The Outdoor Projects Most Homeowners Are Tackling Before Winter Hits

As the numbers on our thermometers decrease, our drive to stay inside and snuggle up increases. Between this innate desire and mortgage rates reaching their highest level in two decades, it should come as no surprise that homeowners are looking to make their homes the best they can be, instead of investing in moving to a new place altogether.

New data from home improvement services app Thumbtack shows that room remodels have gone up nearly 40 percent this year over last and, with winter storms and other extreme weather sneaking up on homeowners, water damage cleanup and restoration are up 91 percent year over year, waterproofing projects are up 71 percent, and sump pump installations or repairs are up 63 percent. Of course, homeowners are also interested in making their spaces smarter with new tech and adding more storage into their closets and garages. But we’re most fascinated by the outdoor projects folks are adding to their fall and winter to-do lists.

“Fall marks a transition. As the leaves change and we pack away our summer clothes, many of us start to prepare our homes for the colder weather,” David Steckel, a Thumbtack home expert, and Morgan Olsen, a Thumbtack design expert, said in a press release about their recent data. “Whether that’s tackling seasonal maintenance—things like ensuring gutters are cleaned and HVAC systems are running smoothly—or dreaming up cozy renovations, homeowners are putting in the time and money to give their homes a little TLC.”

According to Thumbtack’s data, outdoor projects—specifically, landscaping projects—are a huge focus for homeowners this year. The most booked outdoor projects of fall on Thumbtack include lawn mowing and trimming, full-service lawn care, tree trimming or removal, roof repair and maintenance, outdoor landscaping and design, pest control services, pressure washing, exterior painting, fence and gate installation, and concrete installation: All tasks that are tough to complete during winter, especially in regions with severe winter weather.

Homeowners want their yards and outdoor spaces to be peaceful and inviting. Adding love and care to those spaces is key to establishing that sort of energetic setting, especially before the winter season hits.

This article was written by Christianna Silva from Better Homes and Gardens and was legally licensed through the DiveMarketplace by Industry Dive. Please direct all licensing questions to [email protected].