What to Know About Popular Home Improvement Trends

Top 5 Home Improvement
Trends in 2021

More than ever, we’re all embracing the comforts of home. What will it take to make your dream home a reality?

About 51% of Americans work from home at least some of the time.1 With so much more time spent at home, it’s no wonder that homeowners are planning renovations to increase their quality of life.

Undertaking these home improvement projects not only make your living space more enjoyable but may also add value once it’s time to sell.

Most popular home improvement projects for 2021:2

1 Yard modifications3

Improvements:
  • Outdoor living area
  • Pollinator gardens, food production, composting
  • Smart tech (e.g., sprinkler systems)

Cost: May vary from less than $100 to a few thousand dollars

2 Midrange bathroom remodel4

Improvements:
  • Updated fixtures
  • Temperature-and-pressure-controlled shower
  • Ceramic tile flooring

Cost: $24K

3 Midrange kitchen remodel4

Minor improvements to focus on:
  • New cabinet doors
  • Energy-efficient oven range and slide-in refrigerator
  • Mid-priced sink and faucet
  • Laminate countertops
  • Resilient flooring

Cost: $26K

Major improvements to focus on:
  • Countertops, island, semi-custom cabinets
  • Stainless steel sink
  • New and energy-efficient appliances (range, vented range hood, built-in microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal)
  • Custom lighting, resilient flooring

Cost: $76K

4 Primary bedroom addition4

Improvements:
  • En-suite bathroom
  • Freestanding bathtub and separate shower
  • Walk-in closet space
  • New carpeting

Cost: $156K-$321K

5 Deck addition4

Improvements:
  • Built-in bench and planter
  • Railing system
  • Stairs

Cost: $24K

Other high-ROI home improvements

You may not call guests over to marvel at your new HVAC, but you’ll always notice when your home’s infrastructure needs some work. When you find your forever home, replacing these foundational things can increase your quality of life.

Garage door

Cost: $1.1K5

HVAC

Cost: $7K6

New asphalt shingle roof

Cost: $5K-$28K4,7

How much are people willing to spend?2

Approximately 64% of projects planned for 2021 are expected to cost more than $1,000.

For people under 55

plan to hire help
plan to partially DIY
  • up to $1,000
  • $1,001–$2,500
  • $2,501–$5,000
  • $5,001–$10,000
  • >$10,000
If you don’t want to dip into your savings or investments to finance these projects, a personal loan may be a more attractive option than a credit card. Your rate may be lower and your payment structure more straightforward.

Sources:

  1. “Seven in 10 U.S. White-Collar Workers Still Working Remotely,” May 17, 2021, Gallup
  2. “2021 Axiom Homefront Insights Survey: Home Improvement During a Pandemic,” Jan. 27, 2021, Axiom
  3. “20 Landscaping Trends for 2021,” Oct. 26, 2020, JMF Landscaping
  4. “2021 Cost vs. Value Report,” 2021, Remodeling magazine
  5. “How Much Does a Garage Door Cost?” Oct. 2, 2020, HomeAdvisor
  6. “How Much Does It Cost to Install or Replace an HVAC System?” July 12, 2021, HomeAdvisor
  7. “How Much Do Asphalt Shingles Cost?” HomeAdvisor