Hibernating or Hosting? These Are the Top Trending Home Projects for Fall and Winter
David Steckel•Last updated Oct 13, 2021
Last updated Oct 13, 2021
Fall is here, and with the leaves changing and cooler weather rolling in, it’s time to prepare your home for a season of cozy hibernating and cheery holiday hosting. After a year of all-time-highs in home buying and widespread supply shortages, maximizing where we live, work, and play has taken on a whole new meaning. As a result, we’re investing in our homes like never before. According to our recent survey of 1,000 Americans, 40% of current homeowners plan to invest more than $5,000 in their homes over the next 12 months. We’ve put extra strain on our homes during the pandemic, they’re deserving of some holiday pampering too!
This year, we’re predicting a renewed season of intimate gatherings — which for many will be the first time hosting holidays in new homes and for others the first time celebrating together with family and friends in a long time. Looking across millions of projects happening in 500 categories, we discovered the top home trends happening right now. Here’s what we’ve found.
Cozy Hibernating
Looking to curl up by the fire over the holidays, while you enjoy eggnog or take a dip in a warm and cozy hot tub? This season, we’re predicting coziness will reign supreme as colder regions prepare to hibernate while celebrating with close friends and family.
So far, we’re seeing an increase in fireplace and chimney installations (up 83% over the last three months) and fireplace and chimney maintenance (up 151% over the last three months). Installing a fireplace typically costs $2,643 but ultimately depends on the type of fireplace, the finishes and cost of labor. If you’re not a fan of chopping wood and cleaning ash, install a gas logset or full gas unit that adds charm to your space while turning on and off with the click of a button. Now is the time to start prepping your cozy spot by the chimney, especially if you want to add a new fireplace between now and prime holiday hosting season.
Swimming pools may have been the hot trend last year, but it seems homeowners aren’t too thrilled with the upkeep. Above ground swimming pool installations are down 92% and in-ground swimming pool installations are down 32% over the past three months (and they are also down overall compared to last year). Meanwhile, we’re seeing a spike in swimming pool removals (up 59% compared to last year). In contrast, we’re seeing an increase in hot tub and spa installations, which are up 44% over the past three months. Hiring a pro to install a new hot tub can cost anywhere from $75-$700. It’s also important to keep in mind monthly upkeep will cost around $75 for maintenance per visit.
Indoor TLC
After 20 months at home, we know the areas we l-o-v-e in our homes and the pain points we can’t seem to get over. This fall, we’re predicting homeowners will revamp and reinvigorate their favorite spaces while finally tackling the updates and upgrades they’ve been putting off. In snowy areas especially, fall and winter are the perfect time to give your indoor spaces some special attention while outdoor areas go into hibernation.
Our top 10 most popular indoor projects for fall and winter this year include:
- House cleaning — $165 on average in the U.S.
- Interior painting — $600-$1,000 on average in the U.S.
- TV mounting — $125 on average in the U.S.
- Floor installations — $1,392 on average in the U.S.
- Tile installations — $750 on average in the U.S.
- Lighting installations — $165 on average in the U.S.
- Home organizing — $117 on average in the U.S.
- Door installations — $300 on average in the U.S.
- Bathroom remodels — approx. $5,000 on average in the U.S.
- Wallpaper installations — $300 on average in the U.S.
Compared to the same timeframe last year, we’re seeing an increase in organizing and tech upgrades. With the top trending projects including smart home installations which are up 134%, closet remodels up 156%, home organizing up 83%, cabinet installations up 63% and wallpaper installations up 38%.
At Thumbtack, we’re seeing continued excitement for home projects, making planning ahead more important than ever to ensure you can continuously care for your home and make your dream updates without delay.
Weatherproofing
In the fall, it’s important to prioritize all water maintenance to avoid costly plumbing repairs that come late winter as “freeze/thaw” becomes an issue. We typically see a spike in these types of repairs in February and they are costly: repairing a pipe is $150 on average, but that rises to $200 for a frozen pipe, $400-$1,500 for a burst pipe, and $2,000-$3,000 for replacing a water main line. What’s more, these costs don’t include repairing water damage caused to the rest of your home, and of course the costs to your sanity. Most importantly, in cold climates, if you’re going on a vacation this winter, make sure you leave the heat on and shut off the water/drain the system — as always, our pros are happy to help.
