While the pandemic shut down the economy and affected unemployment, many homeowners moved forward with renovation plans, including landscape and outdoor living upgrades. A Houzz survey of nearly 1,000 homeowners in late April found that shelter-in-place orders moved people to take a closer look at their home and landscape and consider more improvement projects.

More than half of those who were in the middle of renovations when shutdown took place were ready to continue those projects as permitted. Just 1% of those surveyed reported canceling their projects in progress. Experts anticipate increased activity and more requests for professional help with home projects as the economy reopens.

After spending much more time at home, 79% of Houzz respondents said that they found upgrades that they would like to make. Outdoor upgrades topped the wish list of home improvements. This could be due to consumers wanting to make their homes an attractive staycation “resort” or simply wanting more comfort and privacy at home.

The Houzz survey gives a new perspective on the data in the 2020 U.S. Houzz & Home Study. That study found that 2019 spending on renovations declined slightly from the previous year. In that survey of 87,000 people, security cameras and lighting were the leading outdoor upgrades or purchases. These practical purchases related to safety and security may be overtaken by expenditures that support comfort and recreation as the year progresses, if current consumer demand is any indication.

Read more in this issue of Colorado Green NOW:
Keep crews safe in the heat
Supporting pollinators is good for business
More than milkweed: plants for pollinators
Presidential order halts H-2B visas for 2020