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 and every season, across a dozen product categories. For home improvement, retail, home services and financial services advertisers, the window is open now, and neighbors are still choosing.
Renovation runs year-round, and fall is a real window
Spring leads, with 29% of neighbors expecting to start in spring 2027. Winter follows at 26%, fall at 24% and summer at 12%. Projects reach across the whole house, with 56% considering cosmetic interior updates and 54% considering interior remodeling. Outdoor work draws just as much interest. 49% are considering landscaping or yard improvements, 26% higher than the general population, and 47% are planning exterior work, 27% higher. Kitchens (57%) and bathrooms (56%) are the rooms neighbors consider most for a remodel.
For advertisers, that points to an always-on presence with spend stepped up ahead of the fall and winter start windows, not only spring. Hyperlocal targeting paired with homeowner and home improvement interest audiences keeps the message close to the project. Kitchen and bathroom results shown in carousel or video creative help the product read as part of a project neighbors already have in mind.
Comfort comes first, and inspiration is the trigger
Neighbors renovate to live better. 45% want their home to be more comfortable or enjoyable, and 36% want to update its style. Only 25% cite increasing home value. Savings help decide when a project can start, with 41% saying they finally have enough, but inspiration helps decide whether it starts at all. 40% say something they recently saw online prompted them, which is 46% more likely than the general population.
Repairs play a role too. 36% are fixing property damage, and 26% want to reduce energy use, 37% higher than the general population. Advertisers should lead with what an improvement changes about daily life and put finished-room imagery in front of the 40% who are still looking for ideas. Energy-efficiency messaging deserves its own creative track, given that 37% over-index.
One neighbor’s project starts the next
Renovations are visible, and they spread. 44% of neighbors said seeing a project nearby inspired them to consider one of their own, and 42% became interested in starting sooner. 43% thought more about their own home’s value, and 35% were influenced by the products or materials used in a neighbor’s project.
That makes local proof a strong creative asset. Show completed projects in real neighborhoods with the product named, and localize creative so a finished kitchen looks like one down the street.
Budget worries sit alongside big spending
Enthusiasm comes with concern. 50% of neighbors worry about staying within budget and 44% worry about unexpected costs. The money is real. 35% expect to spend over $25K, 59% more than homeowners overall, and 19% expect to spend $50K or more.
Savings are the main funding source at 61%, while 27% plan to use tax refunds and 26% home equity loans. 58% are very likely to open a new credit card leading up to the project, 53% more than homeowners overall. 67% expect to use an AI tool during the project, 46% higher than the general population.
Advertisers can answer the budget concern directly with transparent pricing, clear scope and “what’s included” copy. Financial services advertisers have a clear opening at the moment of funding, with card and home equity offers that match the 58% and 26% above. Because neighbors are comparing products with AI tools before they buy, specs and benefits should be easy to scan.
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, since neighbors expect to shop at an average of four. Home Depot and Lowe’s each reach 57% for tools and supplies, and Amazon reaches 54% for furniture and decor. Neighbors are 71% more likely than the general population to do the bulk of their shopping online, though 39% split it evenly between online and in-store.
Hiring is split as well. 43% will hire a pro for at least part of the work, and 57% will complete their renovation without one. For those who do hire, quality of work (83%) and cost (73%) matter most, followed closely by a guarantee or warranty (71%).
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), and 29% expect to buy a TV (53% more).
A playbook for advertisers
Start before the retailer is chosen. With 78% planning to renovate, build consideration early through homeowner and home improvement interest targeting, while 40% are still seeking inspiration. Stay on through fall and winter, stepping up spend ahead of each start window. Sell the better home by leading with comfort (45%) and style (36%) in kitchen and bathroom scenes. Prove it locally with real neighborhood projects and named products, since 44% were inspired by a neighbor’s renovation. Lower the risk of choosing you by addressing budget (50%) and quality (83%) head-on with transparent pricing, reviews and guarantees, and pair that with financing offers for the 58% likely to open a new card.
Source: Nextdoor Survey, US (09/2026)
