Home improvement and renovation projects can be challenging endeavors. According to Modernize.com’s latest 2020 homeowner survey, 27 percent of homeowners feel stressed ahead of their projects. Depending upon where you live, that stress might be even greater; a recent survey finds some states where projects tend to stay on track, while similar projects in other states run into issues with expectations and timelines.
Best and worst states for home improvements
According to a recent survey of 700 homeowners throughout the U.S., projects in certain states stay well within a home improvement budget, and finish on time— or even early. States where residents benefit from this positive trend in home services include:
1. Virginia
2. New Jersey
3. Missouri
4. Illinois
5. Colorado
In other states, projects are more often to be delayed or have additional, unforeseen expenses which increased budget. States tied at the bottom of our rankings include:
50. Arkansas
50. North Dakota
49. Hawaii
49. Maine
49. New Hampshire
49. Rhode Island
Sometimes, homeowners might see a trade-off in expectations on their project. For instance, New Jersey has some of the longest project delays; however, that can be countered by the fact that it is also one of the best states for being at or under budget on projects. The same can be said for some other states, including Montana, Virginia, and Colorado.
“Home improvement projects can be daunting for homeowners, especially large-scale, once-in-a-lifetime projects such as roof replacement,” explains Gregg Hicks, vice president of Modernize.com. “Project timelines can shift due to weather, material availability and unforeseen circumstances. But no matter where you live, to help set your project up for success, it’s essential to find the right professional for your project. An ideal contractor will be transparent about the expected timeline and costs for your home improvement project. This creates a smoother, less stressful project experience.”
The good news is that in most cases, homeowners are pleased with their results. More than 57 percent of our survey respondents reported their job was completed on time, while over 62% said the cost was as expected.
