As coronavirus continues to affect economies around the world, many cities are getting ready to see workers return to the office. This causes concern among those who will spend their entire workday in enclosed spaces, often without operable windows to let fresh air in. These workspaces depend entirely on private HVAC units that supply and expel air which may contain the coronavirus. This is convincing many people to stay home, where they find a new focus in home renovation. Home improvement in Canada and America, for example, is seeing a big increase from those working at home during quarantine.
Fears of Airborne Coronavirus
Because buildings need to keep many people comfortable, it is more efficient to pump that air in than to let people open windows. This is done through HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) which helps to regulate air temperature and inject fresh air into workspaces. However, some experts believe that these air supply systems can distribute droplets with the coronavirus around the building.
One solution is by replacing all the existing filters with new ones that prevent smaller particles to pass through. This might catch virus droplets, but it also slows down air flow, increasing energy costs and requiring larger, more powerful fans. Other options include UV light filters that essentially disinfect air, and ‘bipolar ionization’ which filters air by electrifying atoms.
While some business owners feel confident in their efforts to sanitize their spaces and filter out any trace of the virus, there is still no guarantee. Still, it is a good idea to get maintenance on private HVAC units and replace older filters, just in case. For those who are looking to install new air conditioning for a private residence, one can try the new Sam’s AC Unit. Since the risks of Covid-19 spreading through public air vents is unknown, it’s undoubtedly something to consider.
Quarantine Home Renovations
People who are stuck working from home will inevitably face the reality that perhaps it may be time to replace that mid 1990’s refrigerator or formica countertop. In a time when opening our doors to handymen to come and save us from manual labor is risky, DIY projects are a good solution. Recently, material supply companies like The Home Depot have seen an increase in consumer demand for home renovation supplies. Similarly, paint company Sherwin-Williams is also in high demand since painting is something anyone can do themselves. Even appliance manufacturers like Whirlpool have benefited from the people spending extra time in their kitchens.
One question from these statistics is whether the DIY craze will continue after things go back to normal, if they ever do. This will depend on many factors: will workers return to the office, or will working remotely be the future? Are people actually interested in renovating their spaces or is it something to cure the boredom and anxiety of isolation? Stockholders and investors are also eagerly awaiting responses to these questions as they decide whether to invest in a future for DIY projects.
One interesting statistic for home improvement in Canada and America is that in the last year 57% of Canadian homeowners completed at least one small repair on their homes, while 36% completed between 3 and 10 repairs. Of these renovators, 24% spent between $5,000 and $20,000. This shows that homeowners are beginning to feel empowered to make much needed updates to their homes themselves, even if they have to hire independent contractors. If this trend continues there may be a big change in the construction industry where people opt to make their living spaces better instead of choosing new construction.
2020 Home Improvement in Canada and America Trends
The recent Home Improvement Research Institute’s Summit last month revealed several trends to watch for during the Coronavirus pandemic. Among these is a decline in luxurious projects, such as custom cabinetry and detailing. As a result, companies are adding custom details to value-priced products to make them more appealing. Another is how consumers are relying on technology to aid them in their renovation projects. Tools such as How-To videos, product recommendations, and online purchasing will be important to reach a younger, tech-focused audience. Health is also a big consideration when purchasing supplies for renovations, and companies will begin to target their marketing on how home improvement can help with wellness.
These new circumstances are by far the biggest reason homeowners are choosing to renovate their homes. Homes are also reaching all-time high prices, and many people prefer to fix what’s broken than to move. High-prices are also a motivating factor since you can renovate your home at a relatively low cost and sell in an overpriced market. Now more than ever people are looking for ‘plug and play’ homes that need little work done, as compared to a project home, and this could be a big incentive for many Americans and Canadians to sell their ready-to-live-in homes.
Whether the virus persists much longer is anyone’s guess, but the numbers are showing that it’s not all bad. Many people are focusing on improving their home spaces as they await the future of work ahead.
Kamalpreet Singh
Working as a freelance contributor for several news platforms over the years, Kamalpreet has a well-thriving interest in the education sector. Kamalpreet heads at the post of editor at BO Herald and he contributes his knowledge and expertise in reporting Education News.
