More than a year ago in Russia, households faced a common pattern during home improvement projects. Analysts from a major media group and a large service collaboration conducted a nationwide study to understand how families and friends cope when disagreements arise during repairs. The survey interviewed more than 125,000 people from across the country to learn who argues about renovations and how they endure the disputes. The fieldwork was carried out in August 2023.
The data show that almost half of respondents, precisely 43 percent, carried out all or most of the repairs themselves. Another 28 percent received some help from a spouse, friend, or relative. Among those questioned, 21 percent completed all the work with their loved ones, while 8 percent never undertook any repair tasks with others. This reveals a broad range of collaboration patterns within households during renovation efforts.
A sizable portion of participants, 35 percent, reported conflicts with relatives and friends about repairs, while 65 percent said they had not encountered such tensions. Consequently, more than half of the respondents who argued did so mainly with their spouses, accounting for 63 percent. Conflicts with other relatives appeared in 26 percent of cases, with friends in 6 percent, and with neighbors in 5 percent. These figures illustrate that close personal relationships are the most likely source of friction when home projects run long or diverge in vision.
When asked about the root causes of disagreement, the most common response pointed to the time spent on the project, with 24 percent naming it as the primary trigger. Styling differences in the interior topped the list for 20 percent. Dust and dirt, along with disagreements over material choices, were each cited by 14 percent. Another 14 percent were unhappy with the final result, and 9 percent pointed to budget constraints. Interestingly, only 5 percent admitted they began to question the necessity of the repairs during the process. These patterns show that practical concerns often intersect with aesthetic preferences, creating friction that can escalate if not managed early.
On the bright side, the study found that 88 percent of respondents were able to resolve the discussion. In contrast, 8 percent admitted that the conflict ended their communication, and 4 percent reported having to redo parts of the renovation to address the problem. These outcomes highlight the varying levels of resilience and adaptability seen in households facing renovation challenges.
Despite the potential for disagreement, a majority of participants feel that personal traits play a larger role than the project itself. Specifically, 67 percent believe that the source of conflicts lies in personality, while 19 percent attribute the issues to the renovation, and 14 percent think the project did not necessarily lead to a fight. This perspective reinforces the idea that how people interact under pressure often shapes the trajectory of a home improvement effort.
In search of constructive dispute resolution, several strategies emerged from the survey. About 36 percent suggested that it is essential for everyone involved to have a shared vision of the final result before work begins. Roughly a quarter, or 24 percent, argued that sensitive topics should be discussed upfront to prevent later disagreements. A further 17 percent advocated making a clear plan for all tasks before starting, ensuring transparency and alignment among participants. These approaches reflect practical steps that households can take to minimize conflict and keep renovations on track.