News Release

New survey from Angi shows that despite hurdles, couples find positives in joint home improvement projects

DENVER, June 1, 2023 – Today, Angi, a leading and comprehensive solution for home services released a new survey that highlights how home improvement projects have the potential to bring couples closer together, using supplemental data from prominent dating platform eharmony.

In an Angi survey of 1,000 Americans cohabitating with a partner or spouse, nearly 84% found that home improvement projects were a good test of their relationship, made them appreciate and love their partner more or helped them decide on the relationship’s trajectory. Most respondents had positive takeaways, with 90% agreeing they love living with their partner and less than 5% sharing that a project ended their relationship.

Sources of Stress
While many couples felt the benefits of taking on improvement projects together, they were also a source of tension. More than three-fourths of those surveyed noted that home projects have caused issues and arguments within their relationships, with major renovations being the top project leading to conflict (34%). Of the various aspects of home improvement projects and home management, budgeting for home improvement projects and the cost of utilities were the top unexpected sources of disagreements, 42% and 41% respectively. For many couples, even the little things were sources of disagreement. Nearly 57% of respondents reported that they fight with their partner over control of the thermostat.

Sole Ownership or Collaboration?
What’s the best way to split up responsibilities when it comes to home improvement? The answer isn’t that simple. Angi data shows that women prefer to split tasks with their partners (56%) and men want sole ownership of home improvement projects (51%), but younger women (under the age of 34) like to take on projects by themselves while younger men want to split up the work with their partners. According to eharmony’s recent Dating Diaries study, more than one-third of couples felt one person in the relationship ends up taking on more work around the house. If partners aren’t on the same page of ownership and responsibilities, projects intended to make the home more functional can turn into points of contention. To avoid potential arguments, consider bringing in a pro – more than 60% agreed that hiring outside help reduced the number of arguments related to the project. 

Best Low-Risk Projects
Couples who have lived together for a while stress more about finances related to home improvement, but recently cohabitated couples are more focused on the everyday tasks of living together like general home maintenance and reorganization. In the same eharmony study, 45% of couples noted that they want to spend more time with loved ones and home improvement projects are a great way to bond and understand one another better. If you’re looking for a low-stress home project to take on with your partner, start with landscaping – Angi survey respondents shared that it was the least friction-causing project. Other low-stress projects include picking out appliances, everyday home maintenance and hanging shelves or artwork. Regardless of what you take on, open communication is key to keeping the peace.

Methodology
This scientific random sample of 1,000 US adult homeowners are all living with a significant other, partner or spouse. The sample was surveyed between April 20, 2023 and April 21, 2023. No weighting has been applied. Angi conducted and analyzed this survey with a sample procured using the Pollfish survey delivery platform, which delivers online surveys globally through mobile apps and the mobile web along with the desktop web.

About Angi
Angi (NASDAQ: ANGI) is your home for everything home—a comprehensive solution for all your home needs. From repairs and renovations to products and financing, Angi is transforming every touch point in the customer journey. With over 25 years of experience and a network of over 200,000 pros, we have helped more than 150 million people with their home needs. Angi is your partner for every part of your home care journey.
 

Angi Corporate Communications
Mallory Micetich
(303) 963-8352
mediarelations@angi.com