Do You Have Home Improvement Envy? You’re Not Alone

Have you found yourself longingly peering into the yard next door to check out their new water feature only to start drawing up the blueprints for your own a week later? If you answered yes, turns out you’re just one of the many who experience jealousy—and a little competitive drive—over others’ home improvement projects. 

In fact, a recent survey from The Home Depot conducted by Wakefield Research not only revealed what home improvement projects are most popular, but the motivation behind the projects, as well. 

Here are some of the findings: 

• More than half of respondents feel the urge to improve the appearance of their homes when they see another home improvement project. From a landscape refresh with new perennials or an herb garden, to a patio overhaul with the latest grill and patio set, there’s no inspiration quite like competition.
• Millennials are particularly home-conscious and competitive, with 70 percent admitting to feeling this pressure and nearly 50 percent responding to it by completing a home improvement project in response.
• Parents tend to feel the pull more than non-parents—whether that means installing a new fence and deck in the backyard or taking their spring cleaning one step further.
• Millennials are more likely than baby boomers to buy new furniture or refresh their décor.

Scott Spainhour