The Double Glazing & Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme (DGCOS) has recently conducted a home improvement survey to garner the current views on home improvements of their team. With the responses received, some good insights have been gathered for market research into plans, preferences, and the challenges faced in improving living spaces.
Faisal Hussain, DGCOS CEO, explains more about the results:
“The home improvement survey was ran to explore the current attitudes of the team that work at DGCOS to provide market insight into the realities of home improvements in the wider sector.
Current Considerations
“Our first question explored whether staff members are considering making home improvements within the next six months. It turns out, 57.1% of respondents are planning to undertake home improvements, while 42.9% are holding off. Among those not diving into home improvements, financial constraints were a significant factor, with comments like “They are a large cost, so it takes longer to save up.” Other reasons included living in rented properties or new builds, with one respondent sharing “Just bought a new build house so everything is new.” Ultimately, the responses highlight how financial challenges and recent relocations play a crucial role in delaying home improvements.
Desired Home Improvements
“When asked about the types of home improvements they desire, respondents could select multiple options. The most popular choices were landscaping improvements (32.1%), kitchen renovations (28.6%), and bathroom remodelling (28.6%). Other notable mentions included new windows or doors (21.4%), new fitted wardrobes (7.1%), installation of solar panels (3.6%), and upgrading plumbing fixtures (3.6%). Additionally, there were various 'Other' responses, such as decorating, new flooring in the kitchen, roof repair, and extensions. One respondent shared, “Just had fitted wardrobes installed in March. Would love to do an extension to make the kitchen bigger though happy for the time being, maybe a future project.”
Barriers to Home Improvements
“We also looked into what was holding people back from these projects, and we identified several key issues. One of the biggest obstacles being financial costs (50%), followed by the improvements not being applicable to their current situation (31.1%), and a lack of time (25%). Other challenges included uncertainty about where to start (10.7%), distrust of contractors (7.1%), and fear of making mistakes (3.6%). Additional responses highlighted personal disagreements, existing contracts, renting, and procrastination as deterrents. It seems that money, time, and confidence are the main barriers to making these projects a reality.
Encouraging Initiatives
“So, what would make it easier for staff to proceed with home improvements?
The importance of working with trusted installers (35.7%), access to clear information and guidance (28.6%), and availability of financing options (17.9%) were key factors. Other considerations included having sufficient savings, the ability to complete the project gradually, having the available finances, and a need to plan the project thoroughly from the start.
“Our survey revealed that most respondents are considering home improvements in the near future. For those who are not, financial constraints, the newness of their home, or rental situations were the main reasons. The most desired improvements include kitchen renovations, landscaping, and bathroom remodelling. Financial costs and time constraints are the major obstacles, while clear information and trusted installers are key to supporting these projects. We think this may give a clear indication of the mood of the wider sector and gives us and our members important insights into the current attitude towards home improvements.”
Understanding these trends allows installers to align their services with consumer needs, addressing key barriers such as financial constraints, time limitations, and the importance of trusted installers. By offering clear information and resources on the above, installers can position themselves as a solution for homeowners looking to enhance their living spaces. These insights could help members stay competitive in the evolving home improvement market.
For more information on the other services DGCOS provides to members, visit: https://installers.dgcos.org.uk/