Social Media Is Turning Home Contractors Into Collaborators With Millennials

Social media is changing the the relationship between homeowners and their contractors.

"Millennials are swarming into the home marketplace armed with information, ideas and a passionate desire for personalization," Jill Waage, the editroial director for home content at Better Homes and Gardens, said. "Home builders, designers and remodelers should know that this generation expects you to work with them as collaborators not just contractors. We have seen an explosion on our social media outlets of Millennials exchanging everything from swatch styles for wallpaper to outdoor decorating designs. This generation wants homes that reflect their individuality and their sheer size will reshape the home market for decades to come."

According to a survey by Better Homes and Gardens, Nearly 6 in 10 respondents report using a smartphone or tablet to access home-related information — primarily to find decorating ideas or shop for items for their home, according to Editor at Large.

The online survey, held Oct. 24 through Nov. 7 and consisted of a random sample of Better Homes and Gardens reader panelists, also found that 45 percent said they are in the process of planning or doing a major home improvement or decorating project.

Additionally, 75 percent of the group report decorating with furniture and accessories.

Interest in personalization could be the motivator behind a seemingly growing interest and social media is an easy way to access, and more importantly, share ideas.

More than one third of survey participants said they plan to change the function of a room in a home and were considering other modifications.

Chalkboards, under stair storage and adding bins and buckets to maximize shelving were popular ideas, along with industrial and vintage elements, especially in bathrooms. Considering children as part of decor was also a factor in millennial's home design choices.

All of the above ideas could potentially be implemented and given the specific home and what changes are made, each one could adopt a new, individual sense of character.