Homeowners are staying put longer—now averaging approximately twelve years in the same home, more than double the rate seen in past decades. This shift signals a fundamental change in mindset: rather than moving every few years, people are increasingly investing in what they see as their forever home and adapting their spaces to meet evolving lifestyle needs.
Along with this shift, home renovation activity has surged to historic levels. An estimated 54% of homeowners completed a renovation project in 2025, and members of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) report that not only has demand roughly doubled in recent years, but the scope of projects has expanded significantly as well.
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Several forces are driving this trend. Many homeowners are reluctant to give up desirable locations, while others are holding onto ultra-low mortgage rates sub 4%, which were secured during the pandemic-era “unicorn years.” Together, these factors are fueling a renovation boom rooted less in short-term ROI and more in long-term livability, personalization, and comfort.
The NARI identifies two main reasons for renovating:
- Return On Investment or ROI: Making improvements that will boost the home’s resale value. These projects take priority when costs become the primary concern, such as when a homeowner plans to sell within one to three years, is taking on a large-scale project, or is working within tight budgetary constraints.
- Joy Score Upgrades: These are changes made to improve the homeowners’ daily comfort, improve function, or enhance the enjoyment of living in the home. The cost of the project might not be recouped when the home is sold but that’s not the point.
The push and pull of deciding between cosmetic or functional upgrades can be tricky. When faced with a choice between revamping a dated, pink pastel powder room from the 1950s or updating knob-and-tube electrical wiring from the early 1900s—a potential fire risk—many homeowners choose to tackle the bathroom first. The reason is simple: they see and experience it every day.
This illustrates a key truth in renovation behavior—visibility and daily impact often outweigh practicality, even when the latter carries greater long-term value or safety implications. The top projects with the highest Joy Score are as follows:
At nearly every listing appointment, sellers ask some version of the same question: “Should I paint this room?” The honest answer is always: it depends. When evaluating how much of a renovation cost you’re likely to recover, the numbers can vary by source—but the overall trend is consistent. Projects that deliver the biggest happiness factor for homeowners don’t typically rank at the top for return on investment. Instead, the strongest ROI tends to come from improvements that enhance curb appeal or address core structural and functional elements.
The old adage, “don’t replace the carpet because the new owners will just rip it out anyway”, is starting to fade. According to a survey from the National Association of Realtors, 46% of buyers today are unwilling to compromise on a home’s condition. That shift reflects changing expectations: buyers increasingly want homes that feel move-in ready, not filled with projects they have to take on immediately. As a result, updates like fresh carpet, paint, and overall condition are carrying more weight than they once did, especially in competitive markets.
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As a full service brokerage, our support doesn’t end when the transaction is complete. We strive to be a trusted resource as you settle into and enjoy your home for years to come. Our collaborative team of experienced agents, our in house interior designer, and our preferred vendors, are a phone call away.
Kerry Harding is a Realtor with Niche Homes, specializing in Military Relocation and the Avenues neighborhood.
