Get the low-down on the biggest home improvement trends of 2023 with the Rated People Home Improvement Trends Report. Professional Builder’s Edward Kelly finds out more
Through analysing around 1.1 million home improvement jobs, and speaking to thousands of tradespeople, homeowners and homebuyers across the UK, the find-a-tradesperson platform, Rated People, has been able to release its newest yearly report. The Rated People Home Improvement Trends Report has some interesting insights, whilst also representing a useful tool for tradespeople in planning ahead and finding new ways of generating business.
The Biggest Trends
The biggest new trend is the demand for eco-improvements. In fact, according to the report, nine in 10 UK homeowners who will be doing work to their homes want to adapt them to make them more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. Furthermore, four of the top five eco home improvement jobs that have increased in popularity are related to reducing energy usage. Biomass boilers instals are up by 225% in just two years, for example. Solar panels have seen a 222% rise, and thermal insulation has increased by 143%.
Not only is “going green” becoming more and more important from a planet saving perspective, the current energy and cost of living crisis makes this an investment that could save people big in the long term. According to the report, 50% of the 90% that are planning eco-improvements on their property have saving money on their bills as their biggest motivation. 32% say it’s to be more environmentally conscious and 23% have the other key factor – adding value to their home.
With all that in mind, don’t be surprised by an uptake in requests from your clients for better cladding, insulation, or even solar panels. The report also reveals smart meters are a popular install, followed by draught proofing, and installing extra insulation. Other eco home improvements on the up are solar panels, electric car charging points, heat pumps and underfloor heating.
When looking at why UK homeowners want to adapt their homes, the ‘race for space’ dominated 2021 and 2022. But in 2023, with more people going back into the office to work, and with many of us now spending less time in our homes, space optimisation and maximisation is less important than it has been over the past two years.
The ‘pandemic effect’ is over, and it’s no longer influencing how we’re adapting our homes. Long story short, people want to make their homes fun again. This is all about homeowners repurposing the space they have so jobs like creating better storage, walk-in wardrobes, saunas, home bars, games rooms and playrooms have become more important.
Other Insights
The findings also suggest that a growing avenue for business is full renovation projects. The data states that 44% of people who are doing work on their homes are taking on one of these full projects. A lot of this seems to be to do with the current housing market, with 24% saying that they want to renovate to add value to their home. 14% want to because they have less money to buy a home (also tying into the cost-of-living crisis) and renovation properties are more affordable. This accounts for a lot of first-time buyers, who may be looking for a tradesperson to get this done.
At the same time, the report’s figures also reveal that 41% of homeowners planning on improvements in 2023 will opt for a part update. Not only will this save money, homeowners are also minimising their home’s impact on the planet.
This all being said, there will be some challenges to the home improvement sector this year, with the cost-of-living crisis, and labour and material costs going up. Workforce shortages are continuing to be felt but there are signs that the tide is turning with trade training and enrolments up 40%.
Overall, the Rated People Home Improvement Trends Report is largely reflective of current issues. Namely, the energy and cost of living crises means people want to save money in general as well as on their energy bills. Homeowners are as conscious as ever about their impact on the planet and will let this reflect in their improvement choices. To read the full report and get more of an insight into the trends that may be the most important for you, click here.
