At a time when there's been such heavy demand for homes, issues like long waiting lists, rising construction costs and labor shortages are causing a decline in new home builds.
Home renovations, on the other hand, are continuing to surge. In fact, Realtor.com recently found that the demand for home remodels is expected to remain strong in 2022. And while homeowners turned to Do-It-Yourself (DIY) projects throughout 2020 and 2021, they’ll likely leave projects such as big kitchen remodels or home office projects to the professionals, according to the Lending Indicator of Remodeling Activity.
The remodeling surge isn't just a newfound pandemic hobby or some post-pandemic repair, but a natural evolution of a very heated housing market, and millennials are giving the remodeling market a lift. Households under the age of 35, traditionally the most active group of DIYers, have been increasing their spending on professional installers as they get older, according to Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS).
With the conversation about remodeling gaining increased popularity well into 2022, we’re predicting a few home-refresh trends will be sticking around for the year ahead.
1. Efficiency Upgrades for Electrical Devices
Technology has been seamlessly interwoven into the fabric of our everyday lives— it’s even being reflected in homeowners’ desire to swap their standard wall outlets for more tech-friendly ones. For those consumers who are tired of unplugging the desk lamp or lap top charger in order to charge their smart phone or tablet, wall outlets with built-in USB ports offer an easy and affordable way to always stay plugged in. These devices help to free up AC outlets for homeowners so they can keep their laptop connected to power, charge their work and personal cell phones, and leave their desk lamp plugged in for optimal video conference lighting all at the same time.
2. Creating a Whole Smart Home
We’ve seen the demand for smart homes increase drastically over the past year. In fact, four-in-ten Americans have indicated that they were more interested in adding smart-home features or devices to their residences (according to another Realtor.com survey).While it might sound like just another passing fad to some, the smart home— just like the smartphone—is here to stay.
From simplifying everyday household tasks like automating a smart thermostat or a Wi-Fi enabled ceiling fan controller to strategically placing voice-controlled lighting devices through the home, smart homes allow a busy homeowner to be most efficient with their time. Additionally, app-controlled devices allow consumers to easily view their home’s connected devices from their phone, providing the option of turning lights, electronics, or small appliances on/off remotely.
For builders looking to upgrade to a whole smart home solution with their remodel projects, it’s important to ensure the devices you’re choosing can and will be compatible with other smart home brands. This allows homeowners the option to add as many devices into their daily routines as possible, thus increasing their long-term convenience.
3. Customization Options
Alternate finishes can elevate a home’s design and make it a more personalized space for the homeowners. When homeowners update the electrical outlets or light switches in their homes during renovation projects – whether to upgrade to smart devices or to increase their home’s electrical safety – it’s the perfect time to consider customization options for the devices.
One of the easiest ways to customize a home’s electrical or lighting control devices is through color. Leviton’s Decora Smart Receptacle Color Change Kit makes it as easy as removing the current face of the device and snapping on the new desired color (white, ivory, light almond, gray, black and brown).
While white electrical outlets and wall plates have been the go-to color for the past several years, we are seeing more homeowners opt to customize with different color choices to make a statement. Warmer shades like light almond offer a more traditional finish. Black or gray wall plates, light switches, and electrical outlets are becoming increasingly popular for a modern aesthetic as well.
For even more customization options, consider ordering custom engraved buttons for a 4-button controller. With a 4-Button Controller, a Button can be programmed to turn all lights in the home on or off, and can be engraved to say, “All Off.” Similarly, a “Bedtime” Button can slowly dim the lights in the bedroom and turn the overhead fan on at night. Custom engraving can be designed and ordered at any time through the My Leviton app.
As this era of remodeling continues to gain popularity and creative home design trends are always shifting, the possibilities are far and wide. Whether homeowners are interested in adding new smart solutions or upgrading and switching up the look of old devices, these trends can help builders and remodelers offer confidence, comfort and convenience for their customers. To learn more about Leviton’s available smart lighting control options, visit Leviton's Residential Builders site.
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