toward incorporating more smart home features into renovations. Smart home technology helps make your life easier and can even help you save money on your utility bills. If you’re unsure where to start, try adding just one or two smart home features to your renovation plans and see how you like them. Here are two of the essentials.
Nest Thermostat
The climate is constantly changing, so your home’s temperature is also continually evolving. A nest thermostat can help you save money because it can adjust the temperature whenever it’s not optimal. It can also automatically turn the heater or air conditioner off when you leave, giving you more control over your utility bills.
Smart Lighting
Another excellent option for an innovative home feature is smart lights. These lights can be controlled from anywhere with an app on your phone. This makes it easy to turn your lights on and off when you’re away from home to deter potential break-ins. You can also set timers to make it seem like someone is home during the day when you’re at work.
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in lots of changes, and one change that people can expect to see in the coming year is an increase in home renovation projects. People are spending more time at home than ever before and noticing how their homes could be improved. Keep an eye out for these three trends as you plan your next home renovation project.