Blueprint Design Ideas

Trends to Watch for Home Service Teams in 2022

When we look at 2021 and the original trends projected, there’s no denying that the focus on improving living spaces has been at the forefront. More homeowners continue to shift to a work-from-home model. Expanding gathering areas will continue to be top of mind in 2022.

The good news is that 2022 is also projecting to hold an industry increase in home improvement investments. The housing market is still strong. Remodeling will more than likely continue to grow. With home sales and house price appreciation increases, owner’s equity will continue to increase with each project.

The downside? The Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center of Housing Studies of Harvard University does project that the rising costs of labor and materials may slow overall growth.  We’ve already seen much of the home contracting industry have supply chain issues. Subsequently, if home service teams are waiting on supplies, less jobs may be completed.

These are some of the few home improvement projects we see forecasted to make the largest impact for home contractors and their businesses:

  1. Home Studios- Getting away from the guest room turned office. Remodeling empty spaces- even closets- into more dedicated work areas.
  2. Specialized Outdoor Areas- Movie nights outside, upgrading “she sheds” and outdoor pizza ovens are all on the lists of items to upgrade or update for outdoor space.
  3. Accessory Dwelling Units- Better known as tiny homes, tiny spaces, or she sheds. Detached units away from the home that have electrical, and potentially plumbing added. As the shortage of affordable housing increases, families may see this addition in their back yard as a “mother-in-law” cottage or “granny flat”. In 2021 we saw an uptick in homeowners investing in sunrooms, and this is the natural progression of home additions.
  4. Planting Up- Trellis gardens, compost areas, fencing to keep animals out.
  5. Sustainable Upgrades- Adding solar panels and using upcycled materials for projects. Many DIY projects have centered around this, but we also see contractors relying more on retro fixtures and materials to help close the supply gaps.
  6. More Windows- letting the light in, to feel like you’re bringing the outdoors in.
  7. Mud rooms- Creating dedicated storage spaces and areas that will help declutter the rest of the home.
  8. Kitchens- Kitchens are often on the list, but the trend from 2021 of turning kitchen space into more of a living space should continue. Adding comfortable seating and furniture into a convertible dining space is a key trend. This adds to the multi-functional space and trends over the last 2 years.