Houzz Survey Explores How Couples Navigate Home Projects Together

• Compromise and visualisation tools improve renovation experiences

While many couples describe renovating together as “collaborative” (43%) or “fulfilling” (36%) according to a recent survey from Houzz, the leading all-in-one software platform for construction and design, a notable share admit the process tested their relationship to its limits. The 2025 UK Houzz Renovations and Relationships Report* found that 16% of couples considered separating or divorcing during a home renovation. That number climbs to 20% for couples in relationships of 5 years or less, compared with just 7% among couples together for 30 years or more. Despite challenges, nearly all couples agreed the finished project made the journey worthwhile (89%). Many reported feeling more comfortable (59%), happier (53%), more organised (42%), and calmer and less stressed (39%) in their newly renovated home. 

Common sources of conflict during renovations include difficulty staying on budget (37%), deciding on products, materials or finishes (31%), agreeing on the project’s design (31%) and communicating with each other (25%). Selections for paint colours (51%), flooring materials (47%) and furniture (38%) were frequently cited as sticking points. Couples navigated these challenges by compromising (59%) and using tools to help them visualise the finished result (45%). 

“A home renovation is one of the most demanding journeys a couple embarks on together, with numerous decisions, budget considerations and trade-offs along the way,” said Marine Sargsyan, Houzz staff economist. “The findings highlight how communication, compromise and visualisation technologies help mitigate disagreements and support productive collaboration throughout the renovation process among couples and the pros they hire.”

When it comes to working with design and construction professionals, many respondents report a desire for improved visibility and coordination during a project. The most common requests include clear communication (40%), transparent pricing (39%) and more accurate timelines (35%). 

Tools like Houzz Pro’s Client Dashboard, Estimates, Selections and Schedule help address these desires, enabling construction and design professionals to keep clients informed, involved and confident throughout the process. Designer Ina Appleby of Studio Appleby, shared an example: "For a recent project, we utilised Houzz Pro as a central tool to collaborate with our clients. It allowed us to share design concepts, gather their feedback in real time, and streamline the approval process at every stage. What could have been a stressful process instead became an enjoyable journey for them, and us. The clients expressed how much they loved being involved in the project from start to finish."

Valerie Couillard of The Place Between, also sees software as a way to deliver a great client experience, “We rely on Houzz Pro to keep renovation projects clear and collaborative. It’s essential for communicating designs through Mood Boards and 3D visuals, sourcing materials with takeoffs and selection boards, and ensuring transparency throughout the process with scheduling and financial tools.”

*The 2025 UK Houzz Renovations & Relationships Survey was sent to registered Houzz users and fielded in July 2025. n=635. 

Source : Houzz

Image : Houzz /Yoko Kloeden Design / Anna Stathaki Photography

For all the very latest news and intelligence on the UK's largest home improvement and garden retailers, sign up for the Insight DIY weekly newsletter.