Homeowners have been busy sprucing up their properties during the pandemic. Even as the year winds down, their desires aren\u2019t fading. More than 70% of U.S. homeowners recently surveyed say they are planning or considering a home renovation project before the end of the year, according to a survey from Dewalt, a tool manufacturer and Stanley Black & Decker brand. They\u2019re focused on bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms, porches, patios, decks, and landscaping projects in that order, the survey shows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But finding a contractor to help do the job has become a pressing challenge. Also, material shortages abound. Both issues are delaying many projects and making them more expensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eighty-four percent of consumers surveyed say they plan to use a professional contractor for their project. But more than half of survey respondents\u201456%\u2014who\u2019ve reached out to a contractor say they were told they\u2019d have to wait at least three months for work to start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The contractors most in demand are electricians, flooring installers, plumbers, window contractors, and structural work contractors, the Dewalt survey finds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n