Home renovations on Nextdoor: 2026 insights for advertisers
78% of neighbors expect to renovate their home in the next 12 months, 16% higher than the general population. More than 1 in 3 expect to spend over $25K.
Nextdoor's September 2026 survey shows renovation plans that span every room, every season and a dozen product categories. Inspiration and nearby projects push neighbors from thinking to starting. Budget worries and proof of quality decide who wins the work.
For home improvement, retail, home services and financial services advertisers, the window is open now. Neighbors are still choosing.
Renovation is not a spring-only season, and fall is a real window
Spring leads, but planning runs all year: 29% expect to start in spring 2027, ahead of 26% in winter and 24% this fall. Summer trails at 12%. Projects also span the whole house, with cosmetic updates and full remodels planned at nearly the same rate.
- 56% are considering cosmetic interior updates and 54% are considering interior remodeling
- 49% are considering landscaping or yard improvements, 26% higher than the general population.
- 47% of neighbors are planning exterior work, 27% higher than the general population
- Kitchens (57%) and bathrooms (56%) are the areas of the home being considered most for a remodel
Implication for advertisers: Keep an always-on presence and step up spend ahead of the fall and winter start windows, not just spring. Use hyperlocal targeting with homeowner and home improvement interest audiences. Show kitchen and bathroom outcomes in carousel or video creative so the product reads as part of a project neighbors already have in mind.
Neighbors renovate to live better, and inspiration is the trigger
Comfort beats resale value. 45% of neighbors renovate to make their home more comfortable or enjoyable and 36% want to update its style, while only 25% cite increasing home value. Savings decide when a project can start, with 41% saying they finally have enough, but inspiration helps decide whether it does. 40% of neighbors say recently seen inspiration online prompted them, 46% more likely than the general population.
There are a few other reasons that neighbors are looking to renovate:
- 36% are repairing property damage
- 26% want to reduce energy use, 37% higher than the general population
Implication for advertisers: Lead with what the improvement changes about daily life, not resale math. Put finished-room imagery in front of neighbors while the 40% who need inspiration are scrolling. Test energy-efficiency messaging as its own creative track, where the over-index is 37%.
One neighbor's project starts the next one
Renovations are visible, and these projects spread across the neighborhood. 44% of neighbors were inspired to consider a renovation of their own after seeing one nearby, and 42% became interested in starting sooner. Neighbors weren't only influenced to consider a renovation, 43% of neighbors thought more about their own home's value and 35% were influenced by the products or materials used in a neighbors project.
Implication for advertisers: Show completed projects in real neighborhoods, with the product named. Localize creative by neighborhood so a finished kitchen looks like one down the street. With 44% inspired by a nearby project, each finished job can seed the next one.
Budget anxiety and a big spend define the decision
Enthusiasm comes with worry. 50% of neighbors worry about staying within budget and 44% worry about unexpected costs, and the money is real: 35% expect to spend over $25K, 59% more than homeowners overall, including 19% at $50K or more.
Neighbors are turning to different sources of income for their renovations:
- 58% of neighbors are very likely to open a new credit card leading up to the project, 53% more than homeowners overall
- 61% of neighbors will fund the renovation from savings, while 27% will fund from tax refunds and 26% from home equity loans
- 67% of neighbors expect to use an AI tool during the project, 46% higher than the general population
Implication for advertisers: Answer the budget fear directly. Use transparent pricing, clear scope and "what's included" copy. Financial services advertisers should show up at the moment of funding, with card and home-equity offers matched to the 58% and 26% above. Keep product specs and benefits scannable, because neighbors are comparing them with AI tools before they buy.
Neighbors shop at four retailers and turn to Nextdoor to hire
54% of neighbors expect to use Nextdoor to find professional help. No single retailer owns the renovation basket. Neighbors expect to shop at an average of 4 retailers, with Home Depot and Lowe's each at 57% for tools and supplies and Amazon at 54% for furniture and decor. They are 71% more likely than the general population to do the bulk of their shopping online, though 39% split it half online, half in-store. Hiring is split too: 43% will hire a pro for at least part of the work, while 57% will complete their renovation without one. When hiring a pro, quality of work (83%), cost (73%), and a guarantee or warranty (71%) are the most important factors.
Renovations also spark purchases across the home:
- 40% expect to buy lighting fixtures
- 32% expect to buy smart home devices, 45% more than the general population
- 29% expect to buy a TV, 53% more than the general population
Home renovation advertising playbook: how to activate on Nextdoor
Bringing it all together, here’s how to turn these insights into action:
1. Start before the retailer is chosen
With 78% planning to renovate, build consideration early. Use home owner and home improvement interest targeting to reach neighbors while 40% are still seeking inspiration.
2. Stay on through fall and winter
While spring is the main season for renovations for neighbors (29%), fall (24%) and winter (26%) are close behind. Step up spend ahead of each start window for an always-on presence.
3. Sell the better home
Lead with comfort (45%) and style (36%) in kitchen and bathroom scenes, the two rooms neighbors name most.
4. Prove it locally
Use real neighborhood projects and named products. 44% were inspired by a neighbor's renovation, and 35% were influenced by the materials used. Tap into this to reach the neighbors ready to renovate.
5. Lower the risk of choosing you
Address budget (50%) and quality (83%) head-on with transparent pricing, reviews and guarantees. Pair with financing offers for the 58% likely to open a new card.
Source: Nextdoor Survey, US (09/2026)
