Even if your New Year’s resolutions expired months ago, there’s still hope for growth this year. According to Thumbtack, 2025 is the “Summer of Improvements.” With home prices and mortgage rates increasing and home inventory diminishing, homeowners are staying put and transforming their current home into their dream home. This summer, homeowners are making smarter upgrades on both big and small levels, with an eye toward comfort, function, and value. However, resale value isn’t the driving force behind the flurry of home improvement; Thumbtack found in a recent survey that 84% of homeowners would choose a renovation that sparks joy before one angling for a higher selling price.
Projects ‘Heating up’ This Summer
Instead of full-scale renovations, many homeowners are prioritizing targeted interior upgrades that are personal, practical, and, yes, valuable in the long-term, according to Thumbtack. And many are seeking professional help—interior design services, averaging $685, are gaining traction on the platform.
Interior painting, which averages $1,392 according to Thumbtack, is tried-and-true, budget friendly option, but wallpaper installation is steadily increasing in popularity. It’s the era of the accent wall—Thumbtack says 41% of wallpaper projects focus on just one wall.
But updating walls isn’t the only way to revamp a space. Lighting installations are also trending on Thumbtack, with a majority of jobs aiming to replace old fixtures for better ambiance and functionality. Large-scale art installations are also on the rise, with homeowners choosing bigger and heavier pieces.
Tile is also breaking barriers this season—no longer relegated to the bathroom or kitchen, tile is a great way to bring texture to any room, Thumbtack says. The average tile installation costs around $1,500. Broadly speaking, flooring installations are also popular, especially in high-traffic areas like the entryway or kitchen. Speaking of functionality, accessibility modifications, like grab bars, stair lifts, and ramps, have also surged 94%.
Expanding and Upgrading
But while some homeowners are starting small, others are thinking of the big picture. Thumbtack says home remodeling, averaging approximately $7,000, is booming. And homeowners aren’t merely updating, but actually reimagining their living experience. Over half of these renovations, Thumbtack says, “aim to alter the form or function of key living spaces—especially kitchens, bedrooms and living rooms.”
General contracting services, averaging $5,003, are in high demand, with more than 25% of homeowners seeking custom construction and others undertaking major renovations in high-impact areas like kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms. Architectural services are also increasingly popular, with half of projects focused on additions, 28% on new builds, and 22% on remodels. Masonry, structural engineering, and general carpentry are also trending, partially due to all the construction.
In particular, bathroom remodels continue to draw large investments from homeowners, averaging $5,259 in cost. Many of these projects focus on upgrades and enhancements, but nearly half involve complete renovations.
Home inspections are no longer just for buying and selling. Thumbtack says homeowners are increasingly seeking out the service, which averages $367, after renovations or new builds. Real estate appraisals, especially for renovation-related loan applications, have also surged 173% year-over-year.
Backyard Bliss
The desire to create a home which is both functional and comfortable is spreading beyond your four walls. Outdoor projects are on the rise this summer and customers are thinking big—Thumbtack says 51% of landscaping jobs are for larger projects or complete outdoor renovations.
Hot tub and spa installations are up 125%, Thumbtack says, with above-ground hot tubs being the most popular option. Above-ground swimming pools are also seeing a massive surge, increasing 151% year-over-year.
Homeowners are also investing in their yards as an entertaining space. Deck and porch remodels or additions, as well as concrete patio or gazebo installations are on the rise. Finallhy, families are also opting for play equipment, with playhouses, swings and slides being the most popular additions.
Originally published in Sunset
Text by Claire O'Shaughnessy
