7 Top Home Improvement Projects For 2024 (2024)

As homeowners want to connect with nature more, windows, doors and wall glazing home improvements were on the rise. The trend of changing out windows and doors, and sometimes an entire wall to fit oversized glass options, is rising. Some install skylights and large windows that span from floor to ceilings, perfectly blending the outdoors with the indoors.

High-spending homeowners, particularly in cities known for their pristine weather, are the ones embarking on these projects the most. “Homeowners living close to the beach in South Florida, or with beautiful views in New York City, want to take in as much of the outdoors as possible. Oversized windows allow them to transform their homes in a way that wasn’t possible before. Now, they can have a single panel of glass instead of three [or] four windows to connect with nature from the indoors,” shares Juan Posada, VP of Engineering at FENEX.

With higher budgets for home improvement projects, pricier renovations like changing windows and replacing walls for glass are feasible. “As we’re gearing up for 2024, we can see more requests and projects focusing on glass as the featured material,” adds Posada.

Throughout the pandemic, the shift to the home office and remote learning had people struggling to find a suitable place at home. Searches for home offices were up 108%, according to the 2021 Houzz Emerging Home Design Trends Report. While some individuals are returning to the workplace, others adopt more hybrid work schedules that demand a productive home office space.

From transforming guest bedrooms to building exterior rooms, homeowners will continue to reshape the idea of a home office and productive multi-purpose space for children to do homework and study.

One of the most noticeable lifestyle changes after the pandemic is the want to spend more time outdoors. As further proof of this trend, the American Institute of Architect’s 2021 survey showed that demand for outdoor spaces rose from 61% to 71% among respondents. This trend is expected to continue in 2024. Bringing the outside in is a common theme among many home improvement projects expected to trend in 2024.

More than placing a grill and a table, this project is about creating an outdoor experience. Designing an exterior kitchen involves setting up a fully functional space that can work without requiring homeowners to step indoors to complete their meals.

Replacing old flooring was one of the most planned renovation projects in 2021 and will continue to trend next year. When considering what home improvement projects to take on in 2024, it’s important to think about those that add value to your home. According to Realtor.com, homes with hardwood floors sold for 2.5% more than homes with other types of flooring, providing an ROI of 70% to 80%.

In 2021, medium brown hues and driftwood finishes became very popular. For 2024, expect flooring trends to follow a similar style, with these being among the most popular:

• Smoked wood flooring
• Bleached woods
• Weathered wood
• Herringbone patterned flooring
• Reclaimed barn wood tiles
• Natural wood colors

Flexible spaces, outdoor living and smart features all align with today’s homeowner’s wellness goals. The home improvement market will be heavily influenced by consumer preferences in line with a wellness-focused environment.

“Our home has now become our reprieve and we want it to be a place where joy is found,” adds Laetitia Laurent, interior designer and founder of Laure Nell Interiors. Homeowners look for wellness features that match their lifestyle habits, from steam rooms, hot tubs, zen gardens and smart appliances.

This will extend to sustainable building materials and energy-efficiency improvements. In 2024, we’re likely to see materials such as bamboo and cork flooring, recycled steel sidings and glass. Smart homes will feature smart glazing, lighting, security and home automation features. The pandemic’s heightened health concerns motivate homeowners to invest in HVAC upgrades with air filtration, antimicrobial materials and purification systems.

The average homeowner spent $8,408 on outside attachments such as porch, deck, patio or terrace improvements. It’s the need to spend additional time outdoors that’s driving the uptrend in this type of home improvement project.

“We will continue to see a surge in home renovation projects with a focus on the outdoors, creating a seamless living space bringing the indoors out, it’s only natural after spending so much time inside,” says Claire O’Connell, Founder of Flipping School. “Design will be inspired by natural elements such as wood, rattan and hemp, paired with potted plants to create a seamless connection with nature.”

Another significant change that homeowners are considering is the addition of an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). ADUs are self-contained units built on the same property as the primary home. These structures can range between 500 and 800 square feet but can be as large as 1,000 square feet.

Homeowners see ADUs as a housing solution for those needing space for returning grown children, renters looking to meet the shortage for affordable housing and older parents wanting to live privately with their children in what’s popularly called the mother-in-law’s suite.

Lastly, there’s another emerging home improvement project that deals more with preventative measures than aesthetics. With the increasing incidence of climate-related disasters, about 25% of homeowners plan to spend on disaster repairs. Markets affected by climate disasters, including Houston, Dallas, Miami and Raleigh, spend between $600 and $2,300 in disaster preparedness home improvements, compared to $300 nationally.

The increasing frequency and intensity of storms paired with the number of homes in vulnerable areas push homeowners to spend on disaster repairs. Spending on home improvement projects such as driveways, fencing, sheds and landscaping has increased from 10% in 2013 to 15% in 2019. High-spending homeowners are most likely to shift towards discretionary projects such as upper-end kitchen updates and disaster preparedness solutions. Those affected by hurricanes and storms invest in flood-mitigation solutions for their houses, including flood-proof windows and sea wall barriers.