If you think you may be obsessed with renovating and re-renovating your home, you’re certainly not alone. The Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies estimates that Americans drop almost $140 Billion on home improvement projects annually.
Yes, you read that right: $140 Billion.
As Americans, we don’t just like home improvement…we LOVE it. You could argue that we’re obsessed with it. If you don’t believe us, there’s a “WikiHow” article entitled, “How to Cope With A Renovation Obsessed Spouse.” Apparently, home improvement addiction is a real thing, and if you relate to the following statements, you might have it.
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1. You always see a home’s potential rather than its flaws
When renovation addicts look for a home to buy, they see it as a world of possibilities. “What if we put crown molding in here?” or “What if the front door was a different color?” Home improvement projects fill in the gap between your current house and your dream house. For many people in this category, the older a home is and the more “character” it has, the better. They HAVE to see what’s behind every door and under every piece of carpet (because what if it’s hard wood floors?). When they look at a mediocre house, they immediately see how it could become their dream home. A certain amount of imagination and creativity comes with being an avid renovator…you have to have to look at what could be, not just what is.
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2. It’s not really about impressing the neighbors.
Some people might see a renovation addict and think, “They are way too obsessed with having the perfect home.” But before you get judgmental, remember that these people really aren’t doing it to impress you. The constant renovation isn’t always due to a lack of contentment…for many, it’s about making a house into a home. These renovators don’t do it for the neighbors. They do it for themselves because they love both the process and the product.
3. You have an emotional connection to your home.
When it’s finally time to move away, many of these folks realize the strong emotional connection they’ve formed with their home. After you’ve poured so much time, money, and energy into repainting, re-flooring, re-siding, and renovating…your house truly becomes your own. Renovation addicts go on a journey with their house, complete with both frustration and love.
4. You watch HGTV and have Lowe’s on speed dial
Do you feel a connection to HGTV stars? Do you know who Chip and Joanna Gaines are? Do you love the smell of Home Depot? If so, you’ve now fully immersed yourself in the home improvement culture. Instead of reading fashion magazines and splurging on nice cars, your dream purchase is…hard wood floors! A new outdoor patio! This has become more than a hobby, folks.
5. Your house is never finished…and you wouldn’t want it to be.
Home renovation enthusiasts are always looking for the next project. As soon as you finish one project, you’re ready for the next one! Your home is constantly “in progress.” While this may sound exhausting, kind of like a never-ending chore list, these people find home improvement projects exciting and energizing! This is way more of a hobby than a chore. Being in the midst of a project is where they thrive.
6. Renovation is a lifestyle.
This renovation thing isn’t just a passing phase or hobby. For many people, it’s the way they take care of their home and bond as a family. The home improvement mindset is enjoyable and often cited as therapeutic. It can be done with a spouse or as a family activity. Home improvement projects often involve spending a good deal of time working together. In the end, you’re left with a home that you’ve truly left your mark on.
