GOLDEN, Colo. –  Homeowners seeking to tackle home improvement projects are not deterred by political and economic uncertainties and are spending nearly 60 percent more than a year ago on home improvement according to HomeAdvisor’s 2017 True Cost Report. The report, authored by HomeAdvisor’s Chief Economist Brad Hunter, provides insight into homeowner spending trends and the greater macro political and economic factors influencing home project decision-making, including interest rates, political party affiliation and consumer confidence. 

“Home improvement activity is showing resilience in the face of political shifts,” said HomeAdvisor’s Chief Economist Brad Hunter. “While there is a sharp divide in how homeowners feel about the economy and the current presidential administration, that divide is not affecting their willingness to take on home projects.”

2017 True Cost Report highlights:

• Home Improvement is politics-proof.  Homeowners’ feelings about the presidential administration do not negatively impact homeowners’ willingness to take on home projects. While just 35 percent of homeowners are confident that their personal economic situation will improve as a result of policies enacted by the Trump administration, more than 80 percent of homeowners maintain they are planning to complete as many or more home projects in the next 12 months.
• Homeowners are spending more on home improvement and planning for more. Homeowners tackled more home improvement projects from February 2016 through February 2017 than they did from February 2015 through February 2016. What’s more, nearly two-thirds of homeowners report plans to spend the same amount or more on home improvement projects in 2017 than they spent in 2016.
• Baby boomers and millennials are leading the charge. Baby boomers are doing more home projects — and spending more money — than any other group of homeowners, followed closely by millennials.
• Younger homeowners tend to DIY. Home project spending is up among millennials, but less than half report always hiring a professional to help complete home improvement projects — in part because they’d have to save for or finance a home improvement, and in part because they’re uncertain they’re being charged a fair price.
• Home improvement is gaining the most traction in the West and Northeast. Homeowners in the West and Northeast are spending the most on home improvement. And, because they’re accruing some of the highest equity, they’re also taking out the most home equity loans to complete projects.

“With the advent of millennials buying homes, including some fixer-uppers, and baby boomers well-established in their homes, there are more people in a homeownership position than there were in the last two years.  These trends, along with rising home values and increased homeowner equity, are fueling home improvement spending,” said Hunter. “I’m expecting to see continuing strong growth in large and discretionary improvement projects, including an increasing number of bathroom, kitchen and garage remodels.”

The report is informed by HomeAdvisor’s True Cost Guide, an online guide for homeowners to access real costs for home projects, as well as results from an annual survey* conducted among homeowners. To view the complete report, visit HomeAdvisor’s 2017 True Cost Report page.