Daily Relo Ticker-April 13, 2026: Home Improvement
- Martin Mayotte
- Apr 13
- 5 min read
Daily Relo Ticker
Welcome to today’s Daily Relo Ticker (DRT)- your quick, straightforward update on the relocation world as of April 2026. A trusted source, pairing 15+ years of industry experience and over a dozen of personal moves. Listed below are topics, trends and current job postings in the industry. Please consider sharing for maximum reach and while there are no royalties, kickbacks or fees, any move related referral would be greatly appreciated!
Featured News: Status Of Home Improvement
Home Improvement Market Size Forecast to 2035
Research Nester projected continued expansion of the global home improvement market driven by DIY/DIFM and residential upgrades, with approximately 3 out of 4 homeowners do it themselves. Approximately 50% of DIY's work on exterior home improvement projects.
Growth Drivers: Improved living space trend accelerated since pandemic, mortgage and interest rates, new funding
Challenges: Rising cost of materials, change could impede market expansion,
Lowe's Employee/Contractor: $250m investment aimed at training 250,000 skilled tradespeople by 2035
As of April 2026, Lowe's is the only major home improvement retailer that has officially launched a direct "employee-powered" home maintenance service for the general public. Available in areas covering more than 75% of U.S. homes. With a $250 million skilled trades initiative aimed at training 250,000 skilled tradespeople by 2035
Note: More about this program available down below...
Labor Market Outlook
The definitive 10-year outlook projects faster than average growth between 2026-2034, with roughly 649,300 job openings annually, while Associated Builders and Contractors models suggest 349,000, primarily due to the need to replace retiring workers and current demand. Electricians (alone) are projected to grow by 6.6%.
Home Improvement Retail Market Emerging Trends
Home Improvement Retail Market size was valued at US$ 875.5 Billion in 2026, and is projected to reach US$ 1,200.8 Billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.8% from 2026 to 2033
Growth Drivers: Market expansion
Challenges: Geopolitical disruptions.
Source: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/home-improvement-retail-market-emerging-trends-forecast-data-ufqgc
Most Prospective Buyers Want Turnkey Homes Despite Higher Prices
While the core survey is earlier, April 2026 market commentary reinforces that 56.1% of buyers want move-in ready status before purchase (37.8% somewhat important). Buyers prioritize this over size or location, especially as renovation costs have risen sharply, making post-closing work less appealing for relocating homeowners. Stats: 56.1% rank move-in ready as top factor; buyers compromise on size/location first.
NAHB/Westlake Royal Remodeling Market Index (RMI) Q1 2026
Remodeling sentiment remained positive but edged slightly lower in Q1. RMI at 62 (down 2 points but above 50 break-even for 24 straight quarters); remodeling expected +3% in 2026.
Growth Drivers: Aging housing stock; lock-in effect from low mortgage rates; age-in-place projects. Challenges: Labor shortages; material costs; economic pressures. Statistics:
Key Growth Drivers (from April 2026 reports)
High mortgage rates & financing math: Buyers prefer rolling renovation-equivalent costs into the mortgage rather than paying cash or taking high-rate home equity loans post-closing.
Renovation cost & hassle fatigue: Sharp rises in project expenses (60%+ historically noted) plus time/stress of contractors make turnkey far more attractive for busy or equity-rich sellers relocating.
Lifestyle & immediate livability: Buyers seek finished, thoughtful designs for instant enjoyment without projects; turnkey supports wellness and quick settlement.
Market normalization + inventory growth: More listings allow selectivity; cash/equity-heavy buyers (common among sellers) compete aggressively for move-in ready properties.
Seller equity leverage: Long-term homeowners use built-up equity via buy-before-you-sell to afford premium turnkey next homes without remodeling.
Key Challenges
Higher upfront premiums: Turnkey homes cost 3%+ more, straining budgets in flat-price markets (e.g., Palm Beach median unchanged).
