The surge in family savings during the pandemic and the push to improve living spaces where people spent much of their time have sparked a real wave of home reforms. Ramping up telework setups, upgrading exteriors, or removing partitions became common trends aimed at transforming the home environment. Enric Aparici, CEO and co-founder of Here Your Reform, notes that demand is likely to stay strong despite higher production costs and longer project timelines. This boom is supported by new technologies and a collaborative economy, driving a wave of apps that let homeowners hire reformers and contractors with a single tap. So how do these apps work? How do they support employment?
The cooperative economy ensures consumer needs are met by members of the community. “The share of non-digitalized industries is shrinking daily, and the reform sector accounts for about 60 billion euros in an average year. Platforms that connect reformers and repair professionals will gain substantial importance and value in the years ahead,” Aparici concludes. The industry lagged behind travel and banking in deploying these apps, but now professionals can be found directly on the internet.
Digital platforms are also making self-employment more accessible. “Digitalization and new practices are reshaping the sector and addressing one of its main issues: labor shortages and generational turnover,” says Carlos Sanz, managing director of Habitissimo, a reform platform.
youth appeal
Despite wage incentives above the inter-professional minimum, young workers still aren’t drawn to the sector, complicating hiring for companies. “Ultimately, these platforms enable the youngest to participate and apply their digital skills. No prior experience is required,” Sanz notes.
That is one of Habitissimo’s strengths. “The platform provides easier access to these roles. Professionals who sign up gain visibility with customers and build reputation by posting their completed projects,” adds Sanz. The Mallorcan platform, launched in 2009, connects pros with homeowners looking to upgrade their spaces and has helped more than a million people with over 50,000 certified specialists during the pandemic. Users describe what they need through a form, receive up to four quotes, and explore inspiration and trends. The digitization of these activities has shifted trust from word of mouth to verifiable outcomes. Habitissimo emphasizes that platform reviews are now essential for quality assurance.
value for all parties
Platforms also help professionals cover more costs by bypassing traditional retailers. “The pro gains freedom to choose their niche through geolocation and can negotiate directly with clients, potentially boosting earnings,” the CEO explains.
Customers, in turn, often secure better deals. “When a service can be booked directly through a network of pros rather than via an agent, customers typically see more competitive pricing,” notes Jorge Oliveros, CEO of Wolly by Mobius Group. His platform connects homeowners with trades such as electricians, cleaners, and plumbers and launched in December 2020 amid the pandemic. It now serves over 200,000 customers and lists more than 20,000 nationwide services. “Annual growth in activity and revenue exceeds 200%, and we see a clear, open market niche to pursue,” Oliveros adds.
Registration is free for individuals, who can request up to three quotes once a project is posted. The company plans to expand into southern Europe, targeting Portugal, Italy, and France in the coming years. Other platforms like TaskRabbit and Timbrit are also part of the ongoing shift that seems poised to endure.