11 Things to Know Before Your Next Renovation
Here’s what the 2026 U.S. Houzz & Home Study reveals about remodeling trends, spending and more
Whether you’re deep in the planning phase or just starting to think about a renovation, knowing what other homeowners are doing — and spending — can help you set expectations and make smarter decisions. Here are highlights from the recently released 2026 U.S. Houzz & Home Study, including the most popular rooms to tackle, what homeowners are spending and what’s landing in outdoor spaces.
2. Homeowners Take On a Mix of Project Types
Interior rooms — including kitchens, bathrooms and dining rooms — were the most commonly renovated in 2025, with 67% of respondents taking them on, followed by home system upgrades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC and the like) at 62%. More than half (57%) took on home exterior projects such as windows and roofing, and 54% tackled outdoor improvements, including decks, lawns and irrigation systems.
When it comes to volume, homeowners averaged 2.7 interior room remodels and 2.8 system upgrades in 2025, compared with 2.4 exterior and 1.8 outdoor projects during the same year. Additions — projects that expand a home’s footprint — were the least common at 9% of homeowners, though those who pursued them averaged 3.0 per household.
8 Home Remodeling Trends to Watch in 2026
Interior rooms — including kitchens, bathrooms and dining rooms — were the most commonly renovated in 2025, with 67% of respondents taking them on, followed by home system upgrades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC and the like) at 62%. More than half (57%) took on home exterior projects such as windows and roofing, and 54% tackled outdoor improvements, including decks, lawns and irrigation systems.
When it comes to volume, homeowners averaged 2.7 interior room remodels and 2.8 system upgrades in 2025, compared with 2.4 exterior and 1.8 outdoor projects during the same year. Additions — projects that expand a home’s footprint — were the least common at 9% of homeowners, though those who pursued them averaged 3.0 per household.
8 Home Remodeling Trends to Watch in 2026
3. Kitchens and Bathrooms Draw the Most Renovators and the Biggest Budgets
Interior renovation activity in 2025 centered on a handful of core spaces, led by kitchens and bathrooms. Kitchens were the most commonly renovated (26%), followed closely by guest bathrooms (25%) and primary bathrooms (23%).
Budgets varied widely among these spaces. Kitchens commanded the highest median spend at $24,000, up from $22,000 in 2024, while primary bathrooms rose to $15,000 from $13,000. Guest bathrooms also saw an increase, with median spend climbing to $7,000 from $6,000 year over year.
Among other interior spaces spending was mixed. Median spend rose for living rooms ($5,000, up from $4,000 in 2024), laundry rooms ($3,000, up from $2,500), dining rooms ($2,500, up from $2,100) and home offices ($2,000, up from $1,300). Median spend for primary bedrooms fell to $1,700 (from $2,100) and closets dipped to $1,000 (from $1,250).
Interior renovation activity in 2025 centered on a handful of core spaces, led by kitchens and bathrooms. Kitchens were the most commonly renovated (26%), followed closely by guest bathrooms (25%) and primary bathrooms (23%).
Budgets varied widely among these spaces. Kitchens commanded the highest median spend at $24,000, up from $22,000 in 2024, while primary bathrooms rose to $15,000 from $13,000. Guest bathrooms also saw an increase, with median spend climbing to $7,000 from $6,000 year over year.
Among other interior spaces spending was mixed. Median spend rose for living rooms ($5,000, up from $4,000 in 2024), laundry rooms ($3,000, up from $2,500), dining rooms ($2,500, up from $2,100) and home offices ($2,000, up from $1,300). Median spend for primary bedrooms fell to $1,700 (from $2,100) and closets dipped to $1,000 (from $1,250).
4. Kitchen Spending Is Largely Unchanged, With One Exception
For all kitchen renovations, median spend rose modestly from $22,000 in 2024 to $24,000 in 2025, while high-end spending held at $100,000. Some projects extended to $400,000 or more.
For all kitchen renovations, median spend rose modestly from $22,000 in 2024 to $24,000 in 2025, while high-end spending held at $100,000. Some projects extended to $400,000 or more.
For major kitchen remodels — defined as projects where at least all cabinets and appliances are replaced — median spend was unchanged year over year for both size categories: $55,000 for large kitchens and $35,000 for smaller ones.
The one shift: Top-end spending on major remodels of smaller kitchens (under 200 square feet) edged up, with the 90th percentile spend rising from $90,000 in 2024 to $93,000 in 2025. For large kitchens (200 square feet or more), that figure held steady at $150,000.
Where Designers Would Spend and Save in a Kitchen
The one shift: Top-end spending on major remodels of smaller kitchens (under 200 square feet) edged up, with the 90th percentile spend rising from $90,000 in 2024 to $93,000 in 2025. For large kitchens (200 square feet or more), that figure held steady at $150,000.