Limited true turnkey inventory: Competition is fierce for the best-conditioned homes; many listings still need light work.
Slower sales for non-turnkey properties: Fixer-uppers sit longer (elevated days on market) and require deeper discounts, pressuring sellers who haven’t prepped their current home.
Broader affordability & uncertainty: Elevated rates, economic caution, and 7.5+ months supply in some areas make even turnkey purchases selective and negotiation-heavy.
BONUS: 10 Easy Home Upgrades
Paint: Refresh a room or just the front door for instant impact.
Swap Hardware: Replace old cabinet knobs and faucets for a modern look.
Update Lighting: Switch out dated fixtures or add under-cabinet LEDs.
Boost Curb Appeal: Power wash siding and add fresh mulch or plants.
Deep Clean: Scrub grout and wash windows to let in more light.
Maximize Storage: Install floating shelves or closet organizers.
Go Energy-Efficient: Install a smart thermostat to lower utility bills.
Seal Gaps: Replace worn weatherstripping to stop drafts.
Budget for Surprises: Always set aside an extra 10–15% for unexpected costs.
Know Your Limits: DIY the aesthetics, but hire pros for electrical or plumbing.
Helpful Resource: Lowe's HomeCare+
Lowe's HomeCare+ is a new annual home maintenance subscription service launched by Lowe's on March 17, 2026, exclusively for MyLowe's Rewards loyalty program members.
Key Details
Price: $99 per year (automatically renews; cancel anytime).
What you get: Two in-home visits per year performed by trained Lowe's "red vest" store associates.
Services per visit: Up to 7 essential maintenance tasks (you can choose which ones and even bundle all into one visit if preferred).
Availability: Available in areas covering more than 75% of U.S. homes (check eligibility by ZIP code at Lowes.com/homecareplus or in-store).
Included Services
The seven services focus on routine, preventive home upkeep:
Electric dryer vent cleaning
HVAC air filter replacement
Refrigerator water filter replacement
Electric water heater flush
Garage door lubrication
Smoke and carbon monoxide detector battery replacement
Light bulb replacement
Note: The $99 fee covers the labor/visit. You purchase any required parts/supplies (filters, bulbs, etc.) separately, often with a discount.
Additional Member Benefits
Automatic Gold Status in the MyLowe's Rewards program.
5% off select supplies and items related to the services.
Earn 1.5 points per dollar on eligible purchases (enhanced rewards).
Easy scheduling via Lowes.com or in-store.
Gift cards for HomeCare+ planned for later in 2026.
Purpose and Positioning
Lowe's designed HomeCare+ to simplify routine home maintenance for busy homeowners, first-time buyers, or those uncomfortable with ladders/DIY tasks. It promotes preventive care to avoid bigger (and more expensive) problems while building customer loyalty and driving sales of related products.
Who It's For
Ideal for time-strapped or non-DIY homeowners who want affordable, convenient professional help for basic upkeep.
Less valuable for highly handy people who already do these tasks themselves.
Early feedback (e.g., Reddit) notes it's a low-cost way to outsource labor, though you still buy materials.
For the most current details or to check availability in your area (Huntingtown, Maryland should be eligible in most cases), visit the official page: https://www.lowes.com/l/about/mylowes-rewards-homecare or Lowes.com/homecareplus
This subscription fits into Lowe's broader strategy of enhancing its loyalty program with convenient services amid steady but cautious home improvement demand in 2026.
Joke Of The Day:
If a burglar leaves a handprint in wet cement during a renovation, does that count as concrete evidence?
Moving Tip Of The Day:
When disassembling furniture, place all screws and hardware into a plastic bag and tape it securely to the associated furniture piece to avoid losing them during the move.
Trivia Of The Day:
Building an average-sized house of about 1,200 square feet requires approximately 12,000 nails.
Quote Of The Day:
"Everything's better with more power!"- Tim "The Toolman" Taylor
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