Home Improvements During the Pandemic

Last spring, when COVID-19 hit, homeowners found themselves under stay-at-home orders. That time, and subsequent months of working from home, has led us to take a closer look at our houses. We’re noticing the need for upgrades and remodeling to accommodate our new situations. Suddenly, our homes are no longer fitting our lives, and we are choosing to do something about it.

According to a Porch.com survey, over 76% of homeowners in the US have carried out at least one home improvement project since the COVID pandemic started, and at least that many plan to embark on a home improvement journey in the next several months. What was the driving force behind remodeling? The majority (25%) of respondents reported “Finally having the time for it” was their motivation. What will lead you to start a home improvement project in 2021?

How Does Your Home Fit?

Has your home life changed since the start of the pandemic? Most of us are spending more time in our houses, and we need our homes to fit our lives. Many families find themselves in need of home offices, dedicated spaces for kids to study, home gyms to maintain fitness, and outdoor areas suitable for spending leisure time at home.

The Rise of the Home Office

According to a survey of over 1,000 US hiring managers commissioned by the Upwork marketplace, by 2025, 36.2 million Americans will be working remotely. That is an 87% increase from levels before the pandemic. With this rise in remote workers, we will see a corresponding rise in the need for dedicated home office space.

Remote Schooling

Chances are you didn’t consider the need for a space for your child to engage in remote classes when you were setting up your home. With kids on full or part-time remote schedules, having a space that is quiet, free of distractions, and set up with the necessary technology is critical. Whether this means redesigning their bedrooms with a desk and work area or building a desk into the kitchen so they are easily supervised, is up to you and what works best for your family.

Prioritize Health and Wellness

We have engaged in many challenges in the past year, and one of the positive outcomes is a renewed focus on health and wellness. While gyms were closed, many of us found ways to perform our fitness routines at home and are considering making home workouts a permanent part of our lives.

Deciding where to make your home fitness space can be challenging. Determine what types of workouts you’ll be doing and design the space to fit. Finish all or a portion of your basement or attic; put drywall up in your garage; or choose a room in your home and put in flooring that is conducive to your workout routine.

Enjoy the Outdoors

Social distancing has led to us meeting friends and family in outdoor spaces. This has led to an upswing in adding decks to homes. These decks range from basic, traditional decks to those with full outdoor kitchens! No doubt, the deck trend will continue through 2021 as we continue to adapt to the restrictions brought about by COVID-19.

Keeping You Safe

Rest assured that at KBO, we take your safety seriously. We follow all safety protocols set forth by the CDC to protect our staff and customers from COVID-19.

Make 2021 the year you commit to home improvements. Whether it’s adding a home office, study space, home gym, or deck, Kitchens by Oaks is ready to help you live your life to the fullest.

Call 585.349.8100 for a free in-person or virtual consultation with a designer today.