Searches for home renovations went through the roof in 2020 — and is it any wonder? With nothing to do but stare at their walls all day, consumers have been flocking online to discover how to add a lick of paint or change a few tiles. It’s clear the COVID lockdown has been a boon for DIY and home renovations, but by how much? In this article, we look at the statistics for home renovations searches in 2020.
Decking
Google Trends shows a 76% increase in search volume for ‘Decking’ in 2020 compared to 2019.
2020 showed us how important it is to have a dedicated seating area in your garden. With a little bit of timber, you too can make yourselves a beautiful garden decking, no matter the shape or size of your garden.
Patio
Google Trends shows a 67% increase in search volume for ‘Patio’ in 2020 compared to 2019.
Building a patio is perhaps a little more advanced than building a garden decking, but the search volume indicates that many homeowners have been up to the task. Garden patios are a great way to brighten up your garden. They can be made in a variety of colours and designs and can fit gardens of various shapes and sizes.
Driveways
Google Trends shows a 12% increase in search volume for ‘Driveways’ in 2020 compared to 2019.
Homeowners have been spending less time driving and more time on their driveway. Resurfacing your driveway or installing a brand new one is a great way to improve the overall appearance of your home. There are various types of driveways to choose from, including asphalt, stone and even pattern-imprinted driveways.
Loft conversion
Google Trends shows a 12% increase in search volume for ‘Loft Conversion’ in 2020 compared to 2019.
We’ve seen more of the inside of our homes than anywhere else in the past year. If, like many of the homeowners in 2020, you’ve become sick of seeing the same few rooms over and over, why not make another? A loft conversion is ideal for transforming a dusty storage loft into a fully functioning room. It’s the perfect space for a new bedroom, bathroom or even a new office — because who knows how long we could be working from home for?
Home extensions
Google Trends shows a 60% increase in search volume for ‘Home Extensions’ in 2020 compared to 2019.
Why not go one step further and add an entire extension to your home? A whopping 60% increase in search volume indicates that homes up and down the country have had or will be getting newly built extensions. Not only will a home extension give you more space and freedom, but organising and decorating your new room/s will keep you occupied for the remainder of lockdown and beyond.
Garage Conversions
Google Trends shows a 25% increase in search volume for ‘Garage Conversions’ in 2020 compared to 2019.
With working from home becoming the new normal, more and more people are investing in a dedicated home-office space. Garage conversions are a popular solution, as they enable you to keep your work life and home life separate.
Garden Shed
Google Trends shows a 70% increase in search volume for ‘Garden Shed’ in 2020 compared to 2019.
Though garage conversions are a great way to create a dedicated office space, the project can often take too long or be too expensive to be of worth. It’s no wonder then that so many people have been looking into converting their garden shed instead. Creating an office in your garden shed is another great way to separate your work life from your home life. And with a lick of paint and a few decorative touches, your plain garden shed can become a hub for creativity.
Garage Doors
Google Trends shows a 3% decrease in search volume for ‘Garage Doors’ in 2020 compared to 2019.
Not everything was up in 2020. Turns out garage doors weren’t a priority for a lot of people, but that’s okay – with less time driving comes less time looking at your garage doors. Perhaps 2021 is the year of the garage door. You could get a brand new one, or just spruce it up with a lick of paint. A simple change can have a big impact on the overall aesthetic and kerb appeal of your home.
Total
In total, there has been a 27% increase in search volume for home renovations in 2020 compared to 2019.
2020 has shown us how important it can be to have a nice, comfortable and functional home and garden. While loft conversions, garage conversions and home extensions are big undertakings, anyone can improve their home with just a little bit of DIY. All you need are the right tools, and we know exactly where to find them.
About Hitchcock & King
For over 50 years, Hitchcock & King has been supplying a range of building and decorating materials to customers throughout London. In that time, we’ve made a name for ourselves as trusted suppliers of a huge variety of products. So whether you need paints and brushes, bricks and plasterboard or roof slates and sheets, we’ve got it all.