#Homeowners are spending cash they saved on canceled plans to upgrade their houses

The average homeowner has spent $1,500 so far on improvements this year alone, according to new research.

Respondents in a study of 2,000 homeowners estimated it would cost an additional $2,000 to complete every renovation on their wish list.

One in two have spent more on updates than they anticipated this year and 43 percent have reallocated money from their 2020 plans and put it towards home improvements.

Many Americans have had to put plans for vacations (49 percent) and milestone parties (33 percent) on hold and some have opted to put some of that leftover cash into the place they were already spending so much time ‒ home.

The survey conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Schlage revealed more than half (53 percent) have done more home improvements while staying home this year due to COVID-19.

Still respondents have a lot in store for the rest of 2020. The average person plans on completing four projects by year’s end and a lot of those projects will allow them to get the most out of their space during the pandemic.

The average homeowner has created three new multifunctional spaces. Nearly a third (32 percent) have created a new eating area to give off a restaurant vibe.

Three in ten also got creative and made their own movie theater inside or out, while 30 percent have gotten physical to make their own home gym space. Twenty-nine percent got to work in a new home office as well.

Many respondents have found small, inexpensive ways to elevate their home’s style. One in two (49 percent) think a fresh coat of paint can transform a space.

Nearly two in five (38 percent) appreciate the power of flowers and plants (38 percent) or stylish door hardware (also 38 percent) to update the home for less.

So many changes to respondents’ homes have really put things into perspective for them. Seven in ten (69 percent) love and value their home now more than ever.

Due to all the new home upgrades, four in five people want to protect their homes now more than ever to ensure their home remains safe.

Three in four want their home’s exterior to look stylish and innovative, but that doesn’t mean they do not care about reliable home security. Forty-seven percent think style and security are equally important.

The average homeowner hasn’t updated their door hardware in five years; after evaluating the hard work they have put into their homes 59 percent think they’re overdue to replace their door hardware.

Sixty-four percent admitted they need to do a better job to ensure their home is protected.

When it comes to what their next set of door hardware might look like, some respondents could be opting for something futuristic such as smart locks.

Seven in ten (68 percent) want to invest in smart technology in order to protect and advance their home.

Aspects of exterior that haven’t been updated in two years

• Front door: 38 percent
• Paint color: 38 percent
• Door hardware: 35 percent
• Exterior siding: 31 percent
• Roof: 30 percent
• Driveway pavement: 29 percent
• Garage door: 27 percent
• Exterior lighting: 25 percent
• Outdoor seating: 24 percent
• Deck/patio: 24 percent
• Landscape/garden: 23 percent
• Sliding door: 22 percent

New places created at home

• Restaurants: 32 percent
• Movie theater: 31 percent
• Gym: 30 percent
• Office: 29 percent
• Bar: 22 percent
• Bank: 20 percent
• Smart home ecosystem: 19 percent

Small ways to elevate a home

• Fresh paint: 49 percent
• Cleanliness: 42 percent
• Trendy finishes: 39 percent
• Flowers and plants: 38 percent
• Stylish door hardware: 38 percent
• Neutral color palette: 30 percent
• New linens: 27 percent
• Modern lines: 26 percent
• New throw rugs: 25 percent
• New throw pillows: 25 percent