Remodeling Causes Relationship Woes: 12 Percent of Couples Admit to Considering Separation or Divorce Mid-Remodel

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Remodeling a home can be an emotionally stressful experience, putting strain on even the strongest couples. Pulling back the covers on remodeling and relationships, a new survey from Houzz (www.houzz.com), the worlds leading platform for home remodeling and design, reveals that while 46 percent of respondents found the remodeling and redecorating process with their significant other to be collaborative, the same amount found the experience frustrating and 12 percent admit to considering a separation or divorce mid-remodel. In the end, theres no place like a remodeled home, with the vast majority of couples (84 percent) spending more time at home after their remodel.

Conflicting style is a major source of stress as one third of respondents do not like their significant others design style. Theyre not shy about telling their partner, either with 76 percent sharing their opinion with their significant other. But honesty doesnt help get rid of some of their partners favorite items. Forty-two percent of respondents reported being stuck with items they hate but arent allowed to get rid of yet one in five has gone ahead and removed a significant others item without telling them. Forget knickknacks, the most common item creating clashes is old furniture, followed closely by posters and artwork. Some of the other hated items mentioned were antlers and other hunting trophies, wood paneling and old magazines.

While the majority of respondents describe their process as collaborative, when couples cant agree, some partners move ahead on their own. One in five respondents have made a significant decision during the remodel process without telling their partner, from tearing down walls and picking paint colors to choosing furniture and appliances.

Despite the stress of remodeling, home really is where the heart is. Four out of five survey respondents reported feeling more relaxed in their home after completing their project. In addition, 42 percent of respondents do more entertaining and 41 percent report an increase in their level of happiness with their significant other.

"Remodeling can be a stressful time for couples, but our community tells us Houzz serves as a de facto marriage counselor, helping them fall in love all over again, only this time with their homes," said Liza Hausman, VP of Community. "Were providing tools that make the experience collaborative, fun and a whole lot less painful."

Here are a few tips for keeping the peace and even strengthening a relationship during the remodeling and decorating process:

The Remodeling & Relationships Survey is an online survey of Houzz users conducted July 2013. n=1322

About Houzz

Houzz is the leading platform for home remodeling and design, providing people with everything they need to improve their homes from start to finish - online or from a mobile device. From decorating a room to building a custom home, Houzz connects millions of homeowners, home design enthusiasts and home improvement professionals across the country and around the world. With the largest residential design database in the world and a vibrant community powered by social tools, Houzz is the easiest way for people to get the design inspiration, project advice, product information and professional reviews they need to help turn ideas into reality. For more information, visit http://www.houzz.com

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Remodeling Causes Relationship Woes: 12 Percent of Couples Admit to Considering Separation or Divorce Mid-Remodel