North Columbus News

Homeowners in the United States are continuing to invest significantly in home renovations, spending an estimated $603 billion in 2024. This information comes from the 2025 Remodeling Impact Report by the National Association of REALTORS and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. The report provides insights into which projects offer homeowners significant returns and satisfaction with their homes.

For those looking to maximize resale value, high-ROI projects are crucial. These renovations recover a substantial portion of their cost at resale. The top projects include installing a new steel front door with 100% cost recovery, closet renovation at 83%, a new fiberglass front door at 80%, vinyl window replacement at 74%, and wood window replacement at 71%. These improvements tend to be less costly than full-room remodels but still offer strong visual and functional appeal.

The report also highlights "Joy Scores" for homeowners planning lifestyle upgrades before selling. Projects that scored a perfect 10 on this scale include adding a primary bedroom suite, kitchen upgrades, and new roofing.

Real estate professionals are instrumental in guiding clients toward improvements that align with buyer expectations and market trends. According to the report, agents most commonly recommend pre-sale updates such as painting the entire home (50%), painting a single room (41%), and installing new roofing (37%).

Large-scale renovations are becoming more popular among homeowners willing to invest heavily. Real estate professionals note increased interest in renovating areas like kitchens (48%), roofs (43%), and bathrooms (35%).

Homeowners have various motivations for remodeling, including upgrading worn-out finishes (27%), improving energy efficiency (19%), desiring change (18%), or preparing to sell within two years (18%).

Melissa Dittmann Tracey contributed this analysis based on current real estate trends.