Schedule a Consultation
Meet with Dave King, HIRI’s Executive Director to determine if HIRI’s Research aligns with your objectives.
Edit
HIRI's Project Category Coverage
Explore an overview of HIRI’s home improvement market research by product category to understand the trends shaping demand across the residential repair, remodeling, replacement, and maintenance market.
This overview is not comprehensive. Search HIRI's entire research database to explore all of the research HIRI members have access to market research spanning home improvement projects.
HIRI helps manufacturers, retailers, distributors, and other industry professionals evaluate market size and forecasts, homeowner project activity, consumer purchasing behavior, contractor sentiment, and professional purchasing patterns across key home improvement categories.
Join Top Companies Leveraging HIRI Membership for Go-To-Market Success
Guiding Home Improvement Pros Through Market and Consumer Trends
For Researchers
Access comprehensive data to analyze industry shifts and consumer behavior, essential for in-depth research and your next big project.For Product Leaders
Leverage HIRI’s insights on consumer trends and product performance to align with market needs and stay ahead of competitors.
For Marketing Leaders
Use HIRI’s insights on consumer behavior and trends to craft targeted, data-driven marketing strategies.
For Executives
Gain strategic insights to drive growth, manage risk, and stay ahead of competitors in an evolving market.
Jump point: interior (text will be hidden wen published)
Interior Finish Project Research
HIRI research on interior home improvement projects helps industry professionals understand how homeowners renovate, update, repair, and improve the spaces inside their homes. Project coverage includes flooring, interior painting, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, room renovations, garage improvements, and home automation and security. Explore insights into homeowner project activity, motivations, spending and purchasing decisions, professional involvement, and the factors influencing when and why interior projects move forward.
Flooring (Replace/Refinish)
Flooring projects can range from refinishing an existing surface to replacing flooring throughout one or more rooms. Homeowners may undertake these projects because of wear, damage, changing design preferences, or a larger renovation. HIRI research helps companies understand when flooring projects occur, what drives them, how homeowners approach purchasing decisions, and how professional installation factors into the project.
Painting (Interior)
Interior painting is one of the most accessible ways homeowners can refresh or transform a residential space, and projects may be completed independently or alongside larger renovations. HIRI research provides insight into the frequency and motivations behind interior painting projects, homeowner decision-making, DIY and professional involvement, and purchasing activity associated with updating walls, ceilings, trim, and other interior surfaces.
Bath Remodel
A bathroom remodel can involve anything from targeted fixture and finish updates to a substantial renovation affecting plumbing, cabinetry, surfaces, lighting, and layout. HIRI research helps manufacturers and retailers understand the homeowner motivations, project scope, purchasing journey, professional involvement, and decision-making factors influencing residential bathroom remodeling activity.
Kitchen Remodel
Because kitchens bring together cabinetry, countertops, appliances, flooring, plumbing, lighting, and numerous other product categories, a kitchen remodel can represent one of the most complex residential improvement projects. HIRI research provides insight into why homeowners renovate kitchens, how projects are planned, where professionals become involved, and how homeowners make product and purchase decisions throughout the process.
Room/Area Remodel
Not every renovation centers on a kitchen or bathroom. Room and area remodeling projects can involve living rooms, bedrooms, dining areas, home offices, laundry rooms, and other spaces where homeowners want to improve functionality, appearance, or how the space is used. HIRI research helps companies understand the project triggers, planning behavior, purchasing decisions, and professional involvement associated with these renovations.
Garage Remodel (Not Converted to Different Use)
A garage remodel may focus on storage, organization, flooring, finishes, lighting, functionality, or other improvements while retaining the space's primary use as a garage. HIRI research can help industry professionals understand why homeowners improve existing garages, the scope of those projects, the products and services involved, and how homeowners approach project and purchase decisions.
Home Automation/Security
Homeowners are increasingly able to manage security, access, lighting, energy use, monitoring, and other household functions through connected technologies. HIRI research on home automation and security projects helps companies examine homeowner adoption, project motivations, purchasing and installation decisions, and the role of professional assistance as connected-home technologies become part of residential improvement activity.
