2. An Outdoor Area You Can Enjoy

55% of experts agree that outdoor spaces have grown in importance since before the pandemic. When you consider that a recent survey conducted by Fixr.com found that 87% of experts agree that the pandemic continues to influence homeowners’ investment decisions regarding outdoor living spaces, with a majority indicating that creating indoor spaces outside is a top trend for homeowners, it is no wonder that it sits at number two on this list.

More people are also willing to splash cash on these features despite living in colder climates. For those who live in a four-season climate, there is a good chance that their current outdoor space is only used a few months each year due to cold weather ruining the fun. This does not have to be the way anymore, with more homeowners opting to install outdoor fireplaces or fire pits to enjoy the outdoors all year. Outdoor fireplaces cost between $1,000 and $4,000 for a prefab unit and up to $15,000 for a custom install. Fire pits run between $300 and $1,400. Fire pits can be fun DIY projects, or you can pick one up at a local hardware store, depending on your tastes and budget.

3. Modern Homes Embrace Natural Light

30% of experts surveyed believe that homeowners are more willing to invest in bringing natural light into their homes now than they were before the pandemic.

Natural light has many benefits, including reducing energy costs, improving health and mood, reducing stress and anxiety, and increasing focus. If these are not enough, natural light can also help increase the value of your home!

For those who helped the popularity of indoor gardening grow when the pandemic hit and continue to care for and expand their collection of indoor plants, natural light is a must-have.

4. Extra Space, Extra Possibilities

30% believe that extra space became more important now for homeowners to invest in than prior to the pandemic. Extra space can be used in various ways depending on your needs. Some popular options are home gyms, entertainment rooms, and playrooms. Costs to install a home gym most often range between $3,500 and $25,000 and depend on your space, budget, and features. However, most pay around $13,500 for an air-conditioned basement cardio gym equipped with rubber flooring and a few portable weight-lifting pieces. For more modest budgets, $100 will furnish a space with foam floor tiles, yoga mats, straps, and blocks.

5. More Privacy Equals More Comfort

As people spend more time at home enjoying their outdoor spaces, privacy has become even more important than it was before the pandemic, according to 26% of the experts surveyed.

There are several ways to add to your home’s privacy, depending on factors like local zoning rules, climate conditions, and personal preference. For those looking to incorporate more green into their outdoor space, a flat-shaped trellis with flowering vines will add a natural barrier. A trellis installation costs between $350 and $1,150 on average and varies based on the material and size selected. The overall privacy effect will take some time after installation because nature needs time to do its magic!

If you do not have a green thumb or need a faster solution, privacy fences or well-placed slat walls, sometimes known as privacy screens, can be installed. Fences typically require professional installation and have a higher cost. Slat walls may be accomplished as a DIY project that you can handle on your own.

6. Energy Efficient HVAC Is a Priority

21% of experts believe that energy efficient HVAC is even more important than they were prior to the pandemic. This comes as no surprise as the amount of time spent at home directly correlates with how much your heating and cooling bills amount to. More people are spending additional time at home for work and pleasure, and there is the continued rise of electricity and other energy rates.

Your climate and home size are key factors when choosing the type of heating and cooling systems you need, but opting for an energy efficient unit is always a good choice. Compare how different HVAC systems perform regarding energy efficiency with aspects like the cost and availability of fuel in mind.

7. Home Security Is Now More Important

Security was voted by 21% of the experts as a feature that homeowners are willing to invest more in now than before the pandemic. According to the latest FBI report, victims of property crimes suffered losses estimated at $17.5 billion in 2020. Security systems help you protect your home and valuables from burglars and keep your family and pets safe. Moreover, our recent survey discovered that security is within the top 10 most important home features for the homeowners in 2022.

epending on the desired security level, existing technical connections, and the home security contract conditions, expect to spend between $750 and $2,000 on your home security system. Most homeowners pay an average of $1,400 for a basic monitored system with a three-year contract and annual monitoring fee.