Houzz is on a mission to improve the home renovation and design process for everyone involved. The online community asked homeowners about their kitchen and bathroom renovation experiences, the challenges they faced and what they found most valuable. The findings* offer helpful insight into how construction and design professionals can apply the right tools and processes at every stage of a project to ensure a 5-star client experience.
Creating a Good First Impression During Home Renovation
When looking for the right construction and design pros, homeowners say their biggest struggles are finding someone they trust (48%), getting clear and detailed proposals or estimates (34%), and making sure communication is timely and accurate (30%).
Creating a positive renovation experience starts long before demolition day. Builders, remodelers and designers can use software to make things easier from the start—like giving fast, detailed estimates, communicating clearly and laying out the project step by step for the homeowner. Initial client interactions set the tone for the relationship.
Improving Upon the Home Renovation Process
Once the project kicks off, two things make or break the experience for homeowners — transparency and communication. Nearly half of homeowners (41%) say that a clear project timeline would have improved their experience, while 40% wish they had received better communication from the pros they hired. They also want to know exactly how the finished space will look and an easy way to pay.
So, how can home construction and design pros meet or exceed these expectations?
A Better Way to Manage Renovations: The Houzz Pro Client Dashboard
To improve the construction and design process for homeowners and pros, Houzz upgraded the Houzz Pro Client Dashboard with an easy-to-use design and new features, including a project schedule, daily updates, 3D floor plans, invoices and messages. Homeowners and pros can follow progress, review design choices, make payments, and chat back and forth, all in one place.
“Houzz Pro really helps you feel like you’re in control when you’re making decisions,” said Jordan E., client of Davis Interiors. “Having a one-stop shop for selections, renderings and more is one of the biggest things. We didn’t have to go to different software or interfaces to find all of the information related to interior design and the choices being made.”
Finding the Right Pro Makes All the Difference
Since 88% of homeowners hire a professional for their project, picking the right one is key. The best pros do more than just great work—they make the process easy, stress-free and exciting. When planning a renovation, homeowners can find and hire construction and design pros using Houzz Pro for a standout experience. Planning a renovation is a big undertaking, but homeowners tell us that with the right professional and the right tools, it can be a smooth and rewarding journey.
*The online survey was fielded in July 2024 to Houzz users in the U.S. who are in the midst of, are planning, or recently completed a kitchen or bathroom renovation in 2024 and plans for 2025. n=2,866.
