A big thank you to Sarah, and the team at RW4Y, for sharing some excellent content on what the industry can expect in the next twelve months.
With people continuing to spend more time at home than ever before, it’s natural that 2020/21 have been big years for renovation, and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon! As a tradesperson, it’s vital to be prepared for the work you’re going to do in the new year. Keeping up with trends should be a top priority so you can ensure you have the tools, materials, and skills to provide the best service.
Below, I’ll outline some of the renovation trends you can expect to see in 2022, as well as a few ideas for how you can get ahead of the curve.
Energy efficiency
In the wake of COP26 and rising energy costs, energy efficiency is set to be bigger than ever in the construction industry in 2022, and every step of the construction process will need to make some changes. Energy-efficient and eco-friendly building materials will be more popular than ever, and recycled materials will be more in demand.
Working out where you can implement sustainable practices is a must. Measures you can take include sourcing supplies from companies committed to their eco-credentials, as well as using sustainable materials and those that can improve the energy efficiency of homes. For example, plant-based insulation and triple glazed windows can help keep more heat in, improving the overall energy rating of the property while also being kind to the environment.
Electricians, plumbers, and gas engineers may even be able develop their skills and transition into the renewable energy sector. Products like solar panels or electric boilers are set to be big, and companies are on the hunt for skilled workers in these areas. So, if this sounds like an opportunity for you, now is a great time to retrain.
Home office extensions
With people spending more time at home than ever before, the need for multifunctional, dedicated spaces has arisen — most notably, the home office. 84% of businesses have said that they’ve already made the shift to a hybrid work model, according to The New Workplace Reality report from Siemens. And with more of us working from home permanently, we’ve realised how vital is to have a workspace separate for our living space.
In 2021, home extensions continue to be the most popular form of renovation, according to the HomeOwners Alliance, and it’s likely that 2022 extensions will be used for home offices. In fact, a third of home builders are set to provide work-from-home areas in new homes from next year, according to data from LABC Warranty.
When building extensions for a home office, more emphasis should be put on key areas like lighting and soundproofing, as well as small convenience measures such as USB sockets.
For optimal lighting, a room should have plenty of windows. The glazed area should be at least 20% of the total floor area to provide adequate lighting. It’s worth double checking these measurements both on the plans and after the work is complete to ensure there’s enough lighting.
If you haven’t already, make sure you’ve sourced soundproofing materials too. There are various solutions on the market, from sound-absorbing panelling to soundproof insulation and tiles. Keeping up to date with the latest soundproofing innovations and regulations can help prepare you for the new year.
Natural light
As we’ve all been spending more time at home, it’s only natural that we’d want to brighten up the space we live in. And, as we’re also recognising the importance of nature for our mental health, more and more people will be looking at ways to bring a bit of that nature indoors.
In 2021, bifold doors and French windows leading to the garden were among some of the most valuable home improvements, according to Rated People. And in 2022, homeowners will continue to seek ways to bring in more natural light by installing larger windows that expand their living space into the garden.
These will come in a variety of forms, from French windows to skylights, and it’s likely that we’ll see a trend for coloured window frames continue into the new year too. While white frames will still be the preferred option for many, we’ll see various grey hues also taking centre stage. If you haven’t already, make sure you have these as an option for customers and have a supplier at the ready.
Smart homes
2022 will see the rise of smart home tech — systems that come with extra accessibility features such as voice control and automation. These include smart lighting controls, heating systems, home security, and even automated kitchen appliances.
As we enter the new year, smart technology will become more integrated into our homes.
Some smart home companies require certified installers to fit their systems. In some cases, you may be required to take part in a course to find out how to fit the system. But, once completed, you’ll become a certified installer.
In 2022, bright multifunctional spaces will continue to dominate, and eco-friendliness will be an even bigger concern for home renovators. But one thing we haven’t seen much of in 2021 is smart home tech, which will soon find its way into more homes throughout the new year. Making sure you’re up to date on these trends, and ensuring you have the equipment and skills to supply them, will be essential.
As we head into the new year, it’s the perfect time to check your insurance is up to date. Tradesman Saver offer policies for almost all trades, so be sure to get a quote today. Or make sure you check out the latest news on Tradesman Insights.
