More than half of Russians renovated their homes this year, with 63 percent taking on projects. A notable share, 30 percent, did renovation across the entire house while 33 percent focused on a single living room. These patterns emerge from a study conducted by VseInstrumenty.ru and summarized for readers of socialbites.ca, highlighting a broad trend toward updating living spaces and the varying scope people choose for their home improvements.
When it comes to budget, the spending ranged widely. About one third allocated between 150 and 200 thousand rubles for interior updates, while roughly a quarter spent more than a million rubles. Another 14 percent invested between 50,000 and 100,000 rubles. Project planners had different expectations: 35 percent anticipated spending from 100 to 150 thousand rubles, while 22 percent believed the outlay would exceed a million. These numbers reveal both cautious budgeting and a willingness to invest in more ambitious renovations, reflecting personal priorities and perceived returns from home improvements.
In terms of cost efficiency, the most economical tasks were installing or replacing doors, which represented 30 percent, and updating decorative elements at 29 percent. Plumbing upgrades and finishing works appeared to cost less than expected, each accounting for 13 percent. Replacing furniture was identified as the least expensive component by 12 percent of respondents, underscoring how furniture choices can influence overall renovation budgets without driving major price surges.
Russians tended to pick the bedroom as the simplest room to renovate, with 32 percent opting for it, followed by hallways at 30 percent, while the living room and children’s room were the least expensive options at 8 percent each. By contrast, some rooms required more time and effort, with balconies taking the longest at 26 percent, followed by bathrooms and toilets at 25 percent, the living room at 11 percent, and the bedroom at 10 percent. The choice of room often mirrored practicality and the user’s daily routines, balancing cost, disruption, and desired outcomes.
Cost-conscious behavior during renovations also shows up in how households approach other expenses. People were most inclined to save on removing old furniture at 23 percent, on garbage collection at 21 percent, and on work clothing at 20 percent. They also sought savings on wallpaper, wall coverings, and ceilings at 13 percent each, illustrating a clear focus on surface finishes and waste reduction as practical levers for keeping costs in check.
Conversely, certain areas rallied less resistance to spending. Flooring and plumbing were less flexible with 18 percent each indicating a willingness to spend, followed by furniture at 16 percent and windows at 14 percent. Despite these leanings, 17 percent of respondents stated that they did not actively seek ways to cut costs when buying renovation goods, signaling that some projects are viewed as investments where quality takes precedence over price.
In decision making, most Russians weighed several factors when purchasing renovation goods. Price was the primary driver for 26 percent, followed by online reviews at 18 percent. General product characteristics and recommendations from others each accounted for 17 percent, with country of origin, appearance, and brand at 15 percent. Information from specialized websites influenced 13 percent of buyers, underscoring the multidimensional nature of shopping for home improvement items and the importance of trustworthy sources in guiding choices.
There were also reflections on how frequently furniture and décor are refreshed within the apartment, indicating an ongoing cycle of updates that may be influenced by trends, wear and tear, and changes in lifestyle. These patterns collectively illustrate a practical, budget-aware approach to home renovation among Russians and offer a snapshot of consumer behavior that can resonate with renovators in other regions who weigh cost, scope, and long-term value when updating their living spaces.