House and Home's Renovators Survey 2020 - the results are in!

2020 is the year of the renovator and you’ve told us your plans in our Irish Home Renovators Survey

Image: Darran's extended period home in Dublin

Whether you’re one of many first-time renovators, a serial fixer-upper, or are on more of a slow reno buzz, there is a lot of it about.

371,285 homes nationwide have made improvements under SEAI’s schemes, and under the Home Renovation Incentive (HRI) scheme, 94,179 properties have undertaken works to a total value of €2,470,799,346. Yes, we're spending billions.

We’ve been busy – but we wanted to know what you’ve got planned for 2020, so during October and November 2019, we ran our Irish Home Renovators Survey to take the temperature of the home improving-nation. Here are the results...

WHAT WE’RE SPENDING ON HOME RENOVATIONS

How much cash is in the pot?

Under €5,000: 19%

From €5,000 to €10,000: 14%

From €50,000 to €75,000: 11%

€100,000: 4%

More than €150,000: 13%

Image: Anna's renovated 1930's semi-detached home

WHAT WE’RE RENOVATING

The projects you’re planning...

A home renovation including extension: 33%

A new bathroom: 44%

New windows: 30%

A new kitchen: 40%

Heating system overhaul:  33%

An attic or garage conversion: 10%

Re-painting: 52%

Improving BER rating: 31%

Image: Anna Atwal's Edinburgh home

HOW WE’RE FUNDING OUR RENOVATIONS

The nitty-gritty bit...

Savings: 46%

A bank or Credit Union loan: 9.52%

Savings and a loan: 24%

Releasing equity: 6%   6

Gift or inheritance: 3%

Image: A cleverly restored Victorian redbrick home in Dublin

WHY WE’RE RENOVATING

Everyone’s reasoning differs...

We don't want to move: 34%

To repair existing structural issues: 9%

To upgrade our energy efficiency: 29%

To add more usable space: 32%

To create a more functional home: 43%

To fix previous mistakes: 19%

Image: Rebecca's salvaged meets stylish four bed renovatedhome

HOW MANY ROOMS WE'RE RENOVATING

The number of spaces we’re renovating...

1: 9%

2: 20%

3: 24%

4: 13%

5: 6%

More than 5:29%

Image: Suzie's renovated Dublin home

THE STUMBLING BLOCKS WHEN RENOVATING

The things we’re worried about...

Budgeting: 46%

Understanding hidden costs: 36%

Choosing the right contractor professionals: 48%

Lack of knowledge: 17%

Project going over-budget: 32%

Fear of mistakes: 36%

Image: Darran's extended period home in Dublin

THE POSITIVES OF RENOVATING

What we’re excited about...

The finished product: 71%

Shopping for fixtures and finishes: 23%

The interior design process: 41%

Creating a home with new functionality: 49%

Image: Mathilde's €18,000 family kitchen makeover

WHAT WE'RE RENOVATING OURSELVES, DIY STYLE

68% plan to do some of the work themselves. Here's what they're tackling...

Tiling: 32%

Painting and decorating: 83%

Carpentry: 17%

Plastering: 5%

Image: Jacqueline's perfectly curated end-of-terrace home

WHAT WE'RE ADDING WHILE RENOVATING

A renovation offers a chance for upgrades...

Eco-friendly materials: 37%

Adding smart features: 44%

Increasing energy efficiency: 72%

_{*Survey of 105 House and Home and houseandhome.ie readers, during October and November 2019}