Edit
FAQs
Companies can use project-level research to better connect product demand with the actual projects driving purchases. These insights can support product strategy, marketing, channel planning, merchandising, contractor strategy, and understanding when homeowners enter the market for products used in interior renovations.
What motivates homeowners to start interior remodeling projects?
Motivations can vary considerably by project and may include repair or replacement needs, outdated appearance, a desire for improved functionality, lifestyle changes, home maintenance, or broader renovation plans. HIRI research helps companies understand which motivations are most relevant to different interior projects.
What types of interior home improvement projects does HIRI research cover?
HIRI's Interior Projects research includes flooring replacement and refinishing, interior painting, bathroom remodeling, kitchen remodeling, room and area renovations, garage remodeling, and home automation and security projects. Research availability and the specific insights provided vary by study.
What can HIRI research reveal about kitchen and bathroom remodeling?
HIRI research can help companies understand why homeowners undertake kitchen and bathroom projects, how projects are planned, what influences product and brand decisions, when professionals become involved, and how homeowners navigate purchasing decisions across these complex remodeling projects.
Can HIRI research help companies understand DIY versus professional interior projects?
Yes. Homeowners approach different interior projects differently. HIRI research can provide insight into whether homeowners complete work themselves, hire professionals, or use a combination of DIY and professional assistance, helping manufacturers and retailers better understand how project type influences the purchase journey.
Jump point: exterior (text will be hidden wen published)
Exterior Envelope Project Research
HIRI research on exterior home improvement and building-envelope projects examines how homeowners maintain, repair, replace, and improve the systems that protect and define the outside of the home. Coverage spans windows, doors, decks, porches, balconies, roofing, siding, exterior coatings, foundations, drainage, crawlspaces, insulation, and weatherization. These insights help companies understand project triggers, replacement cycles, homeowner priorities, professional involvement, and purchasing behavior across major exterior projects
Window(s) (Add/Replace)
Homeowners may add or replace windows because of aging products, performance concerns, renovation plans, appearance, comfort, or other household needs. HIRI research helps companies examine the circumstances that trigger window projects, how homeowners evaluate options, the role of professional installation, and the decisions that ultimately influence product selection and purchase.
Exterior Door(s) (Add/Replace)
Replacing or adding an exterior door can address appearance, security, functionality, maintenance, or a broader exterior renovation. HIRI research gives manufacturers and channel partners insight into what prompts exterior door projects, how homeowners plan them, how products are selected, and when contractors or installers become part of the purchase journey.
Deck (Add/Repair/Replace)
Deck projects can expand usable outdoor space or address aging and deteriorating structures. Whether homeowners are building a new deck, repairing an existing one, or replacing it altogether, HIRI research helps companies understand project motivations, homeowner priorities, professional involvement, and the purchasing decisions surrounding materials and related products.
Porch (Add/Repair/Replace)
A porch project can improve a home's entrance, exterior appearance, and usable living space while also addressing structural or maintenance needs. HIRI research helps companies understand how homeowners approach porch additions, repairs, and replacements, including the factors influencing project scope, product decisions, spending, and contractor involvement.
Balcony (Add/Repair/Replace)
Residential balcony projects may arise from maintenance and repair requirements, structural concerns, or plans to add usable exterior space. HIRI research provides insight into the homeowner and professional decisions surrounding balcony additions, repairs, and replacement, giving industry stakeholders context for the project activity behind associated building-product demand.
Paint & Stain (Exterior)
Exterior painting and staining projects combine ongoing maintenance and surface protection with the desire to refresh a home's appearance. HIRI research can help companies understand what triggers these projects, which exterior surfaces homeowners address, how DIY and professional approaches differ, and the purchasing decisions associated with exterior coatings.
Roof (Repair/Replace)
Few exterior projects are as consequential as roof repair or replacement. Projects may be prompted by age, leaks, damage, maintenance concerns, or broader renovation activity. HIRI research helps roofing industry professionals understand project timing, homeowner motivations, repair-versus-replacement decisions, contractor involvement, and the purchase journey surrounding residential roofing projects.
