Hover Study: 'Show-and-Sell' Generation has Arrived

A new report shows the widening gap between homeowner expectations and outdated technology many pros still rely on.

Hover’s Instant Design is an AI-powered tool that lets pros and homeowners visualize renovations instantly. — Hover’s Instant Design is an AI-powered tool that instantly lets pros and homeowners visualize renovations. Unlike traditional design software, Hover is intuitive, fast, and integrates actual products from top manufacturers. Free for homeowners, pros can start with five free projects before upgrading.
— Image courtesy of Hover

A recent study conducted by Hover is demonstrating how artificial intelligence (AI) is influencing — and in some cases reshaping — design for roofing contractors.

The report combines insights from more than 750 construction professionals and 500 homeowners who completed surveys at the end of 2024 and earlier this year.

The technology platform's annual exploration into data from its growing client base unveiled several key findings, and pointed to a widening gap between rising homeowner expectations and the outdated tools many pros still rely on. Homeowners today are part of what Hover defines as the “Show-and-Sell Generation” — property owners who make decisions on improvement projects through Pinterest boards, Instagram inspiration, and even AI-generated mockups. Too often, they also disengage from the process and become frustrated over budget or communication issues, and are then disappointed with the outcome.

Earlier this year, Hover launched Instant Design, an AI-powered design product that construction pros and homeowners can use to visualize any home remodeling or new construction project instantly.

"With the advancement of generative AI, pros and homeowners can now create photo-realistic designs in seconds without hiring and paying for a drafting expert," said Hover Founder and CEO A.J. Altman in the report. "This new wave of tech isn’t just changing how we design, it's reworking customer expectations and decision-making."

Other findings from the report:

1 in 3 remodeling projects exceed budget, underscoring the disconnect between expectations and delivery.
47% of homeowners report frustration with their remodel, highlighting widespread dissatisfaction in today’s market.
65% of contractors say real-time design improves communication with homeowners, reducing confusion and helping align on decisions.
31% of contractors report increased revenue when using design software and apps, proving that AI-powered design directly impacts the bottom line.

"Hover’s Real-Time Design Report makes it clear: estimating isn’t enough anymore for today’s 'preview economy'," Altman said in a release. "Homeowners expect accuracy, clarity, and the ability to preview exactly what their investment will look like before committing. Real-time AI design is closing this gap, helping pros win more business, make faster decisions, and ultimately deliver better outcomes."

Find out more about the study and Hover here.

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Art Aisner is Editor-in-Chief of Roofing Contractor and Roofing Supply Pro. He spent the bulk of his career as a multi-media journalist for newspapers and television stations before joining the RC team in 2015. He is the driving force behind the publication’s content development, editorial strategy and other initiatives that serve growing audiences in the roofing space.