Top Jobs for Tradespeople Summer 2024

Between June and August, there are specific jobs that tend to be more in demand than others. This can vary based on factors such as seasonal changes, weather conditions and holidays.

As the UK starts to warm up, more and more people want to spend time out in their gardens. 87% of British homes have a garden, which means that there will be 23 million outdoor spaces that might want a little sprucing up as the summer months hit. With 2024 predicted to be the warmest year on record, your customers will soon want the perfect garden to relax in, under the sun. Here are some common trade jobs that are likely to be required around the home over the summer period.

Useful links

Be Inspired

Shop the Range

Upgrading doors and windows

A survey found that 75% of homeowners who replace rear doors are now opting for bifold doors, instead of more traditional choices of patio or French doors. Not only is this type of door extremely functional and space-efficient, but they really add the ‘wow factor’ to a home.
Upgrading windows or doors can also help improve energy efficiency, as older windows can be a significant source of heat gain in the summer months. Inefficient glazing doesn’t only fail to keep us warm in winter - it also fails to keep us cool in summer. As well as looking great aesthetically, new windows can also improve your customer’s home ventilation, security and enhance the amount of natural light coming in.

Renovating kitchens

Many customers choose to undertake a kitchen project in the summer, because if they are on a budget, it gives them the option of cooking outdoors whilst they can’t use their kitchen as normal.

Renovation trends include reconfiguring kitchen layouts (71% of homeowners), upgrading systems like plumbing and electrical (62%), and incorporating high-tech appliances, which have risen in popularity by almost 10% in the past year.

Kitchen renovations are becoming more expensive, with the median cost now at £13,000, an 8% increase from last year, and costs vary significantly based on kitchen size.

The trend toward open-plan kitchens is strong, with nearly half of homeowners desiring a more open layout to adjacent rooms, and a third opting for a completely open-plan design without dividing walls.

Wickes is the perfect place for kitchens, and we are proud to have been 'Highly Commended' for our Natura and Chester Bespoke kitchen ranges by Ideal Home at their 2024 Kitchen Awards.

Garden ready

Over half (57%) of all respondents in a recent survey see their garden or outdoor space as an extension of their living space, and one in two (50%) say that it’s important to have houseplants and greenery throughout their home. Despite this, marksandspencer.com found that almost three quarters (a whopping 73%!) put off gardening tasks - which is where you come in. Tradespeople can help customers put a stop to this procrastination and garden shame.

One huge trend of recent years is where homeowners want their gardens to be ‘instagrammable’ for the summer - 73% of Brits say that this is important to them, spending up to fourteen days, and an average of £360, on plants, ornaments and furniture for their garden. This trend is particularly noticeable among young people, with 18-29 year olds the most keen on prepping their gardens - 83% say they are busy with their green spaces.

The United Nations predicts that 89% of people will be living in urban areas by 2050, so interest continues to rise on how to garden in small spaces. Consider what advice you can give to your customers on this subject.

Discover more articles for the Season Ahead here.

Top jobs for tradespeople in summer 2024