Siding
A residential siding project can be driven by deterioration, maintenance, exterior appearance, weather protection, or a larger renovation. HIRI research gives manufacturers and retailers a project-level view of why homeowners undertake siding work, how decisions are made, when professionals become involved, and what factors influence product and material selection.
Foundation & Waterproofing (Add/Repair/Replace)
Foundation and waterproofing projects often address essential concerns such as structural performance, moisture intrusion, water management, and protection of the home. HIRI research helps companies understand the circumstances that lead homeowners to undertake these projects and the role professionals play in diagnosing problems, recommending solutions, and completing the work.
Drainage (Add/Repair/Replace)
Residential drainage improvements can help manage water movement around the home and property and may be undertaken to correct existing problems or prevent future damage. HIRI research provides insight into homeowner activity surrounding drainage installation, repair, and replacement, including project triggers, decision-making, and professional involvement.
Crawlspace Encapsulation
Crawlspace encapsulation can be part of efforts to manage moisture, protect the home, improve conditions beneath the structure, or address other performance concerns. HIRI research helps industry professionals better understand the homeowner motivations, project planning, professional involvement, and improvement priorities associated with residential crawlspace projects.
Insulation & Weatherization (Add/Replace)
Homeowners may add or replace insulation and weatherization materials to improve comfort, address aging or inadequate materials, or enhance overall home performance. HIRI research examines the project behaviors behind these improvements, including homeowner motivations, professional involvement, project timing, and purchasing decisions related to insulation and weatherization.
Edit
FAQs
Project research helps manufacturers connect demand with the underlying home improvement occasions that create purchases. This can inform replacement-cycle strategy, messaging, contractor programs, product development, channel planning, and efforts to reach homeowners at the right point in the project journey.
What typically causes homeowners to undertake exterior repair or replacement projects?
Exterior projects may be triggered by product age, deterioration, damage, maintenance requirements, weather exposure, appearance, home performance concerns, or broader remodeling plans. The importance of each trigger varies considerably by project type.
Does HIRI research distinguish between repair, replacement, and new installation projects?
Depending on the project and study, HIRI research can examine different types of activity such as adding, repairing, or replacing exterior components, providing greater context than product purchasing data alone.
Can HIRI research help companies understand contractor involvement in exterior projects?
Yes. Many exterior projects require or commonly involve professionals. Project-level research can help companies understand when homeowners seek professional help, how professionals affect project decisions, and where professional involvement occurs within the homeowner journey.
Can HIRI research help identify homeowner demand for exterior remodeling and replacement projects?
Yes, and HIRI members have access to all of HIRI's research, which provides insight into home improvement project activity and consumer purchasing behavior across exterior product categories. This research can help companies understand homeowner activity related to projects involving products such as roofing, siding, windows, exterior doors, decking, gutters, and exterior coatings.
What exterior home improvement projects does HIRI research cover?
HIRI research covers projects involving windows, exterior doors, decks, porches, balconies, exterior paint and stain, roofing, siding, foundations and waterproofing, drainage, crawlspace encapsulation, insulation, and weatherization.
Jump point: mechanical (text will be hidden wen published)
Mechanical Systems Project Research
HIRI research on residential mechanical systems projects helps companies understand homeowner activity involving the electrical, HVAC, energy, water, and power systems that keep homes functioning. These projects often involve greater technical complexity and professional participation than many cosmetic improvements. Research across electrical wiring, HVAC, energy management, generators, solar and storage, septic systems, and wells provides insight into project triggers, repair and replacement decisions, homeowner priorities, and professional involvement.
Electrical Wiring (Add/Repair/Replace)
Changes to a home's electrical system may be required for repairs, renovations, new equipment, added circuits, or broader household electrical needs. HIRI research helps companies understand when homeowners undertake electrical wiring projects, what triggers them, and how the technical nature of the work affects professional involvement and project decisions.
Energy Management (Add/Repair/Replace)
Residential energy-management projects can give homeowners greater visibility and control over how energy is used throughout the home. HIRI research helps companies examine homeowner interest in these systems, the motivations behind installations or upgrades, and the decision-making that accompanies adding, repairing, or replacing residential energy-management technology.