This past season, due to severe storms, we saw a 569% increase in water damage cleanup and restoration, a 115% increase in sump pump installations, and a 90% increase in home waterproofing (compared to the same time last year). This winter we’re expecting harsher weather conditions to continue so don’t forget to get ahead of snow plowing. Bookings tend to hit an all time high in December through February and typically cost between $150–250 depending on the surface area — we recommend finding a pro in November to avoid any last minute headaches when the first snow storm arrives. If you have pets or higher end masonry, ask your contractor to use non-salt based products to prevent slips and falls while protecting your pet’s paws.
Fall To-Do List
We’ve been home more these past two years than ever before and because of that, our homes are hurting. We’re seeing an increase in repairs and predict a continuation of this trend throughout fall and winter. When things break, they can cost more than the bill, but bring on added stress, frustration and damages.
Among the top booked repair projects this season are:
- Appliance repairs — $191 on average in the U.S.
- Electrical and wiring repairs — $180 on average in the U.S.
- Plumbing pipe repairs — $150 on average in the U.S.
- Roof repairs — $150 on average in the U.S.
- Plumbing drain repairs — $150–200 on average in the U.S.
- Drywall repairs — $300 on average in the U.S.
- Central air conditioning repairs — $50–100 on average in the U.S.
- Lock repairs — $95 on average in the U.S.
- Garage door repairs — $99 on average in the U.S.
- Sprinkler and irrigation system repairs — $75/hour on average in the U.S.
These repairs can amount to at least $1,540 per year (not including parts). To avoid costly repairs, we recommend getting ahead of ongoing and seasonal maintenance.
Here are the top 5 proactive home maintenance projects we recommend doing this fall:
- Carpet cleaning can cost on average $150 in the U.S. Steam and dry cleaning are two of the best ways to remove dirt and grime from your carpets. And steam cleaning removes bacteria from your carpets.
- Pest control services include inspections, one-time extermination or removal, recurring services, and preventative measures and range from $60–125 on average in the U.S.
- Pressure washing is a great way to remove mildew, dirt or other grime from your outdoor surfaces and restore their shine. It costs $250 on average in the U.S.
- Gutter cleaning costs between $140–170 on average in the U.S. and helps avoid buildups of pollen, leaves, twigs, branches and other debris which can clog gutters.
- Duct and vent cleaning costs $200 on average in the U.S. and NADCA recommends getting your air ducts cleaned every 2–3 years in regions where air conditioning and heater for the majority of the year.
2022 Resolution: A Greener Home
In addition to regular preventative maintenance, larger long-term investments with big benefits, like installing solar panels or energy-efficient windows, are a trend we’re predicting for 2022. These projects will not only help keep your average home costs down year-round, but will also help decrease your environmental footprint.
- Solar panel installations have increased 26% compared to last year. Solar panel installations typically average $15,00-$25,000 depending on the number of panels, the panel types, and labor cost.
- Solar panel cleanings spiked in January +454%, and typically cost $200. We anticipate an increase in demand this year, so don’t forget to book a pro in the next couple of months!
- Window installations can lower your energy bill by reducing heating and lighting costs. Window replacements on average cost $493, and prices typically range from $399-$675. We recommend starting your search this winter given the increased demand for skilled pros.
- Insulation upgrades typically spike between December and April and can cost around $350 on average. Poor insulation allows air to escape from your home and can dramatically increase your heating and cooling bill year-round.
Ready to get started? Find a local pro near you at www.thumbtack.com or download the Thumbtack app (available on iOS and Android).
Project data methodology: All data year over year comparison data is based on findings from Sept 2021-Sept 2020. All pricing data is based on national averages, real prices may vary based on city and supply.
Survey data methodology: A sample of 1,000 U.S. adults was surveyed between June 11, 2021, and June 14, 2021. DKC Analytics conducted and analyzed this survey with a sample procured using the Pollfish survey delivery platform, which delivers online surveys globally through mobile apps, the mobile web and the desktop web. No post-stratification has been applied to the results.
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