Gearing Up for a Summer of Improvements: The Projects Homeowners Are Prioritizing
Morgan Olsen•Thumbtack’s Home Design Expert•Last updated May 14, 2025
Last updated May 14, 2025
As the weather warms and days grow longer, homeowners across the country are shifting their focus from spring cleaning to meaningful summer upgrades. Whether it’s enhancing interiors, creating outdoor retreats, or preparing for long-term comfort, this season is all about moving from uncertainty to action — and our data shows the summertime surge is already underway.
At Thumbtack, we’ve analyzed millions of home projects to uncover the latest home improvement trends. From full remodels to simple refreshes, May through July marks the peak of the home upgrade season. These are the projects homeowners are prioritizing:
The home improvement projects heating up this summer.
Gearing up for summer, homeowners are prioritizing interior upgrades that blend personalization, practicality, and long-term value. Homeowners are opting for targeted interior updates rather than full-scale renovations. Interior design services are also gaining traction, with homeowners seeking professional guidance to bring their vision to life. These services average $685, and the majority (61%) of homeowners focus on just one or two rooms. Hiring an interior designer can save time scouring the internet for the perfect rug or light — these professionals already have a strong sense of what’s available within your budget. A pro can hand you the ideal shopping list to create your dream space.
Also top of mind for homeowners ahead of summer are:
- Interior painting remains one of the most popular, budget-friendly ways to refresh a space, averaging $1,392.
- Large-scale art installations are on the rise with nearly a third of homeowners choosing art pieces that weigh over 20 pounds or measure more than six feet in length.
- Lighting installations are also trending, and a majority of projects — a full 64% — focus on replacing outdated fixtures to enhance both ambiance and functionality.
- Appliance installations remain top of mind as homeowners update their spaces with efficient washer-dryers, stoves, and built-in microwaves.
- Flooring installations, averaging $2,006, are especially popular in high-traffic areas like kitchens, living rooms, and entryways. When updating your floor, keep function in mind. LVP and engineered hardwoods are great options over hardwood for being scratch-resistant and having lower maintenance needs.
- Tile installations, now expanding beyond bathrooms into kitchens and living rooms, average $1,524. Tile is a great way to add texture to any room on the wall or floor. Geometric and marble tiles bring a modern look with flare, while rough stones and zellige bring a more rustic, warm look.
- Installing wallpaper is top of mind for homeowners, accent walls are gaining popularity — 47% of wallpaper projects focusing on a single wall. Wallpaper offers a cozy and refreshed feel to a space. Rather than settling for blank white walls, it adds depth with little need for additional decor.
When it comes to enhancing a home’s functionality, accessibility modifications have surged by 94% year-over-year. These upgrades — including grab bars, stair lifts, and ramps — reflect a growing demand for homes that support all life stages and evolving needs.
Expanding and upgrading: Big-picture home improvements.
Homeowners are also embracing big-picture renovations and structural upgrades to improve functionality, customization, and long-term value. At the heart of this shift is a boom in home remodeling (averaging $7,203). More than half of these remodels aim to change the form or function of key living spaces — especially kitchens, bedrooms, and living rooms — signaling that homeowners are doing more than refreshing; they’re reimagining how they live. Right now, it’s easier for homeowners to remodel their homes rather than tackle the housing market.
Other projects tied to big-picture improvements ahead of summer include:
- Bathroom remodels also continue to draw significant investment (averaging $5,259). Nearly half (47%) of these projects involve complete transformations, while others focus on specific upgrades like new flooring and tile (19%) or cabinet and fixture enhancements (15%) to achieve a spa-like feel.
- Architectural services are increasingly sought after as these transformations unfold, with 50% of projects focused on additions, 28% on new builds, and 22% on remodeling existing spaces.
- General contracting services are seeing high demand (averaging $5,003). Over a quarter of homeowners are pursuing custom construction, while others are undertaking large-scale renovations in high-impact areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms.
- Home inspections (averaging $367) are commonly requested when buying or selling, but increasingly, they’re also prompted by recent renovations or new builds.
- Real estate appraisals, mainly tied to renovation-related loan applications, have surged 173% year-over-year and now average $454.
- General carpentry (averaging $959) is also popular, as homeowners invest in custom cabinets, shelving, decks, porches, and even bespoke furniture.
- Masonry and structural engineering services, averaging $2,383 and $934 respectively, are also on the rise, particularly for new builds and renovations.
To support these major transformations, dumpster rentals have seen a 116% increase year-over-year, signaling that homeowners are clearing out and making room for remodels. With so many homeowners turning to professionals for help — from vision to demolition — it’s clear that big improvements are on the horizon.
Backyard bliss: Outdoor improvements for summer living.
Outdoor projects are also making a significant splash this summer, as homeowners invest in functional and comfortable spaces. Curb appeal projects like landscaping services, new door and screen installations and exterior painting are also seeing steady growth (average costs of $1,110, $422 and $3,516 respectively) as homeowners look to invest in projects that bring them joy in their homes. When it comes to landscaping, 51% are focusing on larger projects or complete outdoor renovations (for instance, replacing soil or hardscaping, planting trees, or adding sprinkler systems).
And as homeowners focus on outdoor entertaining and quality time as a family, we’re also seeing investments in:
- Above-ground swimming pool installations have surged 151% year-over-year, averaging $1,876. Hard-sided pools are the top choice (58%) due to their durability and appearance.
- Hot tub and spa installations are also up 125%, averaging $556, with above-ground hot tubs (42%) being the most popular, followed by saunas (33%) and in-ground spas (25%).
- Deck and porch remodels or additions, concrete patio installations and gazebo installations (averaging $3,468, $3,251, and $704 respectively) — underscoring the desire for defined, durable outdoor entertainment zones.
- Play equipment installations (averaging $437) to create magical memories with their kids. According to our data, families are opting for playhouses, swings, and slides. Meanwhile, some play area features may be falling out of fashion. Sandboxes and monkey bars are the least popular outdoor additions among families, making up less than 2% of projects.
As part of their outdoor upgrade plans, many homeowners are also focusing on high-value investments like roof installations and replacements, which average $7,474. With 85% opting for full replacements, these projects are driven by the end of a roof’s lifespan, but also by leaks, damage, or plans for remodels. These upgrades offer protection, peace of mind, and long-term value preservation.
The takeaway: Homeowners are staying put, and investing big.
With high mortgage rates and limited housing inventory, many homeowners are choosing to stay where they are and invest in making their current homes work and feel better. From full-scale remodels to outdoor overhauls, this summer marks a shift toward smarter, more substantial upgrades that boost comfort, functionality, and long-term value. In fact, our recent survey found that 84% of homeowners are choosing renovations that spark joy over ones that boost resale value. These joy-first projects include everything from hobby rooms and home gyms to pools and built-in bookcases — because this summer, it’s all about making space for what brings joy.
Whether you’re rethinking your space entirely or making strategic improvements room by room, Thumbtack has the pros to help you get it done right.
Ready to kick off your summer project? Get started with Thumbtack today and bring your home vision to life.
Pricing data is based on nearly 6 million projects requested on Thumbtack from April 2024 to April 2025 reported directly by the independent service professional or individual customer. Data on file at Thumbtack. For a personalized cost estimate, request a quote from a professional.
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