HVAC (Add/Repair/Replace)
HVAC projects often begin when homeowners face equipment failure, declining performance, comfort problems, maintenance needs, or plans to upgrade an existing system. HIRI research provides insight into repair-versus-replacement decisions, homeowner priorities, professional involvement, and the factors affecting heating and cooling project activity.
Power Generator (Add/Replace)
Interest in residential generators can be driven by concerns about outages, backup power, household resiliency, and the need to keep essential systems operating during disruptions. HIRI research helps companies understand homeowner motivations for generator projects, purchase and installation considerations, and professional involvement.
Solar Panels/Storage (Add/Repair/Replace)
Residential solar and battery-storage projects reflect homeowners' evolving approaches to energy generation, storage, resiliency, and household energy management. HIRI research provides project-level insight into homeowner adoption, motivations, purchase considerations, professional involvement, and the decisions surrounding installation or upgrades.
Septic System (Add/Replace)
A septic system project can represent an essential property investment rather than a discretionary home improvement. HIRI research can help companies understand homeowner activity surrounding system installation, repair, and replacement, including the triggers that initiate projects and the role of specialized professionals.
Well (Add/Repair/Replace)
Residential well projects may involve adding a water source, repairing an existing system, or replacing components necessary to maintain household water access. HIRI research gives industry professionals context around the homeowner needs, project circumstances, and professional involvement associated with residential well improvements.
Edit
FAQs
Manufacturers, retailers, and home improvement companies can use these insights to understand what triggers projects, when homeowners enter the market, how professionals influence decisions, and which homeowner needs are driving installation, repair, or replacement activity.
Why is professional involvement especially important for mechanical system projects?
Mechanical projects frequently involve technical systems, specialized equipment, installation requirements, and safety considerations, making professional expertise more relevant than it may be for many cosmetic or straightforward DIY projects.
Does HIRI research cover residential energy and resiliency projects?
Yes. Project categories include energy management, power generators, and solar panels and storage, allowing companies to examine homeowner activity associated with energy use, backup power, and residential energy systems.
What types of mechanical system projects does HIRI research cover?
HIRI's Mechanical Systems project categories include electrical wiring, energy management, HVAC, power generators, solar panels and battery storage, septic systems, and residential wells.
Can HIRI research help companies understand HVAC repair versus replacement decisions?
Project-level research can help illuminate the circumstances surrounding HVAC activity, including homeowner motivations, equipment issues, project scope, and the decisions that influence whether homeowners repair, replace, or add systems.
Jump point: building-materials (text will be hidden wen published)
Major Renovations
Major residential renovations differ from individual repair or replacement projects because they can fundamentally change the size, layout, function, or usable living space of a home. HIRI research on whole-home remodeling, conversions, additions, accessory dwelling units, and finished exterior structures helps industry professionals understand why homeowners undertake large projects, how they plan and prioritize them, the role of professionals, and the purchasing opportunities created across multiple product categories.
Whole Home Remodel
A whole-home remodel can affect numerous rooms, systems, finishes, and product categories at the same time. HIRI research helps companies understand what leads homeowners to undertake extensive renovations, how these projects are planned, which priorities guide decisions, and how professionals and product purchases fit into the larger remodeling journey.
Garage (Add/Convert)
Adding a garage or converting an existing garage to another use can significantly change how homeowners use their property. These projects may address vehicle storage, living space, work space, household needs, or changing lifestyles. HIRI research helps companies examine project motivations, planning behavior, professional involvement, and the purchasing implications of substantial garage projects.
Attic (Convert)
Converting an attic into usable living space allows homeowners to increase the functionality of existing square footage without necessarily expanding the home's exterior footprint. HIRI research provides insight into the motivations, project planning, professional involvement, and decisions associated with transforming unfinished attic space.
Basement (Convert)
A basement conversion can create additional living, entertainment, work, bedroom, or storage space within the existing home. HIRI research helps industry professionals understand why homeowners finish or repurpose basements, how these projects are approached, and how decisions involving flooring, walls, electrical, plumbing, lighting, and other categories develop throughout the renovation.
