Out of doors upgrades cleared the path in 2026
If there’s one factor Kiwi householders are targeted on this yr, it’s taking advantage of the house they have already got. Landscaping and backyard work tops the record for 2026, with 36% of householders planning a undertaking, adopted in third by deck and out of doors dwelling areas at 32%.
Performed in February, our survey reveals that residence enhancements exterior the home are actually edging out the extra conventional renovation areas. Whereas inside updates and loos each sit at 31%, and kitchens at 29%, it’s clear that the part is a serious precedence proper now, and spending time open air is turning into simply as vital as upgrading the within of the house.
Normal repairs and upkeep additionally rank extremely at 32%, displaying a broader development of householders prioritising the maintenance of their current property over endeavor huge, structural renovations.
The trades behind the renovation
Most renovations aren’t one-off jobs. On common, a undertaking now covers 2–3 areas of the house and entails 3–4 totally different tradies to get the work finished. It reveals householders aren’t simply fixing one factor and shifting on, they’re fascinated with the entire residence.
Builders or carpenters are essentially the most in-demand commerce, with 57% of householders needing to rent one for his or her undertaking. Electricians (40%) and plumbers or fuel fitters (38%) comply with carefully behind, displaying what number of renovations contain structural work in addition to electrical and plumbing work.
Even these common out of doors tasks typically contain extra than simply landscaping. From builders developing retaining partitions and pergolas to electricians putting in out of doors lighting and energy, these residence enhancements steadily require different trades as effectively.
Ending trades are additionally seeing excessive demand, with 30% of respondents planning to rent a painter, alongside plasterers (19%), flooring specialists (18%) and tilers (18%). Although not everybody is asking within the professionals for all the pieces. 22% of householders say they plan to deal with not less than a few of the work themselves.
Regional developments: How Kiwis are renovating
Whereas out of doors tasks are common nationwide, every area reveals barely totally different renovation priorities.
- Aucklanders are main the best way with landscaping and backyard upgrades, adopted by exterior work and repairs & upkeep
- In Canterbury, landscaping can also be a serious focus, alongside repairs & upkeep. Kitchen tasks are the following most typical renovation
- In Wellington, priorities are extra evenly cut up between loos, decks, and out of doors dwelling areas