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Is That Remodel Really Worth It?


If you’ve ever stood in your kitchen and thought, Is it finally time to update this?, you’re not alone. With housing prices still sky-high and not much inventory on the market, more homeowners are saying, “Let’s just make this place work for us.” But before you start pinning tile samples and dreaming of open shelving, let’s have a real chat about remodeling—what pays off, what brings joy, and what’s just... a money pit with subway tile.




Thankfully, the National Association of REALTORS® and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry recently dropped their 2025 Remodeling Impact Report. It’s packed with juicy insights on what projects homeowners are loving, what’s actually making a difference in resale value, and what might not be worth your time (or money).

So grab your coffee—and maybe a pen—because this is one of those “let’s get smart before we spend” kind of conversations.


First up: What makes you love your home more? (Aka, the Joy Score)


This part had me nodding along. The report gives each project a “Joy Score” from 1 to 10, based on how happy homeowners felt after completing it. Turns out, some projects are just straight-up feel-good upgrades:




Perfect 10s went to:


  • A brand-new primary bedroom suite

  • Kitchen upgrades

  • A new roof (Surprising? Maybe. But who doesn’t love a leak-free home?)


    Other high scorers:


  • Full kitchen renovations (9.8)

  • Bathroom updates (9.7)

  • Painting an interior room (9.3)

  • New wood flooring (9.1)


Moral of the story? Updating the spaces you live in daily—kitchens, bathrooms, that corner you’ve been ignoring—pays off in personal joy. Even if you’re not selling tomorrow, that kind of satisfaction matters.


But let’s talk dollars: What actually helps with resale?


If ROI is your love language, this part is for you. These were the top winners for money-back potential:


  • Steel front door: 100% of costs recovered

  • Closet reno: 83%

  • Fiberglass front door: 80%

  • New vinyl windows: 74%

  • Basement turned into living space: 71%


Are they glamorous? Not really. But they’re practical, energy-efficient, and signal to buyers that the home is well-maintained. And apparently, a front door makeover is basically a resale superpower. Who knew?


Thinking of listing soon? Here’s what REALTORS® actually recommend:


There’s a big difference between “fun Pinterest project” and “smart seller move.” According to the report, if you’re prepping your home to sell, these are the MVP updates:


  1. Paint the whole house (recommended by 50% of REALTORS®)

  2. Paint at least one room (41%)

  3. Replace the roof (37%)


Paint is hands-down the fastest way to make a home feel fresh and buyer-friendly. It’s low cost, high impact—and if you choose the right shade (hi, Agreeable Gray or Alabaster), it makes the space feel bigger, brighter, and easier to imagine living in.


So, why are we all remodeling anyway?


Here’s what homeowners had to say:


  • 27% were tired of worn-out finishes and materials

  • 19% wanted better energy efficiency

  • 18% just felt like it was time for a change

  • 18% were prepping to sell in the next two years


In other words, some of us are in “this house needs love” mode and others are in “let’s get top dollar” mode. Both are valid—but your motivation should shape your budget and project list.


Let’s talk money: How are people paying for all this?


Renovations aren’t cheap (shocking, I know). Here’s how people are making it happen:


  • 54% used a home equity loan or HELOC

  • 29% paid from savings

  • 10% used credit cards


If you’ve got equity, now’s a good time to explore financing—but just make sure you’re investing in updates that make sense for your stage of life and how long you plan to stay put.


And finally... it’s not just about ROI


This one got me. The emotional return of a remodel is real:


  • 64% of homeowners said they wanted to be at home more after renovating

  • 46% enjoyed their space more

  • 55% felt a major sense of accomplishment


Sometimes, peace of mind, function, and “I actually like being here” is reason enough. Your home should feel like it fits you, not like a never-ending project.


My take: Remodel with Intention…

Here’s the deal—there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. If you’re planning to sell, choose projects that boost curb appeal and buyer confidence. If you’re staying, focus on what will make your daily life smoother, brighter, or just more fun.

And don’t get caught up in what’s trendy. Focus on what’s timeless, functional, and makes you feel good when you walk through the door. Even small changes (hello, painted cabinets or a new front door) can spark big shifts in how a home feels.

Want to dig into the full report? It’s got all the stats, percentages, and pro advice you could want.

🔗 Read the full 2025 Remodeling Impact Report here: Download PDF



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