Accessory Dwelling Unit (Add)
Adding an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) can create independent living space for family members, guests, rental use, or other household needs. Because ADUs can involve structural, mechanical, interior, and exterior product categories, HIRI research can help companies understand homeowner motivations, project planning, professional involvement, and the broad purchasing activity associated with these projects.
Home Addition (Increase Square Footage)
A home addition increases the property's physical living space and can involve everything from foundations and framing to mechanical systems and interior finishes. HIRI research helps companies understand why homeowners choose to expand rather than relocate or reconfigure existing space, along with the planning and purchasing decisions involved.
Exterior Building with Interior Finish (Add/Convert)
Detached structures with finished interiors can support uses such as home offices, studios, workshops, guest spaces, or other household functions. HIRI research helps companies understand homeowner activity involving the addition or conversion of these structures and the combination of building materials, systems, finishes, and professional services they can require.
Edit
FAQs
A single major renovation can create multiple purchase occasions across many product categories. Using HIRI research to understand the project as a whole can help manufacturers identify upstream project triggers and better understand when and why demand for their individual products emerges.
What product categories can benefit from major renovation activity?
Because major renovations cross multiple parts of the home, they can generate demand for building materials, flooring, cabinets, electrical and plumbing products, HVAC, windows and doors, paint, fixtures, tools, and numerous other categories.
How are major renovations different from typical home improvement projects?
Major renovations typically affect multiple rooms, building systems, or product categories and may alter the size or function of the home. They often involve longer planning cycles, greater spending, and more extensive professional participation.
Can HIRI research help companies understand why homeowners add living space?
Yes. Project research can provide context around homeowner motivations for additions, conversions, ADUs, and other projects that increase or repurpose usable space, as well as the decisions involved in moving those projects forward.
What types of major residential renovation projects does HIRI research cover?
HIRI research covers whole-home remodeling, garage additions and conversions, attic and basement conversions, accessory dwelling units, home additions, and finished detached or exterior structures.
Jump point: yard (text will be hidden wen published)
Yard, Garden & Outdoor Living Project Research
HIRI research on yard, garden, and outdoor home improvement projects examines how homeowners maintain their properties, improve curb appeal, create outdoor living areas, and expand the ways they use exterior space. Coverage ranges from landscaping, hardscaping, fencing, and lighting to pools, outdoor kitchens, structures, and storage. These insights help manufacturers and retailers understand project motivations, homeowner activity, DIY and professional involvement, and the purchase decisions driving investment in residential outdoor spaces.
Patio (Add/Replace)
A patio can create a foundation for outdoor dining, entertaining, relaxing, and other household activities. Whether homeowners are installing a new patio or replacing an existing one, HIRI research helps companies understand the motivations, planning decisions, professional involvement, and product purchases associated with these outdoor improvements.
Walkway (Add/Repair/Replace)
Residential walkways combine practical circulation around a property with landscaping and exterior design. HIRI research can provide insight into when homeowners add, repair, or replace walkways and how considerations such as maintenance, appearance, accessibility, and broader landscape improvements contribute to project activity.
Driveway (Add/Repair/Replace)
Driveway projects may range from targeted repairs to complete replacement or installation. HIRI research helps companies understand what triggers residential driveway work, how homeowners approach repair-versus-replacement decisions, and how materials, professional services, and broader property improvements influence the project.
Trees/Plants/Shrubs (Add/Replace)
Adding or replacing trees, plants, and shrubs can address curb appeal, privacy, shade, landscape design, or ongoing property maintenance. HIRI research provides insight into the homeowner activity and purchase decisions surrounding these landscape improvements and how they fit within broader yard projects.
General Landscaping (Including Water Features)
Landscaping projects can range from modest yard improvements to substantial redesigns involving plantings, grading, water features, and other landscape elements. HIRI research helps companies understand homeowner motivations, project scope, DIY and professional involvement, and purchasing activity across the residential landscaping market.
