Here's what tops the home improvements wishlist

Nearly four in five homeowners admitted they’ve noticed home improvement projects they need to take care of while in quarantine, according to new research.

Some 78% have discovered new projects to be completed, and the to-do list appears to be growing as the weeks go on.

The survey of 2,000 homeowners found the average respondent has six repairs or updates they’d like to make.

But not all the desired projects will get done in one go - since the average person would need £545 to complete their top three repairs.

Updated kitchen

The research found the most common updates homeowners are dreaming of include updated kitchen countertops and cabinets (65%) and smart home technology (63%).

Three in five (61%) think their lighting, switches and outlets need an upgrade (61%), while the same number think their bathroom fixtures could use a refresh, too.

However, making home improvements are not always trouble-free, especially when doing the updates yourself.

Of the respondents, 59% have attempted a repair or renovation on their own, in the past, and of those, nearly seven in ten confessed their projects never turned out how they imagined.

Renovation mishaps

Those with home improvement experience revealed the average repair has three things go wrong, with the most common mishap being incorrect assembly (51%).

Other home setbacks were buying the wrong pieces (49%), injuries to the respondent or someone else (42%) or the end result not looking as planned (36%).

One in ten of those confessed the finished project looked even worse than before the respondent started.

Here are the reasons why improvement projects pile up:

Shortage of money - 53%

Lack of time - 45%

Lacking knowledge - 39%

Lack of willpower - 39%

Not having the tools - 31%

I can’t decide how to proceed - 19%

Two-thirds (65%) of respondents think their home lighting isn’t how they’d like it, which could be frustrating as 78% think bad lighting can severely affect the mood of a room.

Highlighting issues

These are the main lighting issues:

Low lighting - 47%

Not enough lighting in space - 37%

Flickering or buzzing lights - 36%

Bright lighting - 35%

Cannot find compatible lighting for space - 26%

Two in five respondents have dimmers to help control the lighting in their home. Respondents don’t just want the perfect setting, they also care about being energy-efficient.

Four in five think it’s important to have energy-efficient LED bulbs in their homes, but many are at a loss when it comes to installation compatibility with LED bulbs and dimmers.

If ever unsure about lighting set-up or installation, consult with an electrician.

Bill Grande, senior director of product management for lighting company Leviton, who commissioned the study, said: “As many of us are spending more time at home, it makes sense that we are looking to take on projects to improve the aesthetic, safety and functionality of our homes.

“Now is the perfect time to make easy DIY upgrades to your lighting and lighting controls as these things truly determine the overall look and feel of your home.”

(photo: Shutterstock).