Remodeling Impact Report: Projects That Bring Joy & ROI
Brooke Davis June 19, 2025
Brooke Davis June 19, 2025
Is your home ready for a refresh? Whether it’s for their own enjoyment or to prep their houses for sale, Americans are investing more and more money into remodeling each year. According to a recent report by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), the demand for top-condition homes is going up among buyers as well. So which projects will get you the most bang for your buck? Or, perhaps more importantly, which projects will bring you the most joy? Here’s what the Remodeling Impact Report revealed…
It’s easy to think about improvements in terms of monetary value…but what about the value of enjoyment and enhanced livability? As part of their report, NAR calculated a “Joy Score” for common remodeling projects based on the happiness homeowners reported with their renovations. Three projects stood out with perfect joy scores: adding a primary bedroom suite, upgrading the kitchen, and replacing roofing. Here are the projects with the highest joy scores:
As a bonus to bringing you joy, many projects will also pay you back for at least a portion of their cost when it’s time to sell your home. Projects that increase your home’s curb appeal tend to bring you the highest return on investment (ROI), although closet renovation snuck in as a surprise gem:
In virtually any real estate market, a home that feels fresh, clean, modern, and move-in ready will always sell faster and for more money than its dated counterpart. This isn’t always tangible in the ROI studies but, as agents, we see it every day. The good news is that the updates you make to sell are often more cosmetic and less expensive than the upgrades you might make if you were planning to stay in the home forever (pssst…check out this article on remodeling projects you should avoid if you’re selling your home).
The two charts below show both the projects REALTORS® most often recommend sellers do before selling, and five projects we’ve seen increased demand for from buyers:
It’s critical to understand that every home, neighborhood, and situation is different. Your home’s unique characteristics and your personal goals as a homeowner will have more impact on which remodeling projects are best for you than any of these general trends. If you’re remodeling to sell, reach out for advice; I’m happy to help you choose the right projects—and avoid the wrong ones—to help you accomplish your objectives.
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Her passion is helping clients achieve their homeownership goals, from a home seller looking to upgrade or relocate to a first-time buyer and a seasoned investor looking to build their financial portfolio. Brooke will guide and advocate for you through the entire process from beginning to end. Contact her today!