Pavers or Edging (Add/Replace)
Homeowners use pavers and landscape edging to define planting areas, create hardscape surfaces, improve appearance, and organize outdoor spaces. HIRI research helps connect demand for these materials with the homeowner landscaping and outdoor projects that prompt installation or replacement.
Fencing (Add/Repair/Replace)
Residential fencing projects may be driven by privacy, security, pets, property boundaries, appearance, or the need to repair aging materials. HIRI research helps industry professionals understand the motivations behind fence installation, repair, and replacement as well as homeowner planning, material decisions, and professional involvement.
Pool (Add/Repair/Replace)
A residential pool project represents a substantial outdoor investment and can involve installation, repair, renovation, equipment, surrounding hardscaping, and other improvements. HIRI research helps companies understand homeowner motivations, planning behavior, professional participation, and related purchasing activity.
Gazebo/Pergola/Arbor/Trellis (Add/Repair/Replace)
Structures such as gazebos, pergolas, arbors, and trellises help define outdoor spaces while providing shade, visual interest, or support for landscaping. HIRI research can help companies understand the outdoor-living projects that drive demand for these structures and the homeowner decisions behind additions, repairs, and replacements.
Outdoor Kitchen (Add/Repair/Replace)
An outdoor kitchen extends cooking and entertaining beyond the interior of the home and can incorporate cabinetry, appliances, countertops, plumbing, lighting, and other product categories. HIRI research helps companies understand homeowner interest in these projects, project scope, professional involvement, and the purchasing decisions associated with creating or upgrading outdoor cooking spaces.
Outdoor Play Structures (Add/Repair/Replace)
Outdoor play structures can become part of how households adapt yards to family recreation and changing needs. HIRI research provides context around homeowner activity involving the addition, repair, or replacement of play structures and the factors that influence these outdoor improvement decisions.
Outdoor Lighting (Add/Replace)
Homeowners may install or replace outdoor lighting to improve visibility, safety, security, landscape appearance, or the usability of outdoor living spaces after dark. HIRI research helps companies understand the homeowner projects and priorities that generate demand for residential exterior lighting.
Shed (Add/Repair/Replace)
Residential sheds provide additional space for tools, lawn and garden equipment, seasonal items, workshops, and general household storage. HIRI research helps manufacturers and retailers understand what prompts homeowners to add, repair, or replace outdoor storage structures and how those projects relate to broader yard improvement activity.
Edit
FAQs
Companies can use these insights to identify which projects are generating purchases, why homeowners undertake them, how project scope affects product needs, and where DIY versus professional involvement changes the buying journey. This can support product, merchandising, marketing, channel, and contractor strategies.
What motivates homeowners to invest in yards and outdoor spaces?
Outdoor projects can be motivated by maintenance, curb appeal, recreation, entertaining, privacy, security, property functionality, and a desire to create additional usable living space outdoors. Motivations differ substantially depending on the project.
What yard and outdoor home improvement projects does HIRI research cover?
HIRI project coverage includes patios, walkways, driveways, trees and plantings, landscaping, pavers and edging, fencing, pools, gazebos and pergolas, outdoor kitchens, play structures, outdoor lighting, and sheds.
Does HIRI research cover both DIY and professionally completed outdoor projects?
HIRI project research can help companies understand how homeowners approach different types of projects and the role professional contractors or service providers play. Some landscaping and maintenance projects lend themselves to DIY work, while larger hardscape, pool, structural, and outdoor-kitchen projects may involve substantial professional participation.
Can HIRI research help companies understand demand for outdoor living products?
Yes. Looking at projects such as patios, outdoor kitchens, pools, pergolas, lighting, landscaping, and fencing helps companies understand the broader homeowner activity that creates demand for individual outdoor-living products.
Edit
Becoming a Member
Get Approval to Join
Secure organizational approval, sign the membership agreement, and make the initial payment.
Complete Onboarding
Provide a list of users for access, and we’ll set up accounts and host an onboarding call to introduce your team to HIRI’s research.
Leverage HIRI Data
Regularly explore the data with email updates ensuring you never miss new research or insights.
