Painting your home's exterior can be a tedious task – but with an abundance of time spent at home lately, it's also surged in popularity in recent months, up by 19 per cent overall. Now, with spring around the corner, expect it to trend upwards once again. So go ahead and start picking out those colour swatches! Looking to sell this year? Find more <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/simple-ways-modernize-home-exterior-boost-value-1945338/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">simple ways to modernize your home's curb appeal (and boost it's value!)</a>.

You're home a lot more often – but so is everyone else, including your neighbours. With spring and summer on the horizon, you might find yourself desperate for a little extra privacy when it comes to your outdoor space. In the last 12 months, this upgrade has seen an increase of 16 per cent. Consider erecting a stylish fence, like this gem featured on <em><a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/backyard-builds/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Backyard Builds</a></em>. Already share a roof or a fence? Here's <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/exterior-upgrades-semi-detached-townhouse-1941629/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">how to handle exterior upgrades when you're in a semi-detached or townhouse</a>.

Although many of us are always on the lookout for the latest <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/pinterest-predicts-home-decor-trends-2021-1944651/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">home decor trends</a> to incorporate into our abode, we've also cast a more critical lens at our properties' existing features because of the pandemic. At a 26 per cent increase, flooring renos and quick upgrades are on the rise. If you're looking for some inspiration, consider this beauty featured on <em><a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/family-home-overhaul/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Family Home Overhaul</a></em>.

Already among the most popular renovation projects for homeowners, <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">kitchen</a> upgrades have gone up 23 per cent. In particular, duel islands (such as this stunner featured on <em><a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/property-brothers/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Property Brothers</a></em>) have been touted as a hot trend for 2021. For inspiration, check out the top <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/backsplash-tile-cabinetry-top-kitchen-trends-2021-1942522/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">kitchen</a> and <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/hottest-kitchen-cabinet-trends-2021-1943746/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">cabinet</a> trends for 2021.

Adding a self-care ritual into a daily routine has been imperative for many who have been in lockdown mode. At the end of a hectic day, we need a <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bathrooms/photos/bathroom-ideas-that-will-leave-you-in-a-state-of-total-bliss-1941925/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">spa-like retreat</a> where we can Zen out and unwind. If you've put down money on a bathroom reno lately, you're not alone: they've gone up by a whopping 31 per cent. Find more <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bathrooms/photos/15-bathroom-design-trends-to-watch-out-for-in-2021-1945350/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">bathroom design trends to watch out for</a> this year.

Surprise, surprise. Many people have opened their wallets to carve out a <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/offices/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">home office</a> where they can feel inspired and productive. Whether you already have a designated space for work, or need to make use of an <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/offices/photos/how-to-transform-that-awkward-nook-into-a-useful-home-office-1924428/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">awkward nook</a>, there's no better time than the present to consider this upgrade. Check out these <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/offices/photos/simple-ways-to-spruce-up-your-home-office-1946138/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">simple ways to spruce up your home office now that you're using it more</a>.

One of the most budget-friendly home renovations also happens to be among the most popular upgrades lately (with a 35 per cent increase, to be exact). Now's the time to rethink the wall colour in each and every room. Find more <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/decorating-with-kids-15-ways-to-make-it-a-family-affair-1941059/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">ways to make decorating a family affair</a>.

Fourteen-percent of households opted to install a porch or back deck (much this stunner from <em><a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/scotts-vacation-house-rules/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Scott's Vacation House Rules</a></em>) in the last few months. It seems we're all in need of a backyard oasis where we can soak up the sun and get a little R&R. You can also find cost-effective <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/granny-pods-yoga-studios-makeover-garage-shed-1940238/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">ways to makeover your garage or shed</a>.

Have you redone your roof lately? If so, then you're part of the 16 per cent increase in upgrades to the feature that protects us from the elements every day. Take advantage of being home 24/7 and ensure everything, from the insulation to the shingles, have been looked after. Find out <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/new-roof-exterior-upgrade-costs-1941435/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">how much a new roof costs, plus other exterior upgrades</a>.

It's been on your to-do list for awhile: giving some TLC to your backyard in the form of good old-fashioned landscaping. With the incoming warm weather, there's never been a better opportunity to be part of the 24 per cent increase in landscaping upgrades. We've also got the scoop on <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/how-much-should-you-pay-a-landscaping-company-in-canada-1928045/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">how much you should pay a landscaping company</a>.