Where Designers Would Spend and Save in a Kitchen
5. Primary Bathroom Budgets Are on the Rise
Spending on primary bathroom remodels increased across both typical and higher-end projects in 2025. Median spend rose from $13,000 to $15,000, while 90th percentile spend climbed from $47,000 to $50,000.
Spending on primary bathroom remodels increased across both typical and higher-end projects in 2025. Median spend rose from $13,000 to $15,000, while 90th percentile spend climbed from $47,000 to $50,000.
For major primary bathroom remodels — defined as projects where at least the cabinetry or vanity, countertops and toilet are replaced — median spend varied by bathroom size. Large primary bathrooms (100 square feet or more) saw median spend rise from $25,000 to $30,000 year over year, with high-end spending climbing from $70,000 to $75,000. For smaller primary bathrooms (under 100 square feet), median spend edged up from $17,000 to $18,000, while 90th percentile spend dipped slightly from $45,000 to $44,000.
10 Ways to Control the Cost of Your Bathroom Remodel
10 Ways to Control the Cost of Your Bathroom Remodel
6. System Upgrades See Little Change in Activity or Spending
Home system upgrade activity was largely unchanged in 2025. Plumbing (27%) and electrical (25%) upgrades led as the most common projects, followed by heating (22%) and automation and cooling systems (21% each). Security systems (20%), water heaters (18%) and ventilation systems (11%) saw similar activity levels year over year.
Spending was mostly stable as well, though some categories shifted. Median spend for plumbing and electrical remained unchanged, while heating system upgrades saw an increase. Heating and cooling continue to rank among the highest-cost system upgrades, with a median spend of $6,000 each. Ventilation ($600), water treatment ($1,500) and entertainment systems ($1,500) also saw spending increases. Automation and security systems remained the lowest-cost upgrades at $500 each.
10 Biggest Remodeling Regrets and How to Avoid Them
Home system upgrade activity was largely unchanged in 2025. Plumbing (27%) and electrical (25%) upgrades led as the most common projects, followed by heating (22%) and automation and cooling systems (21% each). Security systems (20%), water heaters (18%) and ventilation systems (11%) saw similar activity levels year over year.
Spending was mostly stable as well, though some categories shifted. Median spend for plumbing and electrical remained unchanged, while heating system upgrades saw an increase. Heating and cooling continue to rank among the highest-cost system upgrades, with a median spend of $6,000 each. Ventilation ($600), water treatment ($1,500) and entertainment systems ($1,500) also saw spending increases. Automation and security systems remained the lowest-cost upgrades at $500 each.
10 Biggest Remodeling Regrets and How to Avoid Them
7. Exterior Activity Is Flat but Spending Is Up Across the Board
Exterior renovation activity was largely unchanged in 2025, with similar shares of homeowners undertaking projects across categories compared with the previous year. Roofing remained the most common project (22%), followed by windows and skylights (20%) and exterior painting and gutter upgrades (19% each). Exterior doors (17%), decks and insulation (13% each) and porch or balcony upgrades (11%) also held steady year over year.
Spending told a different story. Median spend for roofing ($13,000) and windows ($7,000) held firm but costs rose across several other categories: exterior painting ($2,500, up 25%), gutters and downspouts ($2,000, up 18%), exterior doors ($3,000, up 50%), decks ($5,000, up 25%), insulation ($2,000, up 51%) and porch or balcony upgrades ($2,500, up 9%). Chimney, siding and structural upgrades were consistent with 2024 levels.
Where to Save Money on a Landscape Renovation
Exterior renovation activity was largely unchanged in 2025, with similar shares of homeowners undertaking projects across categories compared with the previous year. Roofing remained the most common project (22%), followed by windows and skylights (20%) and exterior painting and gutter upgrades (19% each). Exterior doors (17%), decks and insulation (13% each) and porch or balcony upgrades (11%) also held steady year over year.
Spending told a different story. Median spend for roofing ($13,000) and windows ($7,000) held firm but costs rose across several other categories: exterior painting ($2,500, up 25%), gutters and downspouts ($2,000, up 18%), exterior doors ($3,000, up 50%), decks ($5,000, up 25%), insulation ($2,000, up 51%) and porch or balcony upgrades ($2,500, up 9%). Chimney, siding and structural upgrades were consistent with 2024 levels.
Where to Save Money on a Landscape Renovation
8. Outdoor Upgrades Focus on Comfort and Function
Outdoor upgrade activity remained largely stable year over year, spanning a mix of structures and systems. Among structures, decks were the most commonly upgraded (13%), followed by sheds or workshops and porches or verandas (9% each). A smaller share of renovating homeowners upgraded other features, such as hot tubs (4%), built-in kitchens (3%), greenhouses (2%) and cabanas or pool houses (1%).
Outdoor systems saw steady interest as well, led by lighting (21%), security systems (18%) and irrigation (15%). Smaller shares upgraded audio or visual media systems (4%) and rainwater harvesting systems (4%).
