Homeowner Renovation Payment & Financing Preferences

Welcome to this research study on home renovation and repair experiences. This survey takes approximately 7–10 minutes. Your participation is completely voluntary, and you may stop at any time. There are no right or wrong answers — we are interested in your honest opinions. All responses are confidential and will be reported only in aggregate. Your individual answers will not be shared with any third parties. By continuing, you agree to participate in this study.

Which of the following best describes your current housing situation?

• Own my home
• Rent my home
• Live with parents/guardians
• Live with roommates
• Other
• Prefer not to say

How involved are you in decisions about home improvements or repairs at your home?

• I am the primary decision-maker
• I share decisions equally with someone else
• I have some input but am not the main decision-maker
• I am not involved in these decisions

Which of the following home projects have you completed in the past 12 months? Select all that apply.

• Kitchen update
• Bathroom update
• Flooring
• Interior or exterior painting
• Roofing
• HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning)
• Plumbing
• Electrical
• Landscaping or outdoor living
• Smart home or solar installation
• Other
• None of the above

Which of the following home projects do you plan to start in the next 12 months? Select all that apply.

• Kitchen update
• Bathroom update
• Flooring
• Interior or exterior painting
• Roofing
• HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning)
• Plumbing
• Electrical
• Landscaping or outdoor living
• Smart home or solar installation
• Other
• Not sure
• No projects planned

Approximately how much do you expect to spend on home projects in the next 12 months?

• Less than $1,000
• $1,000–$4,999
• $5,000–$9,999
• $10,000–$24,999
• $25,000–$49,999
• $50,000 or more
• Prefer not to say

Who handled your most recent major home project?

• Licensed general contractor
• Handyperson
• Big-box or home improvement store services
• Independent specialist (e.g., plumber, electrician)
• I did it myself (DIY)
• HOA or landlord arranged contractor
• Not applicable — no recent project

When choosing a home service provider, rank the following factors from most to least important.

1. Total price
2. Ratings and reviews
3. Availability and speed
4. Quality or workmanship guarantee
5. Licensed and insured status
6. Recommendation from friends or family

How likely are you to use financing (e.g., a loan, BNPL, or credit) for a $5,000 home project in the next 12 months?

Which of the following payment methods would you consider using for a home project costing $1,000 or more? Select all that apply.

• Savings or cash
• Credit card — pay balance in full
• Credit card — installment plan
• Store card financing
• Personal loan
• HELOC or home equity loan
• Contractor-offered financing at checkout
• Buy Now Pay Later (short-term installments)
• Other (please specify)

When considering financing for a home project, how important is a low interest rate or 0% APR offer?

How important is a quick and easy approval process?

How important are flexible repayment terms (e.g., choosing your payment schedule)?

How important is transparency with no hidden fees?

How important is a low monthly payment amount?

For a typical $10,000 home project, rank the following cost categories from where you spend the most to the least.

1. Labor and installation
2. Materials and supplies
3. Permits and inspection fees
4. Design or planning
5. Cleanup and disposal

Overall, how satisfied are you with the payment and financing options currently available for home renovation projects?

Based on your responses in this survey, we'd like to understand more about your experiences paying for home projects. Please share your biggest frustrations with paying for renovations or repairs, what has worked well for you, and any other thoughts you'd like to add.

What is your age?

• 18–24
• 25–34
• 35–44
• 45–54
• 55–64
• 65 or older
• Prefer not to say

Which gender do you identify with?

• Man
• Woman
• Non-binary
• Prefer not to say

What is the highest level of education you have completed?

• Less than high school
• High school or equivalent
• Some college or Associate degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Graduate or professional degree
• Prefer not to say

What is your current employment status?

• Employed full-time
• Employed part-time
• Self-employed
• Homemaker or caregiver
• Student
• Unemployed
• Retired
• Prefer not to say

What is your approximate annual household income before taxes?

• Under $25,000
• $25,000–$49,999
• $50,000–$74,999
• $75,000–$99,999
• $100,000–$149,999
• $150,000–$199,999
• $200,000 or more
• Prefer not to say

How would you describe the area where you live?

• Urban
• Suburban
• Rural
• Prefer not to say

Thank you for completing this survey — your responses have been recorded and will be kept confidential. Your input helps improve home renovation payment experiences for homeowners like you.