As the pandemic continues, home owners are encouraged to spend more time indoors — so get ready for more remodel requests.

Here are five projects that loom large on many wish lists. Some are variations of existing trends, but all are expected to add function, value and joy to houses inside and out.

1. Better outfitted mudrooms

Help home owners avoid frantic searches for keys, backpacks, gloves, hats, lost socks, and more by constructing a mudroom that’s dedicated to different needs.

Functions in high demand are:

  • Drop-off areas for package and grocery-store deliveries; pet washing stations with an oversized sink or shower pan and storage;
  • Specified storage for each family member;
  • Laundry equipment area complemented with shelves, a counter for folding, and a sink;
  • A central charging station for everyone’s tech tools; and
  • Something fun such as a boot dryer.

2. More specialized outdoor “rooms”

Creating the equivalent of rooms in a backyard started pre-pandemic, but after sheltering indoors, more home owners asked their remodeling professionals to build different spaces to suit favorite interests, including:

  • An outdoor kitchen with a grill, water source, and the newest bell and whistle: a pizza oven.
  • A firepit or fireplace and lawn or terrace to set out a large screen and chairs to watch movies,
  • An edible garden, and
  • Trellises to plant up and conserve land.

So clients can use their rooms even as weather gets nippy, suggest they purchase a heater, similar to what restaurants use to warm outdoor diners. The 2021 Houzz & Home Study also found an uptick in fixing up beds, borders, and lawns, and upgrading decks, porches, or balconies.

3. More window, door and wall glazing to savor nature

The trend of home owners wanting to feel as though they’re outdoors even when they can’t be is expected to continue as nature is considered a boon to wellness.

Be ready to change out windows and doors, and sometimes an entire wall to fit larger glass options. Some like garage-style glass doors that roll up for an edgier look, designers say.

4. More flexible home offices

Another pandemic lesson was the importance of having a place for adults to conduct office work and children to do homework.

In fact, searches for home offices were up 108%, according to the 2021 Houzz Emerging Home Design Trends Report. And even as many return to the workplace and school, coronavirus numbers are expected to make adaptable areas popular.

5. Accessory dwelling units

After constructing and remodeling your share of tiny houses and he/she sheds, get ready for more clients requesting an accessory dwelling unit (ADU).

Increased approval from planning and building departments has boosted ADU popularity, especially as a housing solution for home owners needing space for returning grown children, for renters to help meet the shortage of affordable housing, and older parents wanting to age in place privately in what’s often called a “granny flat.”

Be sure to check local codes on size, setbacks and other requirements, and that the unit has good natural light, insulation, key appliances, and features that reflect universal design principles so it’s accessible for all.

The post is excerpted from “5 Remodeling Projects Expected to Boom in 2022,” which originally appeared on ProRemodeler.com. Read the full post.

*Note: All articles have been redistributed from NAHBnow.com*