The pandemic inspired homeowners to remodel. Which were the top 10 projects last year?

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Since the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic hit in 2020, people have been staying home more than ever, largely because they had no choice in the matter. And all that time spent at home spurred a burst of remodeling.

As many homeowners turned to remodeling to build their dream projects, Angi ranked the most popular home renovation projects of 2021 using data from its State of Home Spending report, according to Stacker.com.

The report relied on a survey of 5,000 homeowners and was post-sample weighted to balance the sample against general population statistics for age, gender and income to determine average spending and project volume.

Whether you’re in the midst of a renovation or merely curious about how feasible your dream remodeling project might be, check out this list of the top 10 projects completed in 2021, according to the data.

10. New kitchen cabinets

• Households completing this in 2021: 20% (61% increase from 2020)
• Typical price range: $10,000 to $12,175
• National average project cost: $11,100

Installing kitchen cabinets can be more challenging than you might expect, but if you’re looking to do it yourself, expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $1,200 per linear foot.

9. New roof

• Households completing this in 2021: 20% (20% increase from 2020)
• Typical price range: $8,700 to $22,000
• National average project cost: $14,360

Depending on the size of your home, roof replacement costs anywhere from $4.35 to $11 per square foot. The Roofing material you choose also plays a role in the cost, reported Stacker.com.

Doing the task yourself would cost anywhere from $2,500 to $6,300 — just about half of what you’d pay a professional.

8. New fence

• Households completing this in 2021: 23% (43% increase from 2020)
• Typical price range: $1,500 to $8,000
• National average project cost: $2,600

Choosing to install a new fence improves your home’s value, beautifies your yard and keeps children or animals safe. The cost for fence installation varies by the material you use. Composite materials will cost $15 to $45 per linear foot, according to Stacker.com. Other options include wood fencing, which is less costly.

Pricier options, like taller fences with no measured gaps between planks or panels for privacy, are pricier than the average for a shorter picket fence.

7. Kitchen remodel

• Households completing this in 2021: 24% (5% increase from 2020)
• Typical price range: $25,000 to $40,000
• National average project cost: $30,000

A kitchen remodel is probably one of the most expensive projects you can take on, but there are some ways to work around what fits your budget. Foregoing high-end or “smart” appliances in favor or more practical options will help you save some money.

On average, homeowners will spend anywhere from $75 to $250 per square foot when renovating a kitchen. Your choice of appliances, plumbing, lighting, storage, flooring and paint will greatly affect the total cost.

6. Exterior painting

• Households completing this in 2021: 24% (26% increase from 2020)
• Typical price range: $1,800 to $4,300
• National average project cost: $3,000

Exterior painting is a great way to freshen up the look of your home and it improves the wear and tear that comes from exposure to the elements.

The cost to paint your home will depend on your location, as well as the condition and accessibility of the exterior surfaces. It may range from $0.50 to $3.50 per square foot, On average, homeowners will spend $0.75 to $2 per square foot total. Another factor to consider is the siding type being painted: concrete, wood, metal, vinyl, stucco, or brick.

5. Landscaping

• Households completing this in 2021: 25% (3% increase from 2020)
• Typical price range: $1,300 to $5,600
• National average project cost: $3,370

Landscaping beautifies your surroundings and adds value to your home. The cost can vary greatly.

Adding mulch, installing trees or shrubs and plants all require varying degrees of work and cost, so you can adjust to fit your budget.

4. New flooring

• Households completing this in 2021: 27% (3% increase from 2020)
• Typical price range: $1,485 to $4,485
• National average project cost: $2,965

Installing new flooring is a great way to spruce up your home.

Installing flooring by yourself should cost about $0.50 to $15 per square foot for materials only. Rubber, tile, ceramic, hardwood, laminate and vinyl are some common choices seen in homes and play a factor in the cost.

3. Installing smart home device

• Households completing this in 2021: 27% (41% increase from 2020)
• Typical price range: $150 to $1,400
• National average project cost: $750

Smart home devices seem to be the new normal. Whether it’s automated lights, in-home cloud-connected entertainment systems, smart appliances, or security systems, you can now manage many aspects of your home remotely on any smartphone.

2. Bathroom remodel

• Households completing this in 2021: 28% (9% decrease from 2020)
• Typical price range: $6,152 to $15,246
• National average project cost: $10,788

In addition to improving the style of your home, remodeling a bathroom will also increase its value.

Options include installing a double vanity, new shower, bathtub, shower doors, tile, moldings, mirrors and fixtures.

If you do the project yourself, it will likely cost anywhere from $3,000 to $8,000, Stacker.com reported.

1. Interior painting

• Households completing this in 2021: 32% (7% decrease from 2020)
• Typical price range: $954 to $2,893
• National average project cost: $1,896

The paint color in a room sets the mood, and changing it is relatively inexpensive proposition. Paint typically costs $15 to $40 per gallon, depending on whether you choose flat, semi-gloss, or high-gloss enamel.

For a DIY paint project, expect to pay around $200 to $300 for supplies. The Painting Contractors Association has a short list of the best supplies to use.