15 Ways to Light Your Home’s Front Entrance for a Warm Welcome
Outdoor upgrade activity remained largely stable year over year, spanning a mix of structures and systems. Among structures, decks were the most commonly upgraded (13%), followed by sheds or workshops and porches or verandas (9% each). A smaller share of renovating homeowners upgraded other features, such as hot tubs (4%), built-in kitchens (3%), greenhouses (2%) and cabanas or pool houses (1%).
Outdoor systems saw steady interest as well, led by lighting (21%), security systems (18%) and irrigation (15%). Smaller shares upgraded audio or visual media systems (4%) and rainwater harvesting systems (4%).
15 Ways to Light Your Home’s Front Entrance for a Warm Welcome
9. Most Product Categories Hold Steady, but Some Decline
Paint remains the most commonly purchased home improvement product at 62%, followed by lighting fixtures (48%), faucets and shower heads (46%), lawn and garden supplies (44%) and building materials (41%). Several categories saw notable declines year over year, including major kitchen appliances (29%, down 4 percentage points), noncarpet flooring (34%, down 4 points), interior and exterior doors (24%, down 3 points) and lighting fixtures (down 3 points).
Other commonly purchased categories include hardware (35%), sinks (30%), countertops and wall tile (28% each) and toilets (27%). HVAC systems accounted for 23% of purchases. At the lower end, carpeting (11%), bathtubs (10%), fireplaces and siding (7% each) and solar panels or systems (3%) rounded out the list.
Find an interior designer on Houzz
Paint remains the most commonly purchased home improvement product at 62%, followed by lighting fixtures (48%), faucets and shower heads (46%), lawn and garden supplies (44%) and building materials (41%). Several categories saw notable declines year over year, including major kitchen appliances (29%, down 4 percentage points), noncarpet flooring (34%, down 4 points), interior and exterior doors (24%, down 3 points) and lighting fixtures (down 3 points).
Other commonly purchased categories include hardware (35%), sinks (30%), countertops and wall tile (28% each) and toilets (27%). HVAC systems accounted for 23% of purchases. At the lower end, carpeting (11%), bathtubs (10%), fireplaces and siding (7% each) and solar panels or systems (3%) rounded out the list.
Find an interior designer on Houzz
10. Rugs and Pillows Still Lead, With Artwork Close Behind
Interior decor purchasing remained consistent overall in 2025. Rugs (48%) and pillows and throws (47%) continued to top the list, with artwork close behind at 42% — up 1 percentage point from 2024, when it tied with large furniture for third place. Large and small furniture now stand at 39% each, notably below their 2022 peaks of 50% and 53%, respectively.
Lamps (35%), window treatments (33%) and storage or organizational products (33%) also ranked among the more popular purchases. Mirrors edged up 1 percentage point year over year to 28%, while holiday decor dipped 1 point to 26%.
Interior decor purchasing remained consistent overall in 2025. Rugs (48%) and pillows and throws (47%) continued to top the list, with artwork close behind at 42% — up 1 percentage point from 2024, when it tied with large furniture for third place. Large and small furniture now stand at 39% each, notably below their 2022 peaks of 50% and 53%, respectively.
Lamps (35%), window treatments (33%) and storage or organizational products (33%) also ranked among the more popular purchases. Mirrors edged up 1 percentage point year over year to 28%, while holiday decor dipped 1 point to 26%.
11. Lighting Tops Outdoor Decor Purchases, Followed by Furniture
Lighting was the most common outdoor decor purchase in 2025 at 28%, followed by large furniture (21%) and small furniture (18%). Pillows and throws (14%), rugs (14%) and fire features (12%) also made the list, with artwork (8%) and water features (7%) rounding out the category.
See more results and download the full study
More on Houzz
Read more stories
Browse photos for ideas
Find home professionals
Lighting was the most common outdoor decor purchase in 2025 at 28%, followed by large furniture (21%) and small furniture (18%). Pillows and throws (14%), rugs (14%) and fire features (12%) also made the list, with artwork (8%) and water features (7%) rounding out the category.
See more results and download the full study
More on Houzz
Read more stories
Browse photos for ideas
Find home professionals
Sponsored
Fairfax County's Specialized, Comprehensive Renovations Firm
Sponsored
Virginia's Top Rated Kitchen & Bath Renovation Firm I Best of Houzz
From the first spark of an idea to the final nail, renovations unfold over several months — and the planning phase typically takes longer than the construction itself. Kitchen projects top the list with an average of 9.5 months of planning and 5.8 months of construction. Primary bathrooms follow with 8.4 months of planning and 4.8 months of work, while dining rooms average 7.6 months of planning and 4.8 months of construction.
Smaller projects tell the same story. Closets average 6.6 months of planning and 4.3 months of construction; home offices average 6.1 months of planning and 3.4 months of construction.
See why you should hire a professional who uses Houzz Pro software