ServiceMagic, an online resource that matches homeowners with home improvement contractors, released home improvement data and national survey results from the first half of 2011 showing that service requests for energy-efficient projects have substantially increased year-over-year. Requests for residential solar installations are up 52 percent nationwide, as are increases in heating (+34 percent), air conditioning (+14 percent) and window coverings (+17 percent).
The nationwide survey revealed that the majority of homeowners feel that energy efficiency is an important consideration in their home improvement projects and cited the top motivating factors as saving on energy bills (35 percent), protecting the environment (25 percent) and improving home comfort (23 percent). For homeowners who have invested in solar, cost-savings on home energy bills (29 percent) and tax benefits (21 percent) were the leading decision drivers. Thirty-one percent expect to see a return on their solar investment within one to three years, followed by 29 percent who expect a return within four to six years.
This data is collected from ServiceMagic’s January-June 2011 Home Remodeling and Repair Index, containing information compiled from 3.1 million service requests received through ServiceMagic’s online marketplace during that time period, as well as results from a survey of homeowners and service professionals conducted in July.
For more information: www.servicemagic.com
Related Stories
Pro's Picks: A Quick Install Composite Stone
This pro completed a high volume facelift project months ahead of schedule
Innovative Products: Durable, Low-Profile Solar Shingles
Conventional solar panels are already outdated
· sponsored
Siding trim innovations to save time and hassle
Diamond Kote introduces innovative trim designed around installer wants
· sponsored
Contractors Embrace Province™ Slate
4 Colorful Takeaways from Roofing Contractors
Why residential roofing contractors are more mindful of color when it comes to shingle selection
5 Roofing Trends Discovered at IRE 2023
Observations made from the show floor of the largest roofing event in North America
Innovative Products: GAF Energy Timberline Solar Shingles
GAF Energy’s latest innovation has taken the solar world by storm
Innovative Products: Modern Mill ACRE Siding
A wood alternative that’s easy to use, durable, and green
· sponsored
Why Homeowners and Pros Prefer Stone Veneer to Stone
With the depth of selection in Westlake Royal Building Products, builders and homeowners have an almost-endless range of design possibilities to explore. Ben Drury, Product Development Manager for their exterior product brands, explains why Versetta Stone is so effective in so many different applications.