Plumbing Leads Planned Home Projects as Homeowners Prioritize Repairs in 2026

DENVER, CO — Housecall Pro®, an AI-powered field service platform serving home service professionals across the US, has released its latest report, The State of Home Service Spending, highlighting how homeowner spending habits are creating new opportunities for contractors in 2026.

The report, based on responses from more than 1,100 US homeowners, suggests that aging homes, deferred maintenance and essential repairs continue driving demand across multiple service categories.

Survey findings indicate homeowners remain willing to invest in their properties, even as rising costs influence project timing and decision-making.

More than half of respondents said they expect to spend over $3,000 on home projects this year, while approximately one-third anticipate spending more than $7,500. The report also found that 72% of homeowners plan to remain in their current homes long-term, with 69% living in homes that are more than 20 years old.

Aging Homes Continue Driving Repair Demand

As homeowners stay in place longer, repairs and replacement of critical systems are becoming a growing focus.

According to the report, 79% of homeowners expect to repair or replace at least one major home system in 2026. Plumbing ranked as the most frequently planned project category at 28%, followed by:

• Appliances: 25%
• Exterior work: 23%
• HVAC: 20%
• Electrical: 18%
• Roofing: 14%

“Homeowners are investing in the things they can’t ignore,” said Roland Ligtenberg, Co-Founder and Chief AI Officer at Housecall Pro. “People are staying in their homes longer, and the systems that keep those homes running need ongoing upkeep and maintenance. That’s where our Pros come in. Help homeowners keep their homes safe, functional, and running smoothly.”

Cost Pressures Are Changing How Customers Buy

Although homeowners continue investing, the report suggests that budget concerns increasingly affect project decisions.

Among those surveyed:

• 77% said they are delaying projects or reducing project scope because of rising costs
• 68% seek additional estimates when pricing exceeds expectations
• 58% contact contractors after a major system failure or emergency issue
• 51% wait until a smaller problem worsens before acting

These findings suggest that contractors may increasingly encounter customers who compare multiple estimates before moving forward.

Speed And Financing Can Help Contractors Win More Work

The report also highlighted several areas where contractors may gain a competitive advantage.

Financing options continue influencing customer behavior, with 62% of homeowners saying they are more likely to move ahead with a project if financing is available. Speed also remains important, with nearly three-quarters of respondents indicating they would pay more to resolve emergency issues within 24 hours.

DIY projects also appear to have practical financial limits, as 57% of respondents said they would hire a professional rather than attempt a repair themselves when project costs reach $500 or more.

“This is exactly where technology makes the difference,” Ligtenberg added. “The Pros winning more work are the ones who make it easiest for homeowners to say yes, whether that’s responding quickly, communicating clearly, or offering payment options that help customers move forward with confidence.”

The full PDF report is available at housecallpro.com/resources/home-service